Most of my posts are generic enough to be useful at any Disney park. I am running the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 2, 2012 and will be spending several days at the Disneyland Resort. Between now and them I am going to dedicate each Friday’s post to uniquely Disneyland information. Today I am discussing Extra Magic Hours at Disneyland.
I love to plan my trips to Walt Disney World around Extra Magic Hours (EMH). Any time I can stay in the parks longer with less people I try to make that happen. I knew that Disneyland had EMH but I knew nothing about it. So, I started researching. In this post I’d like to share with you the who, what, when, where, and why of EMH at the Disneyland Resort.
What are Extra Magic Hours?
Extra Magic Hours are a time before opening when certain Guests get to enter the park before it opens to the general public. There is no fee for getting into the parks early.
Who gets to use Extra Magic Hours?
Resort Guests automatically get EMH. All you have to do is show your hotel key when you enter the park. Annual Passholders are also eligible for EMH, but they must sign up ahead of time.
When does Extra Magic Hours happen?
The times and days vary throughout the year. Sometimes only one park has EMH on any given day.
Current Extra Magic Hours: From July 16 to September 13, 2012 both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure will have EMH one hour before opening. That is wonderful for resort Guests who want to check out Cars Land with less crowds.
Where can I learn more about Extra Magic Hours?
At the Disneyland website you can check a calendar for the days you are visiting. The calendar only covers two months so you might have to wait to research your Disney vacation dates. They also provide a page on Early Admission that has updated information on EMH. Plus at TouringPlans.com they provide EMH information as soon as they learn about it. I receive their blog in my e-mail and that is where I first learned about EMH at the Disneyland resorts.
Why do I want to use Extra Magic Hours?
Disney has made a lot of changes to the parks. In 2012 Disney’s California Adventure opened Cars Land and a new and improved entrance area, Buena Vista Street. These improvements have been very popular with Guests. I want to see Cars Land, but I don’t want to stand in line for hours. I’ll be using my EMH to enjoy Cars Land with a lot less people. In the summertime EMH is your ticket to a relaxing start in the parks.
I am thrilled that EMH happens every day while I am visiting the Disneyland resort. Now that I have completed my research I can start planning my days in the parks. I hope this information helps you in your planning, too. Happiness Squared.
Goofy Tip: At Disneyland not all the lands are open during EMH, but do not dispair. It is great fun to go on Fantasyland rides when there are no lines and you can be at the front of the crowd when the rope drops on the other lands. The last time I used EMH I was the fifth person on Indiana Jones Adventure. It was amazing.