Skipped Early Entry this trip

[CDisney]

After all of the recent reports of large crowds at the Early Entry parks, we changed our touring plans this trip and were pleased with the results. We were able to sleep in a little later and the crowds at the non-EE parks were minimal.

Saturday, Aug. 7, Epcot (p.m.) – we were surprised to find fast passes still available for Test Track when we arrived at 2 p.m.; DH and DS got right on Mission Space using single riders line; other Future World attractions were walk-on.

Sunday, Aug. 8, Animal Kingdom (a.m.) – arrived at opening, 5-minute wait for Safari, walk-on for Kali and Dinosaur, last-minute seating for Tarzan Rocks and Lion King shows was available; Bone Yard wasn’t crowded.

Sunday, Aug. 8, MGM Studios (p.m.) – Sunday evening was more crowded than I expected, but that was probably due to the washout on Saturday; Fast Passes were still available for ToT and Rockin’ Roller Coaster when we arrived about 6 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 9, Blizzard Beach (a.m.) – Arrived at opening and rode the major slides first with minimal waiting.

Monday, Aug. 9, Magic Kingdom (p.m.) – The last two hours were great! Arrived at 8 p.m. and walked-on the Train, Goofy’s Barnstormer, Teacups, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and ate at Pecos Bills before 10 p.m. Wishes and e-night.

Tuesday, Aug. 10, Epcot (late a.m.- p.m.) – Slow paced day enjoying World Showcase, Restaurant Marakesh – didn’t seem crowded.

Wednesday, Aug. 11, Magic Kingdom (a.m.) – Arrived at opening with a goal to experience Speedway and other minor attractions, 5-minute wait for Speedway, 10-minute wait for Astro Orbiter, walk-on for Time Keeper, Hall of Presidents, Riverboat.

Wednesday, Aug. 11, Magic Kingdom (p.m.) - The last two hours were great! Arrived at 8 p.m., ate dinner, walked-on Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin, Swiss Family Robinson, and Tiki Birds before Wishes and e-night.

Aug. 12-15 Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure – Enjoyed no waiting with front of the line access as a Royal Pacific guest.

Even with Hurricane Charley we had a great trip!

 

[bethzfl]

Thanks for the report! We plan on skipping EE days, too.

 

[Carrieberry]

So glad you had a wonderful trip. Isn't it amazing how much nicer it is when you don't have to wait in long lines? Just wondering how Universal handled the hurricane. I have read wonderful things about how Disny handled it, but how did Universal? I heard they got more damage than WDW. Any observations?

 

[CDisney]

Carrieberry,

I was impressed with the Universal staff before, during and after the hurricane. It was amazing to watch the preparations before the hurricane arrived as a flurry of people secured the area to prevent lose items from flying.

Friday, we received a letter from the manager reassuring us that the hotel had been built to withstand hurricane strength winds. It also listed the resorts' restaurant hours since we would all be hunkered down for the night.

Saturday morning both parks reopened; although some of the attractions were not operational. They had the pool reopened by noon. By noon Sunday, only Camp Jurassic was still closed.

I felt bad for all those who were living with the realities of the clean-up. As a tourist, we had water, power, food where many of the staff members' neighborhoods were affected by the storm.

When we left for the Sanford airport Sunday, we became more aware of the severity of the storm with all of the twisted road signs, tattered roofs, and toppled trees.

 

[Carrieberry]

Thanks for the reply! I'm so glad the staff at Universal was on top of things! Glad you were all safe and sound!

 

[inmyis]

It was nice of you to mention how tough it is on employees who work so hard to make all of our experiences special in the Orlando area. Hopefully their lives will all be back to normal as soon as possible.

We are planning to take advantage of early entries when we arrive in Oct. BUT we plan on getting out of the early entry park around noon and head back to Pop for a swim and a nap. In the evening we will go to a different park for night time fun.
I do agree that there is nothing worse than waiting in line. Anything over ten minutes we consider a long wait and have been pretty successful keeping our wait times short by using any and all means available.
Glad your home safe and had a great time