Regular RD vs EMH

[tzolkin]

Would you recommend RD at regular park opening or on an EMH morning?

I have always assumed that people are less likely to get up the extra hour early, so that's the better bet. But if many on-site guests just automatically attend the park with EMH, then would it wind up being way more crowded?

I feel ridiculous even asking because we have done many trips and always enjoyed the EMHs, but I'm starting to stress myself out about our upcoming November trip after reading here that the resorts are completely booked and there are no FPs available. (My FP window opens Sunday, so trying to have a plan--maybe with a few alternate options-- before then.)

 

[BrianL]

Morning EMH for sure! There are just fewer people being let in and it helps. Regular RD is good too, but the EMH day has a lot of advantages, at least during that hour. I think evening EMH has more affect on the overall crowd levels at a pars as the day goes on.

 

[tzolkin]

Morning EMH for sure! There are just fewer people being let in and it helps. Regular RD is good too, but the EMH day has a lot of advantages, at least during that hour. I think evening EMH has more affect on the overall crowd levels at a pars as the day goes on.

We have always done morning EMH and then left around 11am. But all of our trips have been much longer (2 weeks) and at lower crowd times, so I wasn't sure if I needed to plan differently this time.

There is only one evening EMH during our trip and I'm sure it's going to be nuts, but we will attend anyway. MK on a Saturday where 3 out of 4 days close early for MVMCP.

 

[Cinderella94]

Most people don't get up for the early EMH. Unless you want to do Flight of Passage in Pandora. Then you need to be early to the EMH. But we are rope drop people and morning EMH people. It works great for us.

ETA: and the last few years, we've gone over 4th of July, so a very crowded time.

 

[Eeyore91]

I have my first trip coming up and am wondering about this, too. We're staying off property so can't take advantage of EMH- will we be at a huge disadvantage for crowds if we can't get in until 9AM on two days where EMH are available for resort guests?

(As a side question, on EMH days, do they do anything at the regular opening time? Or is the rope drop show done at the initial opening?)

 

[Davey Jones II]

I have a related question. If you are staying on-site but arrive when the rope drop crowd is gathering (regular park opening) are you stuck in that line? Is there a separate line for EMH?

Also, if we get to AK around rope drop time, but there was an EMH that morning, is it still possible to do Na'Vi River and Safari with reasonable waits? I know FOP is impossible under those conditions, but we have three FPs for that ride, so we're not planning to rope drop it.

 

[NH-to-FL]

Another vote for taking advantage of EMH in the morning. When we stayed on site we would plan our park days around morning EMH. As others have noted, you get so much done in that first hour. And while the park does get busier as the gate opens for everyone the crowds stay reasonable until 10:30 or 11am when the sleep in vacation folks starts to arrive. By that time we would already be done with our "must do's" and moving on to a more relaxed wander around the parks. Maybe an early lunch. Then head back to the resort for a mid day break. Or nap... it is a vacation after all.

Now that we are off site we still rope drop but not to parks with morning EMH.
Wishing you a visit!