What time do the parks REALLY open?

trstno1

Never look back darling. It detracts from the now.
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
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I have a 2002 copy of the Unofficial Guide. It reports that the parks and attractions are often open well in advance of the published opening time.

For any recent visitors - is this still true. What time do each of the parks really open, especially for the first week of May?
 
This may sound too simplistic but the parks open when they open.
From Deb's web site here is information about operating hours:

Operating Hours are seasonal. During peak visiting periods, such as holidays and summertime, the parks are open late. During the time between Christmas and New Years, parks will be open the longest. This usually means 10:00-11:00 for MK, 9:30p.m. for Epcot and 9:00-10:00p.m. for the Disney-MGM Studios. During the spring, the longest hours are generally the week before and after Easter. The weeks preceding these peak periods will have some longer hours.

During off-peak times, most of the parks close between 6-7p.m., except Epcot, which usually closes at 9 p.m. The official Walt Disney World website provides the theme park hours of operation.


Could they be discussing early entry for Disney resort guests? Here is that link http://allearsnet.com/tp/emhour.htm
 
I think what the guide meant is that there could be a posted opening of 9am, but guests may be allowed in the gate before that time to start processing people through the gates. In the past, even if we've gotten through the gates, we had to then wait at a rope drop a little way into the park. Maybe during peak times they open the rides a little early. I don't know since I haven't ever been during peak times.

It's been 2 years since I've gone to WDW so does anyone know if they still do the rope drop during non-peak times? If they let a person in the gate before the official opening time how early is that usually? What time should a person get to the parks?

I will be there alone with my 4yo so I can't expect him to have the patience to wait for an hour just so we are first in line, however, I want to plan to get there as soon as the line has started to move.

T&B
 
I'd have to agree that "the parks open when they open." But one basic rule of thumb is that they're not going to alter that opening time by much ... it's more a factor of minutes.

For example, MK's stated opening time is 9am for non-EMH guests -- it could open as early as 8:30am if there are great crowds and if the park is staffed to accommodate them. But it's not like the stated opening time is 9am and they'll open at several hours in advance. It's always a good idea to be at the front gate of any park about a half-hour prior to opening. If they open early, you're in ... if not, you're first in line!

:earsboy:
 

A few times we have gotten there early and were herded thru the gates immediately - and mistakenly thought they were opening earlier and boy aren't we lucky!

Then we get to the rope and have to stand around in a big crowd until the true opening time.

Now that we are seasoned visitors we no longer feel the need to rush in at the opening. If we go early at all, we time our arrival to be slightly later than opening (9:15 if opening is 9:00). Usually we find by this time the "early crowd" is thru the gate but lines are still manageable.
 
Thanks for your replies. The 2002 Unofficial Guide seems to imply that both the parks and the attractions routinely open before the published opening time. For example, if the opening time is supposed to be 9am, the parks would often let crowds in by 8:30 or even earlier, with the rides already running. It also implies that the gates often open earlier than published times for early entry. The earlier openings are supposed to occur more frequently during the high-peak seasons.

Maybe I misread the Unofficial Guide, but I don't think so. Could something have changed when the economy turned sour?
 
The 2002 guide was probably at the printer before 9/11/01. Prior to that time it was not unusual for guests to be admitted before the published time--more so when the crowds were heavy.
Seems to me that idea has been abandoned since the increased security measures of post 9/11. This may be a result of the security inspections, or could could just be the economics of not paying CMs the extra 30-60 minutes to staff the parks.
 
Originally posted by trstno1
Thanks for your replies. The 2002 Unofficial Guide seems to imply that both the parks and the attractions routinely open before the published opening time.

Micca is absolutely correct. The 2002 UG would have been published right around 9/11/01. Shortly after 9/11, Early Entry was discontinued altogether for about a year. When it returned, it was renamed "Extra Magic Hour", and with VERY few exceptions, it consists of a single park opening exactly an hour early.
 
Hi Trstno1,

First, thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide. FWIW, you might be interested in knowing that the touring plans in the 2004 edition are significantly better than those found in the 2002 edition.

Second, tjkraz and Micca are correct in stating Disney's policy regarding opening times at the parks. I believe we have this described correctly in the latest editions of the book. From our perspective the change seems due to economics rather than security.

Hope this helps. Thanks again for reading the Unofficial Guide.

Sincerely,

Len Testa
 
Hi Trstno1,

First, thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide. FWIW, you might be interested in knowing that the touring plans in the 2004 edition are significantly better than those found in the 2002 edition.

Second, tjkraz and Micca are correct in stating Disney's policy regarding opening times at the parks. I believe we have this described correctly in the latest editions of the book. From our perspective the change seems due to economics rather than security.

Hope this helps. Thanks again for reading the Unofficial Guide.

Sincerely,

Len Testa
 
One thing to note - a couple of times, we were not allowed to board the monorail or ferry at teh TTC until official park opening. Really annoying because by the time you actually get to MK, the park's been open 15-20 minutes.
 
I could swear the newest Unofficial Guide still has the information about calling to ask about true opening times. I could be wrong, because someone in my household has made off with mine (and they are in big trouble when I figure out who it it!). I do have an older one also, but I really thought it was in there. Either way, bummer that they don't do it anymore.
 
Hey HaleyB,

I think we recommend it primarily for the busier times of the year. Other than that, the opening times are pretty regular.

Sincerely,

Len
 
Thanks Len. I think I may have to buy my son his own copy of the Unofficial Guide so he will stop stealing mine!
HB
 
I agree with what Len is saying...we went the week of July 4th in 2002. CBR had the same posted opening times as the official website so we just believed they were accurate. When we arrived at DAK on the 4th...we discover that they had opened an hour early. I was ticked....but couldn't let it bother me. We have our next trip planned for the same week in 2005. I will be calling about the 4th (perhaps the night before)!!!! That first hour in the DAK would make a huge difference in the heat and holiday crowds.

I believe this really applies around holidays when the projected park attendance is really peak. If you are going at an off time you should be fine. I like to be 30 minutes early as well.

Hi Len!!!

I love the 2004 plans in the Unofficial Guide. I just got the new passporter, but it remains second to my Unofficial Guide!!!
 














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