MK/Fantasyland “Early Morning Magic” (EMM) FAQ & Discussion

[OhhBother]

We had a not-so-magical experience this morning with EMM. Drove to the TTC and headed toward the express monorail at 7:15. There were about 50-75 people there, and we were told the monorails were down. They held us there for a few minutes and then directed us toward buses. But then the people at buses said there was no bus and sent us back to the monorail. This back and forth happened three times - not exaggerating. By this time, it was an even bigger crowd of people.
Finally, they put us on a bus - at least as many as would fit. Half the people were left there while another bus was called. And then, even though this bus was filled to the brim, the bus driver made the entire Polynesian, GF, Contemporary loop - even though she had to tell people at each resort the bus was full. At one point, we got stopped by the Lillly Belle train - which was just surreal since the train isn’t even running now. But it was more delay on the trip from hades.

We finally got to the Magic Kingdom at 8:20. My DH and I went promptly to Guest Relations and requested a refund since the event was half over. Instead, the CM told us we could have two anytime FPs. I completely lost it at that point and told him I would be receiving a refund - that he needed to find someone who could do that. After five more minutes of waiting, we had our refund and two anytime FPs each.

We finally made our way into what was left of EMM. We got in two rides on SDMT and one each on PP and Pooh. By then, the park was open.

All in all, it was a terrible way to start the day. The complete lack of a contingency transportation plan when the monorails went down (and ferries weren’t running yet) was disappointing. And it was further compounded by the bus driver who insisted on making the resort loop even though our bus was packed and no one else was getting on. Even though we got a refund, I regret getting out of bed early for a morning that was nothing but a huge hassle.

 

[M SH]

We had a not-so-magical experience this morning with EMM. Drove to the TTC and headed toward the express monorail at 7:15. There were about 50-75 people there, and we were told the monorails were down. They held us there for a few minutes and then directed us toward buses. But then the people at buses said there was no bus and sent us back to the monorail. This back and forth happened three times - not exaggerating. By this time, it was an even bigger crowd of people.
Finally, they put us on a bus - at least as many as would fit. Half the people were left there while another bus was called. And then, even though this bus was filled to the brim, the bus driver made the entire Polynesian, GF, Contemporary loop - even though she had to tell people at each resort the bus was full. At one point, we got stopped by the Lillly Belle train - which was just surreal since the train isn’t even running now. But it was more delay on the trip from hades.

We finally got to the Magic Kingdom at 8:20. My DH and I went promptly to Guest Relations and requested a refund since the event was half over. Instead, the CM told us we could have two anytime FPs. I completely lost it at that point and told him I would be receiving a refund - that he needed to find someone who could do that. After five more minutes of waiting, we had our refund and two anytime FPs each.

We finally made our way into what was left of EMM. We got in two rides on SDMT and one each on PP and Pooh. By then, the park was open.

All in all, it was a terrible way to start the day. The complete lack of a contingency transportation plan when the monorails went down (and ferries weren’t running yet) was disappointing. And it was further compounded by the bus driver who insisted on making the resort loop even though our bus was packed and no one else was getting on. Even though we got a refund, I regret getting out of bed early for a morning that was nothing but a huge hassle.

I get that it was a hassle and a stressful morning, But technically you got to walk on 2 SDMT, PP, Pooh, breakfast, and 2 additional FPs, for free, with just waking up early and ride on a bus with a lot of people? Where can I sign up for that?
I would feel sorry for others who just didn’t go to guest relations and demanded a refund.. but for you it seems it started bad, but turned extremely magical from what you described ;-)

 

[GillianP1301]

We had a not-so-magical experience this morning with EMM. Drove to the TTC and headed toward the express monorail at 7:15. There were about 50-75 people there, and we were told the monorails were down. They held us there for a few minutes and then directed us toward buses. But then the people at buses said there was no bus and sent us back to the monorail. This back and forth happened three times - not exaggerating. By this time, it was an even bigger crowd of people.
Finally, they put us on a bus - at least as many as would fit. Half the people were left there while another bus was called. And then, even though this bus was filled to the brim, the bus driver made the entire Polynesian, GF, Contemporary loop - even though she had to tell people at each resort the bus was full. At one point, we got stopped by the Lillly Belle train - which was just surreal since the train isn’t even running now. But it was more delay on the trip from hades.

We finally got to the Magic Kingdom at 8:20. My DH and I went promptly to Guest Relations and requested a refund since the event was half over. Instead, the CM told us we could have two anytime FPs. I completely lost it at that point and told him I would be receiving a refund - that he needed to find someone who could do that. After five more minutes of waiting, we had our refund and two anytime FPs each.

We finally made our way into what was left of EMM. We got in two rides on SDMT and one each on PP and Pooh. By then, the park was open.

All in all, it was a terrible way to start the day. The complete lack of a contingency transportation plan when the monorails went down (and ferries weren’t running yet) was disappointing. And it was further compounded by the bus driver who insisted on making the resort loop even though our bus was packed and no one else was getting on. Even though we got a refund, I regret getting out of bed early for a morning that was nothing but a huge hassle.

This would have frustrated me greatly as well. It should be a pretty quick turnaround to get a couple of buses from TTC to MK to clear up the backlog caused by the monorail being down. I'm sorry that your EMM was a bust, but I'm happy at least that Disney did their best to compensate you for it.

 

[indoshakespeare]

This is why we need that bridge from GF to MK

 

[Rach3975]

I've been watching to see when fall EMM dates would be announced. It's interesting that all the After Hours events were released today but there's still no word on EMM. I'm assuming that Disney is leaving their options open to extend EEMH if they want to? What does everyone think about how late they can let the decision go? We'll be there 11/2 (flying in too late for EEMH) to 11/5 (leaving too early for the AH that night). That Sunday (11/3) was an EMM morning last year. I've got to laugh--normally we don't even consider the extra events since it adds up too fast for a family of 5. This trip when it's just me and DH and we were seriously considering one of the extra hours events, there's nothing available to book!

 

[SaintsManiac]

So they had EMM on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week last year. Part of me hopes they do it again and I would be willing to splurge this time due to the crowds and some missed opportunities last trip. Am I nuts for thinking they would do it this year?

I guess we could use EEMH if they extend it. I have a feeling this will go down to the wire when it comes to planning.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So they had EMM on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week last year. Part of me hopes they do it again and I would be willing to splurge this time due to the crowds and some missed opportunities last trip. Am I nuts for thinking they would do it this year?

I guess we could use EEMH if they extend it. I have a feeling this will go down to the wire when it comes to planning.

I might be a bit of a contrarian in my thinking on this particular thread and for those that want EMM that week. Last year was the first time in forever (not the literal forever, but a very long time) that they didn’t have daily 8am park openings at MK Thanksgiving week. I think for the sake of spreading crowds around I’d rather see them go back to longer park hours/regular early park openings that week, vs 9am park openings and being able to offer things like EMM.

But I know that’s not a helpful position for those that do want a EMM that week!

 

[SaintsManiac]

I might be a bit of a contrarian in my thinking on this particular thread and for those that want EMM that week. Last year was the first time in forever (not the literal forever, but a very long time) that they didn’t have daily 8am park openings at MK Thanksgiving week. I think for the sake of spreading crowds around I’d rather see them go back to longer park hours/regular early park openings that week, vs 9am park openings and being able to offer things like EMM.

But I know that’s not a helpful position for those that do want a EMM that week!

EEMH is obviously a better choice financially. I just wish the entire park was open during it.

 

[Rach3975]

I think for the sake of spreading crowds around I’d rather see them go back to longer park hours/regular early park openings that week, vs 9am park openings and being able to offer things like EMM.

But I know that’s not a helpful position for those that do want a EMM that week!

I'm with you, and not just for Thanksgiving week! We'll consider EMM if it's announced for our dates, but I'd be thrilled to have EMH or longer general park hours instead.

 

[hdrolfe]

We were there this morning and made it worth it. We did Peter Pan then the Carousel. Then we started 7DMT, first time through the full line, then twice through the full FP line, then they opened a shortcut and we rode for a total of 12 times. It was awesome. We got on teacups just as rope droppers were being les over or we could have done 13. Then we went for breakfast, kiddo didn't eat much but I thought it wasnt bad. Got 2 bottle of water, small ones. Should have grabbed 4. We finished breakfast at 9:30 or so and there were so many people lining up to get food I didn't want to wait for more water.

I hope they offer this again because it was a lot of fun.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

We were there on August 25. It was totally worth it for us. When they let us in, we stopped for some pics by the pumpkins since we have never been during Halloween season. W headed to Peter Pan with no wait. We did Mermaid, Pooh and Tea Cups with no wait. We then rode SDMT 3 times in a row with no wait. Everything we hit was a walk on. We back tracked to the Carousel and then headed to breakfast. The breakfast was pretty good and there were plenty of options. I would definitely do it again. It was a great way to get Fantasyland done.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Well, thanks for those who checked in from the last few August dates.

No MK EMM for awhile now - at least until after 11/2.

To be continued... someday I guess!

 

[Mich1218]

We were there on the 20th...I was nervous about driving (we also had a car), so we were at the CSR bus stop by 6:30. Came around 6:45, no wait for bag check and a very short line to get our wristbands. We did stop for a Main Street picture because my husband really wanted to, and SDMT was still a walk on. We did that, then I ran to grab some pastries as my daughter was crying that she was hungry. My family rode WtP in that time, then we did SDMT again. From there we did PP, Tea Cups, PP again. I rode IASW with my younger daughter around 8:40 and we got off around 8:56. My husband and older daughter had edged closer to Tomorrowland to ride Space. We walked purposefully to SDMT and got there just as they were letting in everyone else. We rode one more time. My husband and older daughter had no trouble getting to Space and were one of the first ones on. We made it breakfast around 9:20, the lines near the buffet were busy, but to the left of them there was no one, so we went there. We were really happy with what we were able to do and hope they offer it again!

 

[Alison S]

Just something I noticed today- when I go to the TSL EMM website, above the calendar it says "
There are no event dates available or on sale at this time." There is no message on the Fantasyland EMM site.

 

[Alison S]

Surprised that no one has mentioned yet that there are lots of blue dates on Disney's website (not bookable yet)!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Surprised that no one has mentioned yet that there are lots of blue dates on Disney's website (not bookable yet)!

Well there you go. Pretty random assortment of dates!

Thank you for posting!!!!

 

[csmom]

Surprised that no one has mentioned yet that there are lots of blue dates on Disney's website (not bookable yet)!

Wow, thanks for mentioning this. I've been checking every day, but because the page still says "There are no event dates available or on sale at this time. ", I haven't even been clicking on the calendar, so didn't see these "blue" dates.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Oh that’s good news. I hope this means 8am opens Thanksgiving week!!!

 

[Alison S]

Well there you go. Pretty random assortment of dates!

Thank you for posting!!!!

I was relying on you to post first, lol!

Note that the website states:

The Fun
Greet the day the early-morning-fun way with these 7 iconic Fantasyland attractions:

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Princess Fairytale Hall
• “it’s a small world”
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

It's missing Peter Pan, and there are 6 (not 7) listed. Not sure which part is a typo.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I was relying on you to post first, lol!

Lol, I had given up watching. Figured someone else would!