Tonight’s the night!
Do resort guests still have their own entrance?
Where is it?
What time should I arrive for 6:30 opening?
Thanks for everyone’s help!
Read your response about hotel check-in! Yes, the resort entrance is still there, but I’ve never walked that distance so I don’t know where it is :^(. Stick to one of the side turnstiles as opposed to the ones that face the wrought-iron gate head-on. Everybody sees the lines for HHN, and the first lines they see are the middle ones, making them the longest by a wide margin, but the sides are good. The resort access point should be on the right side when you’re facing the park, so you’ll be good to stay over there.
The park opens at 6, typically, not 6:30, and I’ve been the very first person at the turnstiles by getting there at about 4:50. That was on the second night of the event. Getting there early also means that you won’t have to fight all of those crowds to get into any kind of line.
If you’re going by yourself and get there earlyish, it’s always fun to talk to the people in line with you (if you can tell they’re feeling it). Having gone to the event right at opening four times this year, I’ve made two friends, one of which brought his friend group along once they showed up and we all hung out until about 11. The other friend and her family and I did UCM and Graveyard Games together. Last year I overheard a family that was taking the trip for one woman’s birthday, but they had no idea what was going to be there. I offered up explanations of the properties as well as a few tips, they offered to get me Express, and I led my own unofficial RIP tour. Talking in line can not only fill your time/benefit you, but can make another person’s night a lot better by means of actually getting houses done with strategy.
Hope this helps a little!