Question for Len Testa - update on opening/parking?

[Musky]

A while back there was a thread on this board about cars being held back in the morning at the theme parks and not allowed to park until almost opening time. Len, you reported that Bob S. had contacted Disney for clarification on whether this practice was a fluke or what. I haven't seen an update on this question, and I'm wondering if I missed it or if you're still waiting for an answer from Disney. We leave on Sunday and I'd like to know whether I should be at the parks long before opening (we will be driving) or if I will be wasting my time. Anything new to report? And by the way, thanks for the time you spend on these boards. I think you and TUG are the greatest!

Becky

 

[Micca]

Good question! Bumping you back to the top

 

[lentesta]

Hi Musky,

Thanks for asking. I think I posted this elsewhere, but it seems to be a fairly popular topic. And thanks for the compliment. I love the DISBoards! You folks are the best. Wait until you see the review of this place in the '05 edition.

The answer we got from Disney is that the AK parking lot is supposed to open each day at 7:45 am. That's 7:45 am on Extra Magic Hour days, too, when the park opens at 8:00. To my mind, this is a new practice, as I've certainly been in the AK parking lot much (much!) earlier than 7:45 am. The folks I spoke to said it wasn't a new practice, however. I'll leave that question aside.

In contacting folks who'd been surprised at the AK parking lot, every instance was either someone who'd gone during EMH, or wasn't sure. That is, no one said Disney was waiting until 8:45 am to open the parking lot.

I think, therefore, that if you're staying on-site, Disney transportation might be the best option for the AK on EMH days. The risk is that you might get caught in a line of cars that ends up delaying your arrival inside the park until after 8 am.

Hope this helps. If anyone has any other information on this they'd like me to forward to Disney, let me know.

Thanks!

Len Testa

 

[Eeyore2003]

Last week I was surprised to be held at the TTC until 7:30 to catch the monorail to MK. I don't know what time buses and MK resort guest riding the monorail got there, but I know we were held at the gate to the monorail until that time. That's for EMH, we were still one of the first in line at the entrance though.

At EPCOT for EMH, our car was held at the gate until 7:30 also.

We went to AK at regular opening. I think our car was held there too, but when we got to the entrance there were pretty long lines already, so I assume those people came from "somewhere". Perhaps buses???

 

[seashoreCM]

I have observed the first monorail and ferry for day guests arriving at the MK turnstile area about 20 minutes before official opening. This must be part of the mechanism to inhibit day guests from trying to get into early entry.

This can cause extra large crowds waiting at the TTC, but also keeps the crowds at the turnstiles to a manageable level as resort buses arrive.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm