moonlight magic DHS-is there still early entrance? strategies?

[ldo]

My (May) confirmation for 9/1 Moonlight Magic DHS says: If you wish to enter Disney's Hollywood Studios before the event, valid Park admission is required (as compared to a 2023 MM confirm saying check in up to 2 hours in advance).
In the past, we could enter 2 hours early? Has this changed? Can anyone report on the 2025 DHS or EP MM?
And any strategies for rides either before or during MM? Esp. are there any single rider lines? We are more rides, esp. roller coaster/big ticket rides than getting snacks and characters. Thanks!

 

[zavandor]

If it goes like in he past, after the park guests still in the lines are cleared, ToT and RnRC will be walk on. And they usually allow to skip the preshow. You could cycle them all night!
Slinky will have an appreciable wait all night. But by the end of the night even RotR may be walk on (I rode it 4 times in the last hour, giving how long it takes to complete it's not too bad).
This was like it went last time I attended, but I don't think it'll be much different this time, as people tend to favour things exclusive to the event, especially rare characters.
Enjoy, unfortunately I didn't manage to get tickets. If you have 3 extra ones, by some miracle, I'd love to join

 

[Good Ol Gal]

My (May) confirmation for 9/1 Moonlight Magic DHS says: If you wish to enter Disney's Hollywood Studios before the event, valid Park admission is required (as compared to a 2023 MM confirm saying check in up to 2 hours in advance).
In the past, we could enter 2 hours early? Has this changed? Can anyone report on the 2025 DHS or EP MM?
And any strategies for rides either before or during MM? Esp. are there any single rider lines? We are more rides, esp. roller coaster/big ticket rides than getting snacks and characters. Thanks!

There is typically a 'mix-in' time where you do not need valid admission.

Until we receive this year's official email, we won't know for sure. Here is the information from last year's DHS MM.

You can check in a bit early. While the event begins at 9:30 p.m., you may check in as early as 7 p.m. and as late as 11:30 p.m. at the Main Entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios (look for event signage.) Entry prior to the 7 p.m. mix-in time requires a separate paid theme park admission and park reservation.

Here is the information for July's Epcot MM.

Checking in. While the event officially begins at 10 p.m., you may check in as early as 7 p.m. at the Main Entrance of EPCOT or International Gateway. If you’re enjoying the parks before our after-hours party begins (so, prior to 7 p.m.), this requires a separate paid theme park admission and park reservation