Volcano Bay--early entry questions

[Calidisneyfam]

We will be there the week of March 28, and I was planning to do Volcano Bay one day during early entry (probably 3/31). When I was checking the hours on the app the past few weeks, it listed early entry starting at 9:00am. Now it has been updated to 9:30am.

Does anyone know if it is truly 9:30? Do they ever open at 9:00 if it is a very busy day?

What time should we arrive, assuming it is 9:30? Do they let you in to use the lockers before a 9:30am opening?

What rides should we do during that first half hour?

We are staying at Portofino, so I think we take a bus over. First time, so any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Mr. Drauer]

They pretty much open on time or a couple minutes early. They let people in but hold them if the front gates are crowded and everyone can get in, they will ask for hotel key to confirm and let you in to go to lockers and get a chair as soon as they are officially open. Go right to Krakatoa and scan your tapu to reserve a ride time and then ride it. This way you get 2 ride in before the park is open to general guests. The app is official.

 

[Calidisneyfam]

Thank you!

 

[shawthorne44]

I agree on making Krakatoa first and second ... until the line gets long.
At least when we went, I'd wanted to grab a chair at the back of the park, but that area wasn't open yet. We were there at a low crowd day and you'll be there at a high crowd day, so it might be different for you. Then at official park open, they open it all up. I would study the map beforehand and pick your preferred chair area, then beeline to that. Remember that EA at VB is only a half hour.

 

[03GirlsMom]

Does anyone know how long the process generally takes to check in for the cabana and activate the VB express passes? We'll be there 4/7 so I'm assuming we'll still experience high spring break crowds. We're planning on being there for early entry but I'm trying to determine how early we need to arrive to avoid spending anymore time than necessary standing in line to check in. Or, is this a non-issue?

 

[Calidisneyfam]

What is the best way to get to Krakatoa? Go around the volcano on the left, or the right?

 

[Bethany10]

I would study the map beforehand and pick your preferred chair area, then beeline to that.

I'm not a ride person but I am a get a good chair person. I can't stress this strategy enough.

 

[shawthorne44]

I'm not a ride person but I am a get a good chair person. I can't stress this strategy enough.

What I did was figure out what DD would want to spend the most time on, and then targeted the nearest chair with shade.
If it were busy, and I wanted a locker, I'd get the chair first. Locker location is less important.