When can you really get in the park when opening time says 9am?

[26555]

I'm looking at going to AK and MK on non-early entry days and am staying offsite. Both days indicate the park opens at 9am but I think I've come across info indicating MK might allow you in as early as 8 on a day the park opens at 9. Is it worth getting inside the park before opening? Is anything open? Interested in information pertaining to AK and MK. Thank you!

 

[CheshireVal]

It used to be that they'd let you in early-- if nothing else than to just walk down Main Street. Sometimes they'd even open the rides earlier than 9am if they were expecting large crowds.

However, they haven't done anything like this in a long time. If they say 9am, it's 9am, and you're standing outside the gates til that time.

AK actually might be a bit different. You might be allowed into the "Oasis" 30 minutes before official opening.

 

[w8ting4pooh]

At the MK, we lined up in front of the Train Station around 8:45 to watch the characters come in and sing a Good Morning song. After the little celebration, the park is open and everyone goes running around the corner and down Main Street.

We were let in early at Epcot and MGM but held in an area just inside the gates until 9.

 

[jcemom]

we're at disney now, and have only been admitted through the entrance turnstiles 15 minutes before park opening at every park. then there are ropes: MK before the train station, AK in the oasis, MGM on the first street...is it hollywood blvd?, Epcot into the area in front of spaceship earth ball. The characters come at 9:00 to welcome you and then the ropes are dropped, which according to my watch has actually been a couple of minutes after 9 at each park.