Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests at Walt Disney World

One of our favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is Early Theme Park Entry! If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, this benefit allows you to enter the Walt Disney World theme parks before the park officially opens to day guests.

It may only be 30 minutes, but those 30 minutes can make a big difference, especially if your family is hoping to ride a popular attraction before the biggest crowds of the day arrive.

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The nice part is you plan to only take advantage of this perk on the days it works with your schedule! Read ahead to find out how it will best work for your family!

What Is Early Theme Park Entry?

Early Theme Park Entry is a benefit for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other participating hotels. This perk gives eligible Guests 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks on each day of their stay, including check-in and check-out days.

This can be a great way to get a head start on your park day, especially if you are planning to visit a popular attraction first thing in the morning.

You will still need valid theme park admission, and theme park reservations may be required depending on your ticket type. It is always a good idea to check the official Walt Disney World website before your trip for the most current park hours and details.

Why We Love Using Early Entry

We love staying at a Disney Resort when visiting Walt Disney World, and Early Entry is one of the benefits we use often.

If your family is already up early, it can be a great way to make the most of your morning. You can head straight to a popular attraction, get a jump start before the park gets busy, or simply enjoy a quieter start to your day.

Early Entry is especially helpful if there is one ride your family really wants to experience. Getting into the park before the general crowd can help you get in line early and potentially save time later in the day.

What Is Open During Early Entry?

It is important to know that not every part of the park is always open during Early Entry. Only select areas and attractions are typically available, so you will want to check the My Disney Experience app before your visit.

Here is a general idea of what may be available during Early Entry:

Magic Kingdom

At Magic Kingdom, Early Entry usually includes access to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

This can be a great time to head toward attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, or other popular rides in those areas.

EPCOT

At EPCOT, Early Entry typically includes areas such as World Discovery, World Celebration, and select popular attractions.

Some of the popular options may include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and Spaceship Earth.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At Hollywood Studios, Early Entry may include Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sunset Boulevard, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

This can be a helpful morning strategy if your family wants to ride Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, or Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

At Animal Kingdom, more of the park may be accessible during Early Entry. Popular attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and Expedition Everest are often good options.

Kilimanjaro Safaris may not always open right away during Early Entry, but you can still use that time to get toward the front of the line before it opens, especially since many Guests head straight to Flight of Passage.

Early Entry Is Not Just for Rides

While many families use Early Entry to get in line for popular attractions, that is not the only way to use it.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy Early Entry is to simply walk into the park while it is still quiet. If you do not have a ride that is a top priority, this can be a wonderful time to grab breakfast, take photos, or enjoy the atmosphere before the park gets busy.

Most guests are rushing toward the biggest attractions, which means other areas of the park can feel much calmer first thing in the morning.

Tips for Using Early Entry at Disney World

• To make the most of Early Entry, try to arrive at the park before Early Entry actually begins. You will still need time to go through security, scan into the park, and walk to the area where you want to start.
• It also helps to have a plan before you arrive. Choose one main attraction or area as your first priority so you are not trying to decide once you are already inside the park.
• Be sure to check the park hours in the My Disney Experience app the night before, since times and available attractions can change.

Is Early Entry Worth It?

For many families, yes, Early Entry is worth using, especially if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel and want to make the most of your park day.

It is not something you have to use every single morning, but it can be a great option for the parks where you have a high-priority attraction. It can also be a nice way to enjoy a quieter breakfast or slower start inside the park before the crowds build.

If your family is already staying on Disney property, Early Entry is definitely a perk worth keeping in mind as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation.

Final Thoughts on Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests

Early Theme Park Entry is one of the helpful benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Whether you use it to ride a popular attraction, get in line early, enjoy a quiet breakfast, or simply start your day before the biggest crowds arrive, it can be a great way to add a little extra magic to your morning.

More helpful planning articles!

• Guide to Park Hopping at Walt Disney World
• Disney Resort Transportation Guide
• How to Plan a Split Stay at Disney Resorts