CAPSLOCK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2017
- Messages
- 5,601
In theory, if the buses don't change their schedule you should be fine with anything at least 65-70min ahead of early entry. I guess it depends if you need to be literally first at a turnstile, or if just being in the first 10ish at a turnstile will suffice.
I was at a preview day with early entry at 8am. On the first bus from Aventura, which pulled into the drop off spot at 6:58am. There were approximately 40-50 people lined at the gate when I got off the bus. They held the line at a sidewalk gate until 7am (opened as we approached the line). That line then split into individual turnstile lines.
We headed right and were able to get actual first at a security/turnstile line - vast majority headed to the left. The hype dude (who was fantastic!) ensured that the lines were clear and orderly. Hype dude indicated exactly how many turnstiles would open (added 1-2more while we waited). Hype dude made sure there was good separation from the security gates. It was very nice & organized.
We had probably the very best spot you could get - as soon as a line of like 5peeps joined behind us, to delineate our line, we were able to sit on the edge of a planter until they opened next gates, about 15min before opening. The first ~6-8 people in each line could then go through security and wait at the actual turnstile. Started scanning people in at exactly 8am.
Granted our day had very light early entry crowds from what I could see - first day it was an 8am early entry. This was 7:19am & you can see the minimal lines formed.
Since the first buses don't get there any earlier, the really early morning timing shouldn't be too different. But, a fuller first bus or two could really disgorge a bunch of people, and exactly when they pull up will change a bit. So a few minutes at that time could well make the difference of being in front, especially if you need literal front. I also don't know when the parking lot opens, and there could be early drivers - during previews, only hotel guests had early entry. Now, also higher tier APs are in the mix.
I was at a preview day with early entry at 8am. On the first bus from Aventura, which pulled into the drop off spot at 6:58am. There were approximately 40-50 people lined at the gate when I got off the bus. They held the line at a sidewalk gate until 7am (opened as we approached the line). That line then split into individual turnstile lines.
We headed right and were able to get actual first at a security/turnstile line - vast majority headed to the left. The hype dude (who was fantastic!) ensured that the lines were clear and orderly. Hype dude indicated exactly how many turnstiles would open (added 1-2more while we waited). Hype dude made sure there was good separation from the security gates. It was very nice & organized.
We had probably the very best spot you could get - as soon as a line of like 5peeps joined behind us, to delineate our line, we were able to sit on the edge of a planter until they opened next gates, about 15min before opening. The first ~6-8 people in each line could then go through security and wait at the actual turnstile. Started scanning people in at exactly 8am.
Granted our day had very light early entry crowds from what I could see - first day it was an 8am early entry. This was 7:19am & you can see the minimal lines formed.
Since the first buses don't get there any earlier, the really early morning timing shouldn't be too different. But, a fuller first bus or two could really disgorge a bunch of people, and exactly when they pull up will change a bit. So a few minutes at that time could well make the difference of being in front, especially if you need literal front. I also don't know when the parking lot opens, and there could be early drivers - during previews, only hotel guests had early entry. Now, also higher tier APs are in the mix.
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