Extra Magic Hours

[no1jack8]

Hi guys

Hopefully this hasn't been asked for a while I have searched the first few pages.

I will be staying on international drive and not in a Disney resort.

Are disneys extra magic hours open to everyone with unlimited 14 day passes or is it for resort guests only?

In addition how is this controlled for example in October when we go things like Epcot and MK are open two hours later and therefore if you're already in that park can you just remain until the end?

Also if looking at animal kingdom on a Saturday with early extra hours will this mean the rides are already very busy and I should plan to go there another day if I can't get access to the extra hour.

Thank you for any help in advance.

[AliPD]

Because you are off site you can book fast passes at 30 days before your holiday.

Parks tend to be busier on Extra Magic Hour days so you're best consulting the busy day guide on the Dibb.

The EMH are for on site guests only.

[grinner82]

Welcome to the DiBB!

EMH are a perk for on site guests only. You will not get into EMH in the mornings because your Magic band ( if you buy one) or ticket will flag up that you are not an onsite guest.

If you are in the park then indeed you wont be identified to be ask to leave however you wont be able to ride any rides as you have to scan your Magic band to ride any attractions during EMH.

Parks with EMH tend to be busier due to the volume of extra onsite guests and are the least recommended on the DIBB busy day guide.

Fast passes for offsite guests will be 30 days before your date of travel and on a day by day basis. Your Advanced dining reservations if you want certain dining experiences can be at 180 days.

[no1jack8]

Wow thanks for the quick responses. Back to the planning board it is.

Although a little confusing it's still fun to be looking at all this stuff and at least I know now.

Can I buy a magic band before I leave the uk? Or do I just get one once I go to a Disney park?

I have linked our accounts up on the my disney experience and am just waiting for virgin to supply me with ticket details.

[grinner82]

Magic bands are not able to be bought in the UK. Though you may see them on Ebay be careful as you have no idea if they have been already registered and incase are useless.

You can by them from Orlando International Airport and of course Disney. They are not essential but I find it makes like easier.

[no1jack8]

Thanks

[Gezzs]

If you REALLY want to do EMH one day...you could look at booking a single night in a budget Disney hotel. You'd then get magic bands for everyone staying plus two days parking at Disney parks.

We did this last time and managed to get a room at All Star Sports for £50, which worked out cheaper than 2 x magic bands and 2 x parking.