DHS/Toy Story Land "Early Morning Magic" (EMM) FAQ & Discussion

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DHS/Toy Story Land Early Morning Magic ("EMM") FAQs & Discussion



EMM vs EMH – A Quick Clarification
  • Although similar acronyms, Early Morning Magic (EMM) is NOT the same as Extra Magic Hours (EMH).
  • Early Morning Magic (EMM), the subject of this thread, is a separately ticketed up-charge (aka, paid) event that allows pre-park opening access to Toy Story Land attractions and and includes breakfast.
  • Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are the long-standing Disney-offered benefit where certain parks have extra hours available to WDW resort and otherwise eligible guests. This thread is NOT about EMH. EMM in no way impacts MK EMHs.

What is DHS / Toy Story Land EMM?


In short, EMM is...

  • A separately ticketed pre-park opening event which allows unlimited access to select Toy Story Land from 7:30AM-8:45AM. (Note, it is 8:45AM, NOT 9AM! Expect the rope drop crowd to arrive any time after 8:45AM)
  • Open rides include:
    • Slinky Dog Dash
    • Alien Swirling Saucers
    • Toy Story Mania!
  • Character meets include:
    • Buzz
    • Woody and Jessie
  • The event includes a breakfast served at ABC Commissary through 10:00AM. Note: Effective 2/6/2019, the breakfast location moved to the Backlot Express.


When Is EMM Offered?

  • So far, it has been scheduled on select Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays.
  • See Post #2 for a list of past and current EMM dates.

How Much Does EMM Cost?
  • Adults: $79 per person, plus tax
  • Ages 3-9: $69 per person, plus tax
  • Full cost is due at the time of booking
  • There are no AP, DVC, or other discounts available for EMM
  • Note, for reference, MK's version of EMM was $69 adult/$59 ages 3-9 from 2016-Nov 2018 and is changing to $79 / $69 12/2/2018, so both EMM events will be the same cost.
  • DISers report that you are able to pay for EMM via Disney gift card by calling

Do I Need DHS Park Tickets To Experience EMM?

  • Yes, you must have an EMM reservation AND valid DHS park admission.
  • Your MagicBand (or other ticket media) will be scanned at the tapstyles before entering the park that morning.

What Is The EMM Cancellation Policy?
  • There is a 1 day cancellation policy for EMM.
  • The full price will be forfeited if a guest cancels within 1 day or no shows for the reservation.
  • Note: There is language on Disney's EMM page that says "tickets are nonrefundable" - this is NOT accurate. If you go through the booking process and read the actual terms/conditions, it notes the 1 day cancellation policy.

How Do I Book EMM?


What's Up with the 7AM & 7:30AM Reservation Times?

  • Disney is doing something different with reservation slots for DHS/TSL EMM compared to MK EMM.
  • For most dates, Disney has first been making a 7:30AM time slot available to book.
  • When/if the 7:30AM slot sells out or gets close to selling out, Disney has been adding a 7:00AM time slot for booking.
  • Most (but not all) dates so far have ultimately had "both" time slots bookable.
  • To date, there is NO difference in how Disney handles 7AM or 7:30AM reservations at the event - everyone is treated the same.
  • It appears this is a "slow loading" technique to encourage a more gradual arrival of guests vs all at once.
    • Note! Disney's website contains the following language: "Guests with a 7:30 AM reservation will first enjoy Toy Story Land followed by breakfast, served until 10:00 AM. Based on capacity, we may make other reservation times available, with breakfast preceding the park experience for these Guests."
    • Again, in practice, anyone can arrive early and eat before the event and anyone can eat up until 10am - there has been absolutely no difference in how 7AM and 7:30AM reservations are treated so far.

How Does It Work When I Arrive / Event Logistics?

  • These details can vary by a few minutes on any given day, but generally speaking:
    • 6:45-6:50'ish - they'll let you in the front park gate
    • Breakfast is available at this point if so inclined
    • 7:10-7:25'ish - they'll let you past the Chinese Theater and head towards TSL

How Do I Get to DHS So Early in the Morning via WDW Transportation?
  • Guests have been let in for breakfast as early as approx 6:45AM and the land has been opening for everyone around 7:10-20AM based on recent reports). For most folks, this makes for an early morning and raises many questions about transportation options.
  • Disney has a big fat disclaimer on the DHS EMM "Know Before You Go" info:
    • If using Walt Disney World transportation, be sure to confirm schedules as reservation times may be outside of regular transit operating hours. Please allow up to 1.5 hours to get to your destination when traveling within Walt Disney World property.
  • Generally speaking, your options are going to be as follows:
    • Drive Yourself - if you have a vehicle.
    • Resort Bus - these generally start running 6/6:30AMish every day of the year BUT buses that early can be infrequent. During your stay, you can check the My Disney Experience app for current bus wait times or check electronic boards at the bus stop.
    • Minnie Van - Minnie Vans start running at 6:30AM. Availability at that hour may may be a concern.
    • Uber / Lyft / Taxi - Generally speaking availability should be good even at the early hour.
    • For some large parties and/or specific car seat needs, pre-arranging transportation through a company like Mears may be preferable: http://www.mearstransportation.com
    • As with most "Getting From Point A to B" discussions regarding WDW, I recommend having a good handle on your options and to stay flexible that morning based on conditions. Having a Plan A, B, and C when it comes to early morning travel is usually a good plan as is building in more time than you think you may need.... just in case!

Does EMM Impact Crowds for Non-EMM Rope Drop Guests?

  • The short answer is no, there is no material impact on normal rope drop procedures on an EMM morning vs non-EMM morning.
  • The guest count for EMM is too small relative to the overall park guest count to have any impact, plus the large majority of EMM guests will have had their fill of TSL and at rope drop will be heading out to do other park rides or eat breakfast.
  • Rope drop guests should expect to arrive in TSL approx 8:45/8:50'ish, which is approximately the same as a non-EMM day.
  • Non-EMM guests may see some impact on Woodie/Jessie (and to a lesser extent) Buzz character waits as some EMM guests wait until the end to meet characters and these are slow moving lines.

Event Handout
Thanks to @Where'sPiglet? for the pic!
Handout Front_April 2019.jpg Handout Back_April 2019.jpg
 
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DHS EMM Past & Current Dates

Dates Posted/Made Available for Booking Notes:
Sept-Dec 2018 dates were posted 8/22/2018
Jan 2019 dates were posted 9/24/2018
Feb and March 2019 were posted 10/6/2018
11/19, 11/21, 12/24 & 12/31 2018 & 1/2 2019 were posted 10/19/2018
11/5/2018 was posted 10/25/2018
November 2018 Fridays were posted 11/5/2018
April 2019 dates were posted 12/18/2018
March 2019 Fridays were posted 2/8/2019
May 2019 was posted 2/8/2019
June-August 2019 dates were posted 2/24/2019


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Links to DISer Event Review Posts

@Trinity88 - 8/26/2019

@BlueLion - 8/14/2019
@Figment1990 - 8/14/2019

@123SA - 8/7/2019

@Coach Holden - 8/5/2019
@Boardgaming - 8/5/2019
@dachsie - 8/5/2019
@ambellina - 8/5/2019
@JeninTexas - 8/5/2019

@Figment Mom - 7/29/2019
@ColoradoMom12 - 7/29/2019
@hvanes - 7/29/2019
@mmackeymouse - 7/29/2019

@ThePearlOfTheGrotto - 7/22/2019

@PrincessP - 7/17/2019

@Candycane83 - 7/15/2019
@disneymagicgirl - 7/15/2019
@sgirardots - 7/15/2019
@MudQueen22 - 7/15/2019

@Nicoleam123 - 7/10/2019

@tiffyms02 - 7/3/2019

@beourguest2009 - 7/1/2019
@PrincessArlena'sDad - 7/1/2019
@Suejacken - 7/1/2019
@WRLeGrand - 7/1/2019

@Wolfli - 6/26/2019

@huckabear - 6/24/2019

@sequoia 14 - 6/17/2019
@tarak - 6/17/2019
@kwiatamanda - 6/17/2019
@Di$neyCPA - 6/17/2019
@GPirate - 6/17/2019
@ekendall2 - 6/17/2019

@Shadet - 6/12/2019
@mekay1012 - 6/12/2019
@snoopboop - 6/12/2019
@Jessirip - 6/12/2019
@magickingdomprincess - 6/12/2019

@Kmc330 - 6/10/2019
@Lop460 - 6/10/2019
@MeeskaMooska13 - 6/10/2019

@ml sumner - 6/5/2019
@princessebird - 6/5/2019
@Katrina Y - 6/5/2019
@Mac30188 - 6/5/2019

@Doberge - 6/3/2019
@Dracarys - 6/3/2019
@snoopy352 - 6/3/2019
@CaleCakes - 6/3/2019
@Chiasgirl - 6/3/2019

@cheshiregoofy22 - 5/29/2019
@pookie73 - 5/29/2019

@Ben Linus - 5/27/2019
@mykidsmom - 5/27/2019
@Smrtalec33 - 5/27/2019
@SBWB48 - 5/27/2019
@bperk3 - 5/27/2019

@DisneyFamilyof4! - 5/22/2019
@Graciegirl5 - 5/22/2019
@CarlyMur09 - 5/22/2019
@WDW1970 - 5/22/2019

@firsttimemom - 5/20/2019
@Madame - 5/20/2019

@SinCityMMAFan - 5/13/2019

@louey - 5/8/2019
@dachsie - 5/8/2019

@RachaelA - 5/6/2019
@aebeauregard - 5/6/2019

@Mermaidtails1323 - 4/30/2019

@Woody412 - 4/24/2019

@TammyLynn33 - 4/21/2019

@exnihilio13 - 4/?/2019

@JerseyTraveler - 4/10/2019
@cincystamper - 4/10/2019 & Part 2

@BWVPam - 4/4/2019

@Mrjoshua - 4/3/2019

@ccw - 4/1/2019
@Where'sPiglet? - 4/1/2019

@MaggieBags - 3/27/2019
@michelepa - 3/27/2019
@Dr Gunnie - 3/27/2019

@WhitneyMB - 3/25/2019

@Herbst20 - 3/20/2019

@mydisneyanytime - 3/18/2019
@TISHLOVESDISNEY - 3/18/2019
@CoCoMo - 3/18/2019

@WaterLinds - 3/15/2019 & Full Review Here
@disneymagicgirl - 3/15/2019

@spamuel - 3/11/2019
@Branderson610 - 3/11/2019

@3darlings - 3/8/2019

@CAStevens218 - 3/6/2019
@MonaMN - 3/6/2019
@disneymagic246 - 3/6/2019

@pal6860 - 3/4/2019
@DWFamilyof6 - 3/4/2019
@Dmwc484 - 3/4/2019

@Lease257 - 2/25/2019
@aimes0105 - 2/25/2019
@minnie-may - 2/25/2019

@iujen94 - 2/20/2019
@acgardne - 2/20/2019
@Ermise - 2/20/2019

[SIZE=3]@Ils[/SIZE] - 2/18/2019
@Avery&Todd - 2/18/2019 & Here

@Eeyore's the Best - 2/13/2019
@Stasieki - 2/13/2019
@mlnbabies - 2/13/2019

@kerepka625 - 2/11/2019
@RedK - 2/11/2019

@JediMom43014 - 2/6/2019
@bosspringsteen - 2/6/2019
@Rachel GB - 2/6/2019

Note: Starting 2/6/2019, the breakfast location was moved from ABC Commissary to Backlot Express.

@Maine Disney First Timer - 2/4/2019

@DisneyDogFan - 1/30/2019
@rxbeth - 1/30/2019
@TreeFalls - 1/30/2019
@jsmla - 1/30/2019 & Part 2/URL]
@Apopper74 - 1/28/2019
@JessM - 1/28/2019
@Lisa F - 1/23/2019
@Eeyore54 fred - 1/21/2019
@DisHeels - 1/21/2019
@alrushton - 1/21/2019
@Grasshopper2016 - 1/21/2019
@ems58 - 1/21-2019
@Sheree - 1/14/2019
@ilanakan - 1/7/2019
@czmom - 1/2/2019
@Taka - 1/2/2019
@fumipappa - 1/2/2019
@ninafeliz - 1/2/2019
@GADisneyDad14 - 12/31/2018 & Bigger Report with Photos Here
@poohey - 12/31/2018
@frisbeego - 12/24/2018
@Jasperann - 12/24/2018
@djc9699 12/17/2018
@KCF1216 - 12/14/2018
@Ek0804 - 12/14/2018
@PatrickN24 - 12/12/2018
@sapphirerose915 - 12/10/2018
@Ariel620 - 12/10/2018
@MagicalMawMaw - 12/10/2018
@Temp77 - 12/7/2018
@AllThingsMickey4 - 12/5/2018 & 12/5/2018
@dachsie - 12/5/2018
@OhhBother - 12/5/2018
@mrsxsparrow - 12/5/2018
@StacyStrong - 12/5/2018
@mwheatley - 12/3/2018
@duck524 - 12/3/2018
@Mrjoshua - 12/3/2018
@Eve & Wall-e - 12/3/2018
@BissyBobbitiBoo - 11/30/2018
@Brett Wyman - 11/28/2018
@Kdp2 - 11/28/2018
@Babs1975 - 11/28/2018
@EmCredible - 11/28/2018 & 11/28/2018
@kniquy - 11/28/2018
@jennab - 11/26/2018
@scjo68 - 11/23/2018
@princesswahooey - 11/21/2018
@abs1978 - 11/21/2018
@kittylady1972 - 11/19/2018
@summerskye - 11/19/2018
@ColoradoMom12 - 11/19/2018
@Nferk - 11/14/2018 (very detailed time stamps)
@AdandO - 11/14/2018
@MKTokyo - 11/12/2018
@tracee22 - 11/7/2018
@TinkSassy - 11/7/2018
@DisneyToddlers - 11/7/2018
@suzymouse724 - 11/7/2018
@disneyworldsk - 11/5/2018
@jennc27 - 10/31/2018
@aliceinvunderland - 10/31/2018
@aviva5675 - 10/31/2018
@CinderellaDream - 10/29/2018
@ninafeliz - 10/29/2018
@MattH - 10/29/2018
@Stephie16343 - 10/24/2018
@KrazeeK120 - 10/22/2018
@gracielou - 10/22/2018
@MalamuteMom - 10/22/2018
@AAhawk - 10/22/2018
@MelOhioDis - 10/17/2018
@QueenHeather - 10/17/2018
@VTHappyGirl - 10/17/2018
@CarolynFH - 10/15/2018
@gatechfan99 - 10/15/2018
@Planner2012 - 10/15/2018
@Disney & ME - 10/10/2018
Note: 10/8/2018 was Columbus Day, a holiday for many folks.
@kat_lh - 10/8/2018
@kat_lh - 10/8/2018 - Food Comments
@GADisneyDad14 - 10/8/2018
@GADisneyDad14 - 10/8/2018 - Add'l Comments
@Tigger in a kilt - 10/8/2018
@jwolfpack - 10/8/2018
@GADisneyDad14 - 10/8/2018 - Full Thoughts & Pics (2 posts)
@cdurham1 - 10/8/2018
@kat_lh - 10/8/2018 - Full Review & Pics
@SuJo - 10/8/2018
@Staceycs - 10/3/2018
@pangyal - 10/3/2018
@Disneyd923 - 10/1/2018
@TinkerBeth18 - 10/1/2018
@Mrs. P. Charming - 10/1/2018
Note: The first two events below did not feature the "dual reservation times."
@mrocco90 - 9/24/2018
@luvdisney73 - 9/24/2018
@minniemousepancake - 9/24/2018
@VAtink - 9/17/2018
@VAtink - 9/17/2018 - Pics
@Tinkerbell8956 - 9/17/2018
@Tinkerbell8956 - 9/17/2018 - Food Pics/URL

@Dracarys on 6/3/2019 said: For anyone else who has been wondering about Jedi Training with EMM. We did 6/3 EMM and left around 8:45 to sign up for JT. We made it over there about 8:50 and only waited 15 min to sign up. 9:40 and 11am were full, but we had our pick of the rest. We went with 1:40, which ended up being cancelled due to lightning in the area. They do try to do something special for the kids since they won’t get to fight anyone. They did a photo op with Darth Vader inside Star Tours and let the kids/parents ride Star Tours immediately after. They also still gave the Jedi Training pin.

@Maine Disney First Timer on 2/4/2019 said: We left and went straight to jedi signups and were in line by 8:58. We waited 38 min to sign up for jedi training. Around 1pm was the earliest available. We chose 3:00 bc of our fp schedule. Had to be there by 2:30.
@TreeFalls on 1/30/2019 said: We did Jedi training sign ups right after, it took about 15 minutes, only the very first show was full by the time we signed up. Then we rode Star Tours and ate second breakfast.
@TinkerBeth18 on 10/1/2018 said: Went immediately at 8:45 to sign up for Jedi training and had to wait 30 minutes. The earliest time they had available was 11:40.
@pangyal on 10/3/2018 said: We asked about signups for Jedi Training and were told that nobody would be stationed until PPO breakfast time started (8am). We decided not to leave toy story land just to sign up when we had such little time there anyway.
@Taka on 1/2/2019 said: When leaving TSL around 8:45, mass crowd came into TSL. After TSL, we signed up JEDI training. It was 30mins wait. And all slots were still opened except first two shows.
 
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YAY! But looks like Disney is totally skimping on the breakfast with this one. Contintental? One of the reasons we find value in the EMM at MK is because the breakfast is so hearty and we use it as a brunch without eating another meal until dinner. We will still totally do this at least once, but it may not be the value that the one at MK is. Although it does seem like they will have the characters out, which is a huge bonus over MK.
 
YAY! But looks like Disney is totally skimping on the breakfast with this one. Contintental? One of the reasons we find value in the EMM at MK is because the breakfast is so hearty and we use it as a brunch without eating another meal until dinner. We will still totally do this at least once, but it may not be the value that the one at MK is. Although it does seem like they will have the characters out, which is a huge bonus over MK.
It says you get a choice of a main dish like fried chicken with a cronut
 
Interesting. Costs more than EMM at fantasyland and can’t wait to hear a review on the breakfast offerings.

I’m sure it will be super fun for the rides. Just wish it was the same price and a similar menu. My kid is a pretty good eater, but not sure she would like avocado toast or chicken for breakfast.

Although I think breakfast at these things is just icing on the cake, the rides are the main event.
 
Interesting. Costs more than EMM at fantasyland and can’t wait to hear a review on the breakfast offerings.

I’m sure it will be super fun for the rides. Just wish it was the same price and a similar menu. My kid is a pretty good eater, but not sure she would like avocado toast or chicken for breakfast.

Although I think breakfast at these things is just icing on the cake, the rides are the main event.
Ha! Just saw i cross posted with some friends up above!
 
Sounds awesome! I might try it if it’s offered at a later trip. Eager to hear about the buffet!
 
Thanks so much! On the link, it says nonrefundable, but in guest policies it states there is a 1 day cancellation policy. This is probably true considering EMM is refundable at MK, right? A little bit on the fence about booking unless there is a cancellation policy. Thanks!
 

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