Park opening times ? ? ?

[Janmac]

Planning for our September trip (arrive 1 & leave 8 September) has been a challenge.

Using historical September info, I planned park days, and then made ADRs. Went thru the whole gamut of emotions about SWL opening.

AND the subsequent every park (I know - only true for one day) has morning EMH.

Which is kind of a thing for us since this trip we're off property.

I know what to plan for a variety of choices when going to WDW. Probably over thinking this, tho over thinking now - and relaxing in the parks - seems important since it's a birthday trip with lots of relatives accompanying us.

If we were on property or a park did NOT have EMH, I'd arrive 45 - 60 minutes before published (EMH or non-EMH) park opening.

My main question at this time: what time will the great unwashed be allowed into the parks? Epcot not included of course.

At first glance, the 8 am time for AK and MK opening would seem to be when non Disney guests would be allowed in, thus giving the Disney resort guest the full hour of EMH benefit.

Yet, if SWL is that big draw it's expected to be, and the EMH crowds at AK and MK are thin, will CMs allow the tap stiles to open earlier than 8 am ?

IF you were staying off property, what time would you arrive at AK or MK ?

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

On days with EMH, I'm a fan of only arriving a few minutes before "official" opening. There will still be a crowd to enter, but with so many people already in the park, it matters less being at the very front.

I'm thinking 15 - 30 minutes, time to get through security and be at the turnstiles, but I'm interested in what the others think.

[Janmac]

Thanks for your input!

[Janmac]

An answer from another source said non Disney guests might be let into the park 15 - 20 minutes early and held at a point inside until about 5 minutes before park opening.

[Speedy1998]

From experience I would recommend that if you are staying off property, you should avoid the park with EMH.