Theme park queries

[Jan A]

Less than 2 weeks till our holiday now, but I've still got a few questions.

I've read that Animal Kingdom sometimes opens part of the park earlier than the official opening times (not just for Disney resort guests) - anyone know if this is correct and does it happen regularly?

Also where can I found out the parks' early opening for resort guests to avoid those days?

Finally my teenagers want to go to Universal - we've been before so we planned to drop them off and have a quiet day to ourselves - but I'm wondering whether 'dropping them off' and picking them up might be a bit complicated as I can't remember what the parking arrangements are for Universal Any suggestions or should we abandon this idea?

Thanks for your help
Jan A

[Nostromo]

Animal Kingdom officially opens its gates at 9am, but it helps to be there by 8:30 as sometimes they let you in earlier. The live animals are most active in the morning; the shows times vary and often start by 9:30am or later. You will have to check this at Guest Relations on arrival.

The EMH (busy) days for WDW parks for 2004 are as follows: MK - Sunday & Thursday; Epcot - Wednesday; MGM - Tuesday & Saturday; AK - Monday & Friday. So you have to AVOID the respective parks on those days.

I don't think you will have a problem dropping people off at Universal Studios, but they will have a longish walk to get to the parks anyway.

[ujpest doza]

Best to avoid Magic Kingdom on a saturday as well, absolute bedlam!

[Big Keith]

Just got back from our hols and in answer to your queries...

We went to Animal Kingdom on a Tuesday, got there at 8:30 and they let us in through the turnstiles, but then held everyone before the Tree of Life until about 8:50 before we were all let loose. Headed straight for the Kilmanjaro Safari, got straight onto the ride and saw all the animals at their most lively first thing in the morning. The rest of the day was pretty similar, short lines and not too crowded.

We went to Universal Studios first thing on a Friday and was amazed how empty it was. We did not have to queue for any ride, including the brilliant new Mummy one. We had done the entire park by 11:30! although the crowds seemed to be in Islands of Adventure as we walked across to there for the afternoon and it was packed. Not too sure about dropping off and picking up, probably best to use the taxi/bus lane as you enter the park. However, I doubt they will allow you to "hang around" waiting to pick the kids up at the end of the day.

[Nostromo]

For some inexplicable reason, Tuesday seems to be very quiet at Islands of Adventure. So, it may be a good idea to go there on a Tuesday before everyone else cottons on to the idea!

[wrpac00]

There is a drop off point at Universal where the cabs and coaches set down, much nearer than the car parks. i did it last year for No1 son and girlfriend.