Park opening hours

[travelsoon]

We were at WDW in early 11/01 right after early entry ended and none of the parks opened a minute before the posted time. We are going in 10/02. Has this changed any and is there any point in getting to the parks before opening time? How are the lines for the security checks at the parks?

 

[WDWspider]

I noticed that Animal Kingdom is opening at 9 now also, did this happen when they stopped early entry too? Or is it just certain times of year?

 

[RobFL]

The parks vary for security "Delay" but Epcot is the best.

They have the security tables alined with the turnstiles so you get your bag checked, scan you ticket, and you're in. Essentially, takes as long as it normally would to get through.

The other three parks have a checkpoint to pass through before you get to the turnstiles. At MK and MGM on a busy day, it can be about a 10 min delay. But, in the center at MK and off to the side at MGM, they have a "no bag" line which you jsut stroll right through - so consider not bringing any bags (wear your bottle of water around you neck on an Epcot lanyard, stow your poncho in your pocket for a little while) then stop at the first shop you come to and ask for a bag and then toss them in

And about opening... If you get there early, you get through parking and to the rope drop areas and get to listen to an introduction piece over the audio system. I think it's cute and worth doing once at each park just for a magic feel, but yes, we don't really open anything before the scheduled time. When Epcot was coming back from a 10am open to a 9am opening time, we did open our attractions and drop ropes at 9:30 for a period (while 10am was still our "official" opening time), but now everything is done at 9am.

-Rob

 

[GoofyMike29]

there is no delay due to security, and if there is it is only about 2 minutes.

 

[travelsoon]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[Juggler]

Thanks for the bag tip ROBFL... on my way out this Friday!