Can OFF-PROPERTY guests stay for Extra Magic Hours?

[MaxPower]

I know that Extra Magic Hours are for On-Property guests, but are the OFF-PROPERTY guests allowed to stay in the park during the evening Extra Magic Hours to shop or eat even though they are not allowed on any of the rides?

[dumbo_buddy]

they used to check by giving out wristbands but not anymore. i guess technically if you were already in the park nobody would know. still, the rules are the rules and you probably should head home since you're not on property.

[ibrowse17]

They do a pretty good job of getting people out. We have seen groups sweeping the park and hanging around the areas you are speaking about to move people without the wristbands along. This was last year, so it may have changed:thumbsup:

[Ruprect]

I know that Extra Magic Hours are for On-Property guests, but are the OFF-PROPERTY guests allowed to stay in the park during the evening Extra Magic Hours to shop or eat even though they are not allowed on any of the rides?

Something tells me they won't care if you are spending money. I think EMH is focused mostly on the rides so it shouldn't be a big deal. Best way to find out is to stay until they ask you to leave.

[olivegirl]

When it comes to EMH you can stay in the park to shop and eat BUT to go on rides you have to show your resort room key. We stayed at Pop this past March and then again in August and during the EMH the room keys were asked for. Hope this helps!

[luvdiznee]

When we were there in Sept they were checking.

[SBETigg]

EMH is for WDW resort guests only. I suppose it's possible that you could stay in the park and not get checked or asked to leave, but you're not supposed to be there past regular park hours if you're not a WDW resort guest whether you're spending more money to shop or eat or just taking in the atmosphere. It doesn't pay, in the long run, for WDW to advertise EMH as a perk for guests if the park is going to be crowded with off-site guests during those hours.

[Ruprect]

EMH is for WDW resort guests only. I suppose it's possible that you could stay in the park and not get checked or asked to leave, but you're not supposed to be there past regular park hours if you're not a WDW resort guest whether you're spending more money to shop or eat or just taking in the atmosphere. It doesn't pay, in the long run, for WDW to advertise EMH as a perk for guests if the park is going to be crowded with off-site guests during those hours.

I understand this point of view but I look at it this way. Even when the park closes at 9 there are people shopping and milling about until at least 10 (we do love walking through the park mostly empty). So why should that be different on an EMH night. As long as off-site guests don't crowd the ride lines I don't see a problem with it. However I would be curious as to what Disney's official position on it is.

[SBETigg]

I understand this point of view but I look at it this way. Even when the park closes at 9 there are people shopping and milling about until at least 10 (we do love walking through the park mostly empty). So why should that be different on an EMH night. As long as off-site guests don't crowd the ride lines I don't see a problem with it. However I would be curious as to what Disney's official position on it is.

It's not a point of view. It's a fact. EMH is for WDW resort guests only. That's not just the stance on rides, it's for the whole park. I think it's perfectly understandable to expect people to linger within the usual closing time exit lingering- maybe an hour or so. But after that reasonable period of time, off-site guests should be out of the park. Now whether you are asked to leave or not is another story now that there are no longer wristbands to make it obvious (but we don't discuss cheating the system on INTERCOT, per TOS).

[BigRedDad]

I don't think off-site guests should be allowed to stay to shop or eat. EMH is a perk to the resort guests. If off-site guests want to take in the atmosphere, shop, and eat, they need to do it during the regular park hours or stay on-site. If they are not leaving, then the park still stays crowded. I am paying extra to be a resort guest to avoid some of the additional off-site crowds.

I loved how it was done when it was E-Ride night: No wristband, you were guided out of the park.

[Ruprect]

I think it's perfectly understandable to expect people to linger within the usual closing time exit lingering- maybe an hour or so.

So we agree.


Now whether you are asked to leave or not is another story now that there are no longer wristbands to make it obvious (but we don't discuss cheating the system on INTERCOT, per TOS).

What is the official policy? I don't think you can discuss cheating the system if the system isn't clearly defined.

I don't know Disney's official position on this but if they aren't doing wristbands anymore to make it obvious my assumption is that they don't mind if people linger if they are spending money. That is the goal of not rushing guests out at closing any other night.

[KylesMom]

Per the official Disney website:


Extended Theme Park hours, known as Extra Magic Hours, offer Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels the unique opportunity to enjoy additional time in the Theme Parks-above and beyond the standard operating schedule - at no extra charge.

Morning Hours-Arrive up to an hour before the designated Theme Park is scheduled to open and show your valid Theme Park ticket and Resort I.D. at the Theme Park turnstiles. Evening Hours-Valid theme park ticket and Resort I.D. are required. Each member of your party will need to present their Resort I.D. for accessing evening Extra Magic Hours offerings. My thought is that if you wouldn't be able to get into the park an hour early during a.m. EMH without a valid theme park ID just to shop or eat, why would you be able to do it for evening EMH?

[Ruprect]

My thought is that if you wouldn't be able to get into the park an hour early during a.m. EMH without a valid theme park ID just to shop or eat, why would you be able to do it for evening EMH?

You would be able to get in an eat if you were eating at a sit down with ADRs before opening right?

What would happen if I was an off-site guest and ate at 7:30 AM at CRT on an EMH date and was done by 8:30 AM. Would I be escorted to the gate or would I be allowed to stay in the park? (This is making the assumption that off-site guests can make ADRs before opening time which I believe is the case).

[beksy]

My thought is that if you wouldn't be able to get into the park an hour early during a.m. EMH without a valid theme park ID just to shop or eat, why would you be able to do it for evening EMH?

I think that sums it up well.

[KylesMom]

You would be able to get in an eat if you were eating at a sit down with ADRs before opening right?

Not an apples to apples comparison. Sorry, but ADRs are not exclusive to Disney World resort guests - EMHs are.

[BigThunderFan]

The reason why they won't be escorted out anymore is because the longer they are in the parks to shop or eat the more money the mouse makes.

I don't really see why it matters as long as they aren't in lines for rides or blocking the way to said rides?

[Ruprect]

The reason why they won't be escorted out anymore is because the longer they are in the parks to shop or eat the more money the mouse makes.

I don't really see why it matters as long as they aren't in lines for rides or blocking the way to said rides?

That's what started the back and forth. What you said is my opinion on the matter but some people feel (and fully justified) that off-site guests shouldn't be crowding up any of the park after closing time. I think as long as they can make money on the off-site guest they'll be lax in enforcement of the policy.

[Goes4FastPass]

When IS closing time REALLY for non-resort guests? (Really)

When the MK closes on a non-EMH night the shops on Main Street USA along with Casey's happily remain open for an hour after that official closing time all the while selling products and helping the Disney Company bottom line.

If Main Street always remains open an hour after the park closes shouldn't non-resort guests have that Main Street hour while the resort guests visit attractions?

I've never had a reason at BTMRR during EMH turn to my wife and say, "I hope those interlopers aren't at at the Emporium buying stuff!"

[TheRustyScupper]

When it comes to EMH you can stay in the park to shop and eat BUT to go on rides you have to show your resort room key.

1) Yes.
2) Stay as long as you like.
3) But, *usually* they check your rooms key for rides.

[clausjo]

I don't know Disney's official position on this but if they aren't doing wristbands anymore to make it obvious my assumption is that they don't mind if people linger if they are spending money. That is the goal of not rushing guests out at closing any other night.


I agree. Personally, I don't care if off-site guests are there shopping, dining or whatever. We do the EMH because of the rides and, if they can't clog up the ride lines, what does it matter? Shopping will always be there, EMH or not.

[SBETigg]

You would be able to get in an eat if you were eating at a sit down with ADRs before opening right?

What would happen if I was an off-site guest and ate at 7:30 AM at CRT on an EMH date and was done by 8:30 AM. Would I be escorted to the gate or would I be allowed to stay in the park? (This is making the assumption that off-site guests can make ADRs before opening time which I believe is the case).

Having ADRs for a ts restaurant is different. The expectation is that you're headed to or from your dining experience, not taking the time to linger around the park. This happens around regular hours as well. It doesn't mean that having ADRs entitles you to EMH. It means you're in a restaurant eating, or en route to or from said restaurant. Unless you have that confirmed ADR at the gate for morning EMH (or you're a WDW resort guest), you're not getting in. They don't say "Sure, come in, look around, just don't go on rides." That should answer your question. You're not going to be escorted to the gate but this is an exception, not the rule-- which clearly states, whether it is being rigidly enforced or not-- that EMH is for WDW Resort Guests.

[Ruprect]

Having ADRs for a ts restaurant is different. The expectation is that you're headed to or from your dining experience, not taking the time to linger around the park. This happens around regular hours as well. It doesn't mean that having ADRs entitles you to EMH. It means you're in a restaurant eating, or en route to or from said restaurant. Unless you have that confirmed ADR at the gate for morning EMH (or you're a WDW resort guest), you're not getting in. They don't say "Sure, come in, look around, just don't go on rides." That should answer your question. You're not going to be escorted to the gate but this is an exception, not the rule-- which clearly states, whether it is being rigidly enforced or not-- that EMH is for WDW Resort Guests.

I was purely playing devil's advocate in that response because it isn't so cut and dry for morning EMH as it would seem. I was just pointing out how one COULD get in. I don't endorse doing that just for the ability to get in a half hour early just pointing there was a way around the policy.

[seanyred]

Wow...How a simple question gets heated quickly...Anyway we were just there two weeks ago and they were only checking resort ID's at the rides. Which I think is perfectly fine...if people want to shop our strole through Main Street, Mouse Gears or the fronts of DHS and AK then let them. As long as they are not in line for rides...no skin off my back.

[BluewaterBrad]

The reason why they won't be escorted out anymore is because the longer they are in the parks to shop or eat the more money the mouse makes.

I don't really see why it matters as long as they aren't in lines for rides or blocking the way to said rides?


I agree!:mickey:

[SBETigg]

Wow...How a simple question gets heated quickly...

Just because people disagree on a subject doesn't mean it's heated. Everyone has been respectful and there's no ill will as far as I can tell. That's not heated.

[Daisy'sMom]

Rules are rules. I would think most people would not want to break the rules, at least honest ones. If EMH are for Disney guests, most people should respect this. Especially if they have children that they are teaching right from wrong.

[Brooklynos]

I understand how some would not see the harm in staying and shopping for an hour past (nor do I), but the up to three hours EMH is for resort guests. We do always stay on property, we do EMH some for the rides but also to take more time in the shops and to eat. The more people there past the hour or so grace period, the less EMH is a benefit for us. We like the slightly less crowded stores and restaraunts. If this will no longer be an exclusive benefit for resort guests they need not advertise it as solely for resort guests. Personally, my DH and I will just leave if the parks are too crowded during EMH and chock it up to another benefit that doesn't really help us anymore.

Still love going though and it's still always worth it. :mickey:

[#1donaldfan]

The reason why they won't be escorted out anymore is because the longer they are in the parks to shop or eat the more money the mouse makes.

I don't really see why it matters as long as they aren't in lines for rides or blocking the way to said rides?


I totally agree with you.....no matter the facts, opinions, or policies, it's a constant that non-resort guests will be allowed to spend their money, while we stand in the seemingly longer and longer lines for rides.....I do wish it would go back to the old, old way !!

[seanyred]

Just because people disagree on a subject doesn't mean it's heated. Everyone has been respectful and there's no ill will as far as I can tell. That's not heated.

Our definitions of heated must be different. I think a conversation can be heated and respectful at the same time....but no biggie

Maybe they should check resort ID's at rides and eateries...but people shopping on main street not that big of deal. Or go back to the wrist bands