Magic Kingdom opening procedures/times?

[DumboDash2006]

If we're going to the MK on an EMH morning, when EMH starts at 8am, what time should we plan on arriving at the gates? What time will they let us into the park? When do they open up the ropes?

I read somewhere that Toontown opens later than the rest of the park at 10am. Is it still 10am on an EMH morning?

TIA!

 

[java]

Hmm let's see if I remember. When they do EMH at 8 the earlier the better. But I have gotten there at 8 and done just fine. One time got there before 8 and saw the "welcome to Disney" train. Then they opened up the gates to head on in. Toontown did open later but I don't remember how later- I thought it was at 9? But maybe it was 10. Remember they have the bag check before you get in, that you will have to go through and that takes about 5-10 minutes in the morning depending on the crowd. Now I have heard about a trick to take the train in and you end up in the back of toontown at opening and you will see several characters coming out.
I guess IDEALLY you should be there 30 minutes early like 7:30. But we have never done that(and we go during THE busy time) and we have been fine. MGM for some reason seems to randomly open earlier than the scheduled time. And AK will let you through the gate earlier but not much further than that.

 

[Robo]

I guess IDEALLY you should be there 30 minutes early like 7:30.

And the "30 minutes early" arrival is a good recommendation every single day at every park (EMH or regular).
With the extra lead-time, you can't go wrong, if you "miss a bus" or encounter other delays that would put you past opening time.

And the TOONTOWN open would still be at 10am even with EMH.
The only thing that affects THAT is if they change the "regular" park open time.

 

[think tink]

they will hold everyone in the courtyard area right when you go through the turnstiles. then a few minutes before 8:00 an announcement comes on welcoming everyone and counting down to the rope drop..... 5 4 3 2 1 RUN !!!! just kidding they don't say run, but everyone pretty much does