Lower crowd park vs EMH

[GatorMama]

We have always stayed offsite before so we did RD at the most recommended park in the past. Since we will be onsite for the whole trip this time, should I do RDR at the park with morning EMH instead? We will have park hoppers and WILL likely hop most days. Thinking RD at the EMH park, afternoon break, then head to the most recommended park for the evening? Hours and EMH aren't released yet but I'm just trying to get a head start on which ADRs for which days. We will also take one night off from after dark fun to rest up as all four park days will be back to back.

 

[FLchick415]

That's usually what I do. Hit the EMH park in the morning, have my FPs ready to go for the recommended park in the afternoon/evening.

 

[poohfriend77]

We have always found morning EMH to be a huge advantage, as long as you will actually be at the park before EMH starts.

We've never had PHs before, but I'm considering using your strategy on a couple days for our trip this June.

 

[Mersmom98]

I was thinking of doing this exact thing when we go in August. We normally skip EMH parks but I'm thinking it may be more helpful to get more attractions in before the midday heat and crowds. Then go relax at the resort for a few hours before heading out again for the evening. We too are staying at the Poly for the first time! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[tzolkin]

If you have park hoppers-- absolutely!

That has been our way of doing it for years and it has always worked out well. We are usually able to hit all of our "must do" attractions and be heading out of the park just as the big crowds are pouring in (11ish).

It's fast paced, but then we are able to relax and enjoy at a slower pace with no pressure. We get more done in the first two hours or so than we do the rest of the day.


We shower and get prepared the night before so we can let the kids sleep as long as possible. In the morning it's just 5 minutes and we can be out the door. We have food so they will eat on the way to the bus stop. They have always been grateful that we got them up for EMH because they are not willing to wait in the longer afternoon lines.

 

[Mikie]

With hoppers, I think it's an excellent idea to do EMH and then hop to most recommended later. If you won't take full advantage of the EMH or if your morning just doesn't get going, I'd skip the EMH park entirely and head directly to most recommended. My impression is EMH (morning or evening) are great if you are there the whole extra time - otherwise you put yourself in a somewhat more crowded park for no benefit.

 

[willowsnn3]

We always do the EMH hours in the morning. Grab something from our snack bag for breakfast then book the latest breakfast sitting (10:30ish) for a character meal or a QS lunch. By that time we are ready to sit and relax then usually head back to the resort so the kids can swim and rest before heading back to a park later in the evening.
The midday break is more important to us now as pool hours have changed from when we first started going and our kiddos love the pool almost as much as the parks, lol.