Staying off site and going to MK on a.m. EMH day

[Koda]

My friends are staying off site, and are going to MK on 1/24 which is an am EMH day. They want m to help them plan their day. How busy do you think it will be? Any thoughts on touring strategies?

 

[pooh2001]

I would say you can not do, depending on what hotel, they stay at.
MK will be extremely busy at 9:30 AM, December 24 on a EM AM day.
The way to do it would be do the EM AM - then leave the park at 10:30 AM or eat breakfast, then leave
and go to another park.

Per the Walt Disney World website
More Time to Enjoy Select Attractions
Each day, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels have the opportunity to enjoy select attractions in at least one of our 4 theme parks, before or after regular operating hours. To see when and where the Extra Magic Hours benefit is offered, view today’s park hours or consult the printed Times Guide, available at the Disney Resort hotel Front Desk.



Participating Hotels
Extra Magic Hours is a benefit for registered Guests staying at participating Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Official Walt Disney World® Hotels, which include:

• Disney Resort hotels
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Shades of Green® Resort
• Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Valid theme park admission and hotel ID required.


Participating Attractions
During Extra Magic Hours, select attractions will be open at a park for your enjoyment.
Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on our website or mobile app, or refer to the printed Times Guide.

Magic Kingdom Park — Mornings
The following attractions are open during morning Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom park:

• Astro Orbiter
• The Barnstormer
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• "it's a small world"
• Mad Tea Party
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey's PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

 

[georgina]

My friends are staying off site, and are going to MK on 1/24 which is an am EMH day. They want m to help them plan their day. How busy do you think it will be? Any thoughts on touring strategies?

We've done it. As I recall, only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were open for EMH. We went to Jungle Cruise and Pirates with little waits right at the regular opening, then on to Big Thunder Mountain RR and Haunted Mansion. I think I made my FP starting at 10:30 or 11:00. Even at 30 days I have had success getting FP for Space Mtn, Splash Mtn, and less popular rides like Buzz and Pooh. The most difficult things to FP are Peter Pan and Seven Dwarfs, and since the EMH crowds will already be in Fantasyland, those lines will be longer. Jan 24 is the end of MLK week but I don't think it will be extremely busy in the end of Jan. Since they will be making their FP on Christmas morning, maybe that will be a little advantage if people are busy with other things!