Rope Drop Tactics

[rabbitsmoon]

We got there a little after 8 AM and felt waayy late to the party. Thankfully we had some business to conduct at Guest Services. So we were ushered through to that desk, and then afterwards were directed to a very short security line all the way to the right, rather than being sent back to the beginning of the queue.

They started filling the area in front of the Chronos around 8:30. The music in this area is so great, and has a ticking clock motif in it that leads to the Chronos activating/spinning. We were unleashed into the park around 8:50 AM.

The Nintendo EPA chokepoint is atrocious. I tried to go through the exit, but was turned away by TMs. I don't know if they feel like the exit's too wide of an area to police, but you'd think they'd want to spread out the folks rushing into SNW.

I know I'm not the first to say this, but it would be really great if they could figure out a different way to filter resort and non-resort guests in the morning to make this all smoother.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

We got there a little after 8 AM and felt waayy late to the party. Thankfully we had some business to conduct at Guest Services. So we were ushered through to that desk, and then afterwards were directed to a very short security line all the way to the right, rather than being sent back to the beginning of the queue.

They started filling the area in front of the Chronos around 8:30. The music in this area is so great, and has a ticking clock motif in it that leads to the Chronos activating/spinning. We were unleashed into the park around 8:50 AM.

The Nintendo EPA chokepoint is atrocious. I tried to go through the exit, but was turned away by TMs. I don't know if they feel like the exit's too wide of an area to police, but you'd think they'd want to spread out the folks rushing into SNW.

I know I'm not the first to say this, but it would be really great if they could figure out a different way to filter resort and non-resort guests in the morning to make this all smoother.

Did they not have a queue in the main pathway splitting hotel guests from other guests? Did they change that recently?

 

[rabbitsmoon]

I only saw them checking cards at the portals, but might have missed a separation on the main pathway, since we cut straight through from shuttle drop off to guest services, and that main line was very far back.

 

[Frank Drackman]

I only saw them checking cards at the portals, but might have missed a separation on the main pathway, since we cut straight through from shuttle drop off to guest services, and that main line was very far back.

in the past, they stopped non-epa up nearer to the stores, maybe past the 1st concierge desk (near the unbuilt restaurant(s)) on one side and along side Atlantic on the other -- sounds like the checks (when you went) were at the portals themselves (and I assume Stardust).

I think things are still adjusting/changing/trying different ideas.

 

[Fritz]

We got there a little after 8 AM and felt waayy late to the party. Thankfully we had some business to conduct at Guest Services. So we were ushered through to that desk, and then afterwards were directed to a very short security line all the way to the right, rather than being sent back to the beginning of the queue.

They started filling the area in front of the Chronos around 8:30. The music in this area is so great, and has a ticking clock motif in it that leads to the Chronos activating/spinning. We were unleashed into the park around 8:50 AM.

The Nintendo EPA chokepoint is atrocious. I tried to go through the exit, but was turned away by TMs. I don't know if they feel like the exit's too wide of an area to police, but you'd think they'd want to spread out the folks rushing into SNW.

I know I'm not the first to say this, but it would be really great if they could figure out a different way to filter resort and non-resort guests in the morning to make this all smoother.

Ugh this doesn’t sound great. For an 9 am EPA and 10 am regular park opening what time would you suggest getting there? Are you sitting in the sun the whole time you wait?

We’re staying at Terra Luna which I think only has a shuttle to get to the park versus a walking path. Does anyone know if that’s true?

Can I ask what ride you did first for EPA and how long you waited?

Sorry for all the questions but just anxious about making the most out of my trip! We’re doing next Friday and Saturday (6/20 and 6/21)

 

[Skold]

I was there two weeks ago, here's what I would recommend:

For an 9 am EPA and 10 am regular park opening what time would you suggest getting there? Are you sitting in the sun the whole time you wait?

7:50, and you are in the sun for most of it. You'll be in the park around 8:50 though.

We’re staying at Terra Luna which I think only has a shuttle to get to the park versus a walking path. Does anyone know if that’s true?

This is true. You can walk but it is considerable backtracking. Stella Nova has a much better (and real) walking path.

Can I ask what ride you did first for EPA and how long you waited?

Mario Kart, 20 minutes which included a 10 or 15 minute breakdown/delay.

 

[rabbitsmoon]

Can I ask what ride you did first for EPA and how long you waited?

Sorry for all the questions but just anxious about making the most out of my trip! We’re doing next Friday and Saturday (6/20 and 6/21)

Our first ride of EPA was DK, and we walked right on. Then did Yoshi as a walk-on, followed by Stardust at 15-20 minutes and Hiccups right around park opening at 5 minutes.

I'd done MK in Hollywood, and was worried about delays and just generally how long it takes to get through one race, so we did it later in the day.

But try to enjoy this anxious anticipation phase while you're in it! Now that it's over and I'm back home, I miss it all-- even that part. Rest easy, though. With 2 days you should be set up really well!

 

[Fritz]

Thank you both very much! Truly can’t wait.

I think I like the idea of rope dropping DK then trying to hit up Yoshi and Stardust. Will play it by ear based on any delays.

 

[bagphrases]

Finally making my trip this weekend and I'm trying to take advantage of EPA as much as I can. Is the list of EPA attractions on the UOR website accurate? I've seen people here mention Donkey Kong being open as well. Does it vary day to day?

• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Yoshi’s Adventure™
• Stardust Racers
• Constellation Carousel
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Curse of the Werewolf

 

[rabbitsmoon]

Donkey Kong was open when I went. I think that's the usual, but I've seen it delayed many mornings. Seems like they flex in Berk and even MoM depending on crowd levels and operational concerns, but that's more rare.