Morning EMHs - how much does it affect AK crowds?

[Disneymom1102]

Hello everyone!
I've read in a ton of places that EMHs generally increase crowds at that park for the day. That being said, I've seen in one or two places that this is not true of AK and AK is either barely affected by morning EMHs or may even see lower crowds. Anyone have experience with this that can advise?
TIA!

 

[NJ Goofy]

After May 27th (Pandora Opening) I don't think any of the old experiences will matter. In my opinion, AK is going to be much more crowded than it ever was in the past, and that includes EMH's.

 

[Irish_Mike]

After May 27th (Pandora Opening) I don't think any of the old experiences will matter. In my opinion, AK is going to be much more crowded than it ever was in the past, and that includes EMH's.

Agreed. However, just in case the OP will be going before Pandora opens...

When I worked at DAK in 2015, EMH days tended to see a slight bump in crowds during the morning before evening out after noon. Of course, most of that bump was concentrated in Africa and Asia - I never noticed a sizeable difference on Discovery Island or in Dinoland.

 

[Disneymom1102]

Agreed. However, just in case the OP will be going before Pandora opens...

When I worked at DAK in 2015, EMH days tended to see a slight bump in crowds during the morning before evening out after noon. Of course, most of that bump was concentrated in Africa and Asia - I never noticed a sizeable difference on Discovery Island or in Dinoland.

Thanks! I am actually going next week so this is before Pandora opens (which I know will turn everything upside down). Basically my two options are to go to HS on a Friday (with no chance to make FP+ because I can't upgrade my ticket until I am there in person) and then AK on a Monday that has EMH (where I will have an opportunity to book fastpasses after I upgrade Friday morning) or the reverse order of AK on Friday (no EMH) and HS on Monday (no EMH). Since we aren't doing any of the big draw rides at HS (only pretty much the shows which I figure we can book FP same day), I thought it would probably be more important to have the opportunity to make fastpasses for AK a few days in advance so that we can make one for the safari ride. It's the ONE ride we MUST do at AK and my daughter probably doesn't have the patience to wait for an hour or two for this ride.
So, long story short(ish) I'm thinking AK on Monday, despite EMH, may be better because of opportunity for FP. Please let me know if you think the extra crowds at AK are enough to warrant switching my plan.
Thank you!

 

[Irish_Mike]

So, long story short(ish) I'm thinking AK on Monday, despite EMH, may be better because of opportunity for FP. Please let me know if you think the extra crowds at AK are enough to warrant switching my plan.
Thank you!

I would stick with your plan of HS on Friday and DAK on Monday, especially if you aren't planning to hit Toy Story/Tower of Terror/RNRR at Studios.

However, just wanted to make sure you're aware that Disney doesn't offer FP reservations during EMH - all rides will simply be standby until the park officially opens at 9. The safari will get a decent wait during that hour, but never as bad as later in the day - so you should be able to easily get on then in addition to a FP reservation if you wish.

If not, the hour gives you time to check out some of the other attractions that will see some crowds later in the day, or simply walking the animal trails.

 

[Disneymom1102]

I would stick with your plan of HS on Friday and DAK on Monday, with the ability to book FP. However, just wanted to make sure you're aware that Disney doesn't offer FP during EMH - all rides will simply be standby until the park officially opens. The safari will get a decent wait during that time, but never as bad as peak times - so you should be able to easily get on then in addition to a FP reservation if you wish. If not, the hour gives you time to check out some of the other attractions that will see some crowds later in the day.

Thanks! I actually won't have access to EMH. I will be arriving around 10 on Monday to AK. I was just concerned with going to AK on Friday with no FP and then not being able to get on the safari. I'm hoping that I'll be able to book a FP for the safari on Monday when my ticket is upgraded on Friday. I know that if I wait til I arrive at the park to try to get a FP at a kiosk, there will likely be none left for that day.
Thanks again!