Park Gates in May

[KittyKat1978]

I have a trip planned to DL May 20-26 (21-25 in the parks).

I was wondering about park entry. Last year I went to WDW with a friend who has been to DL in May. When we were in WDW in Sept she wanted to be at the gates an hour before park opening thinking it's like DL. You do not need the be there that early in Sept, maybe 15 mins.

But now I am worried that I have to be at the gates at DL an hour early? What do you think? Can I go 15 mins before opening and still be okay?

I have an annual pass and am staying at Hojo so no MM for me.

 

[sonnyjane]

On non-MM days, they tend to open up Main St. 30 minutes before posted, so you can come in early and walk around, grab a coffee, etc. if you're really intent on being in the front for rope drop. It just depends what your goals are. If you want to be among the first on Peter Pan, 15 minutes early probably won't cut it since all the people that got there 45 min. early will be ahead of you, but if your goal is just to enjoy lighter morning crowds, then 15 min. early is ok.

 

[ArchOwl]

It really depends on your goals. If you want to be the first through security and the first at the gates, then an hour would probably do it.

If you are okay just being in the first wave of folks allowed in, then half an hour or so is fine. I don't have to be the first person on Peter Pan, just as long as I can be among the first few.

For people that are parking in Mickey or Toy Story, I do advise them to get to the parking lot about an hour before park opens. But that is because they need to park and ride the tram over. If you are walking, obviously you don't have that issue.

We use the half hour waiting in line to eat breakfast (someone goes to La Brea for everyone in line), use the restroom, and plan out our day. It is also fun to chat with others in line. Have fun!

 

[KittyKat1978]

No I don't need to be the first in line at PP

If I get there 15 min before opening, can I get into the park in within 15-30 mins? Or am I going to waste an hour of park time waiting to get in?

 

[MorganM]

I dont know if this would also help you but on Tue the 22nd we are going to do Minnie and Friends Breakfast and they do that during MM so we are going to get breakfast then just leave the resturant a little early to get a jump on some of the rides. This way we get to eat something and enjoy MM because we are AP holders and we dont get the MM. I think the price is 23.99 per person and the first reservation is at 8:10AM, just thought I would put that info out there.

 

[ArchOwl]

No I don't need to be the first in line at PP

If I get there 15 min before opening, can I get into the park in within 15-30 mins? Or am I going to waste an hour of park time waiting to get in?

If you get there 15 minutes before opening, you should be able to get in the parks within 10 minutes or so. You won't be first in line for anything, but you will be beating most folks to the park for sure!

Have fun! Our trip dates overlap, maybe I will see you in the parks!