One more GCH entrance question

[BriannaRuth]

So I've read in a number of posts how it's generally a better idea to use the regular entrance into DCA first thing in the AM rather than trying to use the GCH entrance. But my question is, what if you're one of the first in line at the GCH entrance? Any chance that makes it any quicker than regular entrance? This would be for EMH, if that makes a difference.

I'm also a little unclear as to the different spots where you actually enter the park. If you use the GCH entrance, does it give you any advantage over the regular entrance (or vice versa) for EMH because of where you're actually entering the park at opening?

Thanks!

 

[Malcon10t]

Yes, if you can line up about 45 mins to an hour before EMH starts, you should be at the beginning of the line. Personally, for me, I prefer hitting the main gate about 2 mins AFTER the front gate opens as there is no line then. Why stand in line for 45 mins, when you can spend that extra time sleeping.... The front gate is closer for RSR, the GCH gate is about 1 mins closer to TSMM.

 

[KalamityJane]

The front gate is much easier and closer to get to RSR. We were at DL right after RSR came out (Oct 2012) and did EMH at the front gate and went to RSR FP while DH and DD rode RSR. We casually strolled to TSMM right after that and were able to practically walk on to TSMM. I'd go for main gate if you want RSR.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Well, in the past we've always tried to ride RSR first, so we wanted to be one of the first in line or we were dead in the water. But this year I'm thinking we may ride TSMM first, so maybe you're right. I guess I'm just having trouble adjusting to thinking that I don't have to be first in line at the gate to maximize EMH, either for DL or DCA.

If we arrive at the gate a couple minutes after EMH starts, we'll still be good for TSMM with little to no line?

 

[KalamityJane]

I'm not sure how it is now, but if you are doing EMH period, you should be fine to ride TSMM at least 2-3 times before it opens to the rest of the park. I've heard it is more crowded now than it was though, but I've also heard that TSMM is nothing like the madhouse it is at WDW.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm not sure how it is now, but if you are doing EMH period, you should be fine to ride TSMM at least 2-3 times before it opens to the rest of the park. I've heard it is more crowded now than it was though, but I've also heard that TSMM is nothing like the madhouse it is at WDW.

That's assuming it's up & running. Both of our EMH in June, the ride was closed during EMH - one morning until 7:30 and the other until after 8am.

We have always gotten to the gates about 30 mins early, but now I'm interested in trying Malcon10t's method. Without the need to rush to the RSR FP line, and instead going to straight to TSMM, I can see how this way makes total sense. We still did the 30 mins early in June (going to straight to TSMM) and just had Starbucks in line while we waited, but more sleep sounds wonderful. Am I correct, that this doesn't work as well at DL where PP is still a main draw - and assuming we want to go on it?

 

[BriannaRuth]

I'm willing to try it at DCA, but I don't think I'd risk it at DL trying for PP. Never done it later at DL, though, so I can't say for sure. I'm ALWAYS first at the gate there.

 

[sgrap]

We used in in early May--we were probably 20 families back, but they started moving people through security very early and had us at a rope by GRR. We were going to go to TSMM first. I think if you aren't going to RSR first and get there at least 30 minutes early, it is OK. If you are trying to do the RSR rope drop craziness, I'd probably still do main gate. We did that twice in 2013 and were one of the first couple families at the rope drop on the right. However, people were so awful about shoving and being nasty that I just didn't want to do it again. Personally, I think doing TSMM/Screamin' first and then getting FP's for RSR is a much more sane way to go. You can do that from the GCH gate into DCA fairly easily, from our experience at least.