Parks opens at 9 am what time....

[funhouse8]

So if we are staying offsite and the parks open at 9, what time should we arrive at the park. What time do they start to let offsite guests in? Do you suggest we head over to WWOHP right away and if so where should we go first. Thanks Any advice welcome

 

[xerotheory7803]

I'm actually going to be down there the same time (and from NY too!). My plan is to get to the park not right when it opens, but still early in the day. Head to US first, do everything there, and then head over to IOA. That should help avoid alot of the early crowds in WWOHP. But I STRONGLY suggest getting the Express Passes. They will make the day go A LOT smoother.

 

[Metro West]

So if we are staying offsite and the parks open at 9, what time should we arrive at the park. What time do they start to let offsite guests in? Do you suggest we head over to WWOHP right away and if so where should we go first. Thanks Any advice welcome

If the gates open at 9am then you will be able to enter the park at 9am...if not a little earlier...it depends on the crowd waiting to enter. Whether or not you can get into WWoHP first thing will depend on the crowds who are also wanting to go. I don't know how long the resorts will offer early entry for WWoHP as they have. The onsite guests will get in early so that will impact the crowd for WWoHP...assuming they continue to allow early entry.

When are you going? I would not recommend purchasing the Express Plus pass prior to your arrival. EPs are date specific and non-refundable. If you're going during a slow period, you won't need to spend the money.

 

[ducky_love]

One week and one day from now is Jan 6th, right? The first two weeks of January are normally very slow. I would wait on express pass like Metro says. Normally HP is the busiest first thing in the morning. If you can stand to wait, head over your first day after 4pm and check out the crowds. If it is too busy then go first thing the next morning.

Remember for FJ that if the line is too long you can go through the single rider line then go back and walk the castle tour to see inside. You do miss a little but not too much.

For the "what time to arrive" question: personally, I like to be pulling onto property 1 hr before opening. That allows time for any lines to park, walking into the park (10min), stopping for photos, potty breaks, and still getting into the park before the "rope drops". You can certainly arrive later but I don't like to rush.

 

[cheshiregoofy222]

We'll be at POP Century - planning on going to US/IOA on Tuesday, January 11th for the whole day (only day planned there) - if we want to arrive an hour before the park opens (8:00 ish) - what time should we line up a taxi at POP to get us there do you think?? Thanks for your help!

OOps...didn't mean to hijack post...should have started a new one....many apologies!!!!

 

[ducky_love]

OOps...didn't mean to hijack post...should have started a new one....many apologies!!!!

Who knows, OP may need a cab!

I would give yourself 30 minutes for the ride then add to that whatever time you will need to wait in the cab line. (again, it is closer to a 20 minute drive but I always build in extra time)

edit: you won't have to worry about parking so you could plan to get there at 8:15 or even a little later.

 

[funhouse8]

Thanks all. The plans sound great but not sure if we are going to be able to wait to get over to WWOHP. LOL We will be in the parks for three days (Fri, Sat & sun) so I thinking I have plenty of time to make up for the time lost. Right? Otherwise maybe we should start in US the first day to keep us away from visiting Harry. I have another question about the castle tour. Who do I ask to have one? Is place we have to wait? Thanks

 

[cheshiregoofy222]

Thanks a bazillion!

 

[ducky_love]

Thanks all. The plans sound great but not sure if we are going to be able to wait to get over to WWOHP. LOL We will be in the parks for three days (Fri, Sat & sun) so I thinking I have plenty of time to make up for the time lost. Right? Otherwise maybe we should start in US the first day to keep us away from visiting Harry. I have another question about the castle tour. Who do I ask to have one? Is place we have to wait? Thanks

There is nothing wrong with going straight for Harry! I didn't want to wait the first time I went either!! It shouldn't be that busy. You'll get to see everything in 3 days and if nothing else there is always express pass, right?

The castle tour is really just another line. It seems like it will be used for express pass someday - but right now they are using it for folks that just want to walk through the castle and take pics. Just ask out front and the TM will show you where.

 

[Lou Holtz]

You don't need to get there before nine in January. You would be fine even getting there at noon. There will obviously be more people there then, but not enough to keep you from doing what you want. Nothing at IOA besides Forbidden Journey and Suess Trolley will have any kind of line all day. Don't buy express passes.