When to arrive at the park

[brooker]

US and IOA both open at 9:00 AM on our planned visit dates (May 2,3)(Wednesday and Thursday). I read we should arrive it the parking garage at around 8:00AM. Would the reason to arrive so early is because there is a big lineup at the get waiting to get in? Also, approximatly how long of a walk is it from the parking area to the park?

 

[robvia]

To answer your question, Yes, there is a line waiting to get in.
It usually forms at 08:30am going all the way back to the ticket booth.
When you are at the front of the line, it means you can enter the park ahead of everyone else and go for front seat rides on the coasters. They don't have a rope drop like they do at Disney. When you go thru the turnstile, you're in, and can do all the rides in Marvel Island. Sometimes during non busy times they rope off the entrances to the Lost Continent and Toon Lagoon until 10am, but you can still ride the big 3 (Hulk, Dr. Doom, Spiderman) in Marvel.

The walk from the parking garage to the gate is about 15 minutes. So right after you show up, a long line will form behind you.

 

[brooker]

To answer your question, Yes, there is a line waiting to get in.
It usually forms at 08:30am going all the way back to the ticket booth.
When you are at the front of the line, it means you can enter the park ahead of everyone else and go for front seat rides on the coasters. They don't have a rope drop like they do at Disney. When you go thru the turnstile, you're in, and can do all the rides in Marvel Island. Sometimes during non busy times they rope off the entrances to the Lost Continent and Toon Lagoon until 10am, but you can still ride the big 3 (Hulk, Dr. Doom, Spiderman) in Marvel.

The walk from the parking garage to the gate is about 15 minutes. So right after you show up, a long line will form behind you.

We will be picking up our electronic tickets at the entrance, is this a seperate line from the ticket booth or is it one and the same?

 

[Amity 3]

We will be picking up our electronic tickets at the entrance, is this a seperate line from the ticket booth or is it one and the same?

separate, you'll see signs for electronic ticketing. they work much like an ATM.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Getting there early is always the best advice, the parks are often at their quietest first thing in the morning.

 

[robvia]

Getting your tickets from the electronic machines is very easy. Just bring your confirmation paper which has the number on it, and the credit card you used online.
There are many machines next to the ticket booths. It only takes a minute to get the tickets and there is usually no line at the machines.