To EE or not to EE

[kshavu]

I read in a guide book that it might be a good idea to skip the EE days at the selected parks and hit another instead since everyone seems to go to the EE park and the others would be less busy.

Any thoughts on this strategy?

Thanks!

 

[tc]

If you are a resort guest, I'd go to the EE park for the first part of the day, then park hop to another, less crowded park. If you're not a resort guest, avoid the EE park at all costs. It's gets pretty crowded and once you arrive, hundreds of EE guests have been there an hour already, causing lines to really back up. We do a few EE parks on our vacation, and when we don't do EE, we go to a non-EE park. Make sure you get there before opening, even on non-EE days so you can get through security and up to the turnstiles early. We generally go in September, so crowds are pretty low, but we still like to show up at opening to breeze through the must-sees early. Either way, EE or not, get there before the park opens. Have fun, and good luck.

 

[swilphil]

It depends on when you are going and what attractions you want to do at the park. This July and August has had huge EE parks, probably due to Fairy Tale Packages. I like EE at MK to do Fantasyland so DS can ride Dumbo, etc.

We employed the Day After approach last month. We went to the parks the Day After they had EE. Since so many people were there the day before, the crowds were lighter. You also can make PS's in the non-EE parks for 8 a.m. and get in the parks early. After breakfast you can be the first in line without having to wait forever outside the gates.

 

[tink2]

I think this answer depends on the rides that are a priority and the type of theme parks travelers you are. For my family, EE is essential. However, we are traveling with four children ranging in ages of 2-10, so Fantasyland at MK is a MUST. We usually complete Fantasyland in under an hour on an EE day. We are also commando-type people who like to not miss a thing. EE helps us get things done and slow down later in the day. We also travel during Thanksgiving week so temps aren't hot and being out all day is not an issue.
It is up to you and your family. We usually do EE and move to another park after lunch if the crowds get too bad.
Good luck!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

We'll be using EE this trip. But, we will be using it only until about 11:00. Then back to resort for lunch and swim and another park late afternoon. For us being able to get through FantasyLand first thing is really important. Then we go wait for ToonTown to open.

 

[dbail2]

We went July 12 thru the 22nd and found the crowds reasonable. We did not do EE. In fact we were late to opening at every park.I heard EE days were mobbed. I went to the parks the days it was recommended by the unofficial guide and it worked for us.

 

[patsal]

Mostly we avoid the EE park since the crowds can become overwhelming and can mess up any plans you thought you had! The exception, though for us is that we do one EE at MK because we can usually get through all of the rides in fantasyland within 40 minutes. From there we fast pass a few things, and depending on lunch plans either eat or at MK or head to whereever lunch plans are for. We usually go to another park for the evening after our break and swim.

 

[mitymott]

Love the EE!! The trick is to get there as early as possible. Last
trip we got to ride with pooh on his ride. A great way to start a MK morning.

 

[donmil723]

Up until this summer, I was a firm believer in EE especially at the MK. We always did EE and stayed at that park until about noon and then went to another park in the evening. However, this June, we went to EE at MK, and it was swamped. I couldn't believe how crowded it was even at 9:30 a.m. So when we went in July, we did the "Day after EE approach" and it worked great. We were even the first family of the day on BTMRR. We talked to a couple of CMs (one at the front gate and one at BTMRR) and they both said to avoid EE as it is so much more crowded even first thing in the morning.

Donna

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by kshavu
I read in a guide book that it might be a good idea to skip the EE days at the selected parks and hit another instead since everyone seems to go to the EE park and the others would be less busy.

Any thoughts on this strategy?

Thanks!

We live by this strategy. We avoid the EE park at all costs. It has worked very well for us. We go to a park for its opening, usually 9am. Stay till 12 or 1pm and then head back to our resort for pool/nap time. We then go back out between 5 and 6pm for dinner and hanging out at EC or MGM. We tend to travel during the off seasons when MK closes early at 7pm or so.