Turn/Tapstile - Rule of Thumb?

[Mickey's Best Girl]

OK. I know I've read here on the boards the general Rule of Thumb when it comes to queuing up at the tapstiles first thing in the morning at the parks.

The problem is I can't remember the advice given.

How can one figure out if a certain Tapstile will be open?

I always want to begin queuing up at one of the outermost tapstiles but I'm always a little leery on whether or not that particular one will be open. If it's not I'll end up WAY at the back of an alternate.

Suggestions? Experiences?

 

[11290]

There is no such thing as a "tapstile". They are called "Touch-Points".

 

[Accident]

they have covers on them and generally the covers start to be removed before the lines start to form. For most parks, it's the middle that's opened unless the entrance is split like MK then hit will be the grouping closest to middle on both sides.

 

[ksinniger]

My advice is to line up closest to the touch points that are being used for pre-opening entries -- about 5 minutes before park opening, they will remove the sign limiting the line to those with reservations only, and open them to the general public. This is especially useful at Epcot and Hollywood studios -- on our recent trip in August we went from being well behind the pack to #1 at the touch point, because we paid attention and moved faster than anyone else.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

they have covers on them and generally the covers start to be removed before the lines start to form. For most parks, it's the middle that's opened unless the entrance is split like MK then hit will be the grouping closest to middle on both sides.

My advice is to line up closest to the touch points that are being used for pre-opening entries -- about 5 minutes before park opening, they will remove the sign limiting the line to those with reservations only, and open them to the general public. This is especially useful at Epcot and Hollywood studios -- on our recent trip in August we went from being well behind the pack to #1 at the touch point, because we paid attention and moved faster than anyone else.

These responses were helpful. I'm now recalling the "watch for the covers to be removed" advice from past threads.

Thank you.

There is no such thing as a "tapstile". They are called "Touch-Points".

Thanks for the correction. My mistake.

 

[WEDWDW]

My advice is to line up closest to the touch points that are being used for pre-opening entries -- about 5 minutes before park opening, they will remove the sign limiting the line to those with reservations only, and open them to the general public. This is especially useful at Epcot and Hollywood studios -- on our recent trip in August we went from being well behind the pack to #1 at the touch point, because we paid attention and moved faster than anyone else.

Yes,IMHO the number one "secret" at WDW-it works for DHS,DAK and Epcot.

You sort of have to "learn" how to do it-they keep the area around the Early ADRs tapstiles "clear" until right before Park Open.

 

[ksinniger]

I find it's not as useful at DAK right now, since they hold everyone at the tree of life, but definitely at DHS and Epcot.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I recall reading some great tips on Josh's site regarding early morning tapstile recommendations.

 

[WEDWDW]

I find it's not as useful at DAK right now, since they hold everyone at the tree of life, but definitely at DHS and Epcot.

I think all 3 Parks are now "holding" Guests(at least at times)-(DHS at the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset)(Epcot at Mexcio Bridge for FEA and Innoventions Breezeway for Soarin'),but this strategy still allows a Guest to be first at the "holding Areas").

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here Josh's Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom tapstile recommendations...

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/ho...on-spring-2016-with-olaf-meet-and-greet-5516/

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/ma...an-early-morning-magic-day-plus-waffle-fries/

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/fr...s-availability-rope-drop-strategy-and-review/

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Here Josh's Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom tapstile recommendations...

Brilliant!

Thank you Dan.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Brilliant!

Thank you Dan.

Remember, those are a few months old. But should be helpful.

 

[ksinniger]

It's true they hold guests at DHS, but being one of the first families thru is key there if you want to sign up for Jedi training. We were less than 10 groups back at sign up, and done before my oldest Daughter and husband got through one ride on Toy Story (and they didn't wait more than 10 minutes in line). Same idea if you're trying for FEA at rope drop in Epcot. It probably also applies if you want to rope drop the safari at AK; we just always head to Everest, and have found that even if you're at the back of the pack there you can get 2-3 rides with walk on or close to walk on conditions.