New Security, Rope Drop and Xmas Week

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Hi all,
I'm starting a new thread because I am less interested in debating the merits of the new security system and just want to know how it's affecting lines to get into the parks, specifically MK. We only have one MK morning planned for our upcoming trip and we would like to see the opening show, which we've never seen before. Folks who have been there recently - how much time is the new security adding/how much more time should we set aside? We will have a rented City Mini stroller and 1 or 2 bags along with a small cooler for drinks in the undercarriage. I know the opening show is usually 15 minutes before RD, right?

TIA!

 

[Robo]

Christmas week?

Be at the MK gates at least 60 minutes before scheduled opening time.
(And, how you can figure how to TIME that on Christmas Week, is another story.)

Just remember: It's better to arrive far too early than to arrive one minute too late.

 

[Jennasis]

My sister and her fam will be there 12/26-12/31. Will let you know how they do!

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Christmas week?

Be at the MK gates at least 60 minutes before scheduled opening time.
(And, how you can figure how to TIME that on Christmas Week, is another story.)

Just remember: It's better to arrive far too early than to arrive one minute too late.

60 Minutes before EMH opening time during Xmas week? So 6AM? Yikes. Yeah, I might have to let the opening show wait until next trip.

 

[Robo]

60 Minutes before EMH opening time during Xmas week? So 6AM? Yikes. Yeah, I might have to let the opening show wait until next trip.

Well, that's only 45 min. before the MK Welcome ceremony begins.
You want to be ahead of the crowd that morning.
And, as I said, attempting to "hit" a precise arrival time at the MK gates during that super-busy week will be tough.

When it's important to see any particular event at WDW,
Earlier beats later every time.

If seeing something is of just passing interest, then you can always just not sweat the timing.
You might get lucky. Some do.

Have a great trip!

 

[lovndisney12]

While it has been five years since we were there over Christmas - we found the AM EMH rope drop to not be too terribly crowded. I believe we were at the bus stop an hour ahead - so not at the gates 60 minutes in advance. I'm not sure the busses run much earlier than this. We arrive Monday and will be using this strategy on our 7 AM EHM days.

Have a wonderful and safe trip!

 

[larryz]

My method of dealing with the Christmas crowds is to be there 3 weeks early or two weeks late.

 

[MolonLabe]

Hi all,
I'm starting a new thread because I am less interested in debating the merits of the new security system and just want to know how it's affecting lines to get into the parks, specifically MK. We only have one MK morning planned for our upcoming trip and we would like to see the opening show, which we've never seen before. Folks who have been there recently - how much time is the new security adding/how much more time should we set aside? We will have a rented City Mini stroller and 1 or 2 bags along with a small cooler for drinks in the undercarriage. I know the opening show is usually 15 minutes before RD, right?

TIA!

I was in MK yesterday and today. It's a fluid situation. Yesterday there was 1 metal detector. This AM they had placed 3 more for a total of 4.

I didn't see any slow down because of the detectors, it's a tiny percentage of ppl going through them. Neither yesterday or today was myself or any of our party routed through them.

Yesterday the park felt like a 4-5 crowd level. Today felt like a 9.

MK will be a 9.5-10 for the 6 days. Realize it takes forever to move that volume of people into the parks, bag searches or not.