Soft opening at DHS ??

[jkjs]

We had a "weird" experience during a visit to DHS. We arrived about 8:40 am and were surprised that DHS was already opened. We were pretty sure it wasn't an EMH day.

As my spouse was getting fast passes for TSM I asked a CM if it was an EMH day. He said no. I asked did you open early. He said yes - sometimes they open early based on demand. There didn't seem to be anyone at the park!

We got TSM fast passes for 10:20 and only had a 15 minute wait to get on TSM.

Anyone experience a soft opening before?

 

[mesaboy2]

We had a "weird" experience during a visit to DHS. We arrived about 8:40 am and were surprised that DHS was already opened. We were pretty sure it wasn't an EMH day.

As my spouse was getting fast passes for TSM I asked a CM if it was an EMH day. He said no. I asked did you open early. He said yes - sometimes they open early based on demand. There didn't seem to be anyone at the park!

We got TSM fast passes for 10:20 and only had a 15 minute wait to get on TSM.

Anyone experience a soft opening before?

Been going on for about 6 months. Much better experience, most people report.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

They opened early during our trips in January, and June. I hope it continues. It's so much better that way!

 

[SignMeUp]

Sooo... what time should we arrive to sign up for JTA and grab TSM FP? Do they still make you wait until 9am for JTA sign up?

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

Sooo... what time should we arrive to sign up for JTA and grab TSM FP? Do they still make you wait until 9am for JTA sign up?

When we went in late September 2011, we got to DHS about 40 minutes early. They formed a line of people who wanted to sign up for JTA separate from others and allowed us to go through the gates earlier than everyone else. They took us to a designated section to sign up for JTA. At that time it was by Hollywood and Vine.

 

[SignMeUp]

When we went in late September 2011, we got to DHS about 40 minutes early. They formed a line of people who wanted to sign up for JTA separate from others and allowed us to go through the gates earlier than everyone else. They took us to a designated section to sign up for JTA. At that time it was by Hollywood and Vine.

So were you signed up and free to go before 9am or did they make you wait till 9am?

 

[jkjs]

They opened early during our trips in January, and June. I hope it continues. It's so much better that way!

Is DHS the only one doing this?

It was very nice as it avoided that mess of everyone rushing to TSM. I also wonder if it eliminates people taking TSM FPs since they can walk right on with a minimal wait.

 

[MyGirlLovesTink]

Did the CM tell you how early they opened that day? My plan this fall is to arrive at the gates by 8:30 for a 9 am open, hoping that they will open the gates approx. 30 minutes. I would love it if I could get TSM done and grab a FP for it all before 9 am!

 

[VAfamily1998]

So do they still open early when it's supposed to be morning EMH?

 

[PSUGuy]

We snuck in a short, 4 day, WDW this March and found this to be the case for every park except MK which still has the elaborate opening ceremony. We'd arrive in time to make ropedrop only to find the crowds streaming in already, even at the IG.

Bill From PA

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Sooo... what time should we arrive to sign up for JTA and grab TSM FP? Do they still make you wait until 9am for JTA sign up?

Okay, what's JTA? The rest I got ...... Thanks!

Edit: Got it ...... Jedi Training Academy. Never mind .....

 

[mesaboy2]

Is DHS the only one doing this?

It was very nice as it avoided that mess of everyone rushing to TSM. I also wonder if it eliminates people taking TSM FPs since they can walk right on with a minimal wait.

I believe Epcot is doing this as well.

Did the CM tell you how early they opened that day? My plan this fall is to arrive at the gates by 8:30 for a 9 am open, hoping that they will open the gates approx. 30 minutes. I would love it if I could get TSM done and grab a FP for it all before 9 am!

I've read reports since it started that DHS has opened anywhere from 15-30 minutes early.

So do they still open early when it's supposed to be morning EMH?

I do not think so. I was at the DHS gates this Saturday with AM EMH and it looked like the offsite guests were held until 9:00a sharp.