One of the perks of being a guest at a Disney resort hotel is having Early Theme Park Entry access to each park every day. Disney World early entry allows you to enter the park of your choice 30 minutes before the posted opening time. Not all attractions are available, but you can knock out a few of the top attractions before the park opens to everyone. Here is what you need to know, broken down by park.
Splash Mountain is one of the rides available with Early Theme Park Entry in the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
This park will typically open at 9 am, but they allow all guests to enter Main Street for shopping and dining (Starbucks!) 1 hour before park opening.
How does that work with Early Theme Park Entry? Resort guests will need to move all the way to the Hub area, to the right of the castle. Cast Members will scan your Magic Band or resort key card and allow you to move forward to either the Tomorrowland bridge (for access to Space Mountain) or the Fantasyland bridge (for access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and others). Thirty minutes before park opening, or in this case 8:30, you’ll be allowed through the land and your first attraction.
Soarin’ Around the World is a great use of your Early Theme Park Entry access!
Epcot
With a typical daily opening time of 10 am, Epcot finally gives you a little breathing room in the morning. Some will suggest going through the International Gateway at the back entrance of Epcot, and his works best if you’re staying at these resorts: Pop Century, Art of Animation, Beach or Yacht Club, or the Boardwalk Inn. You could also take a bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios and then use the Skyliner, Friendship Boat, or walking path to get to Epcot.
Either way, you’ll be able to access Epcot at 9:30 when the posted park opening time is 10 am. If you enter through the International Gateway, you’ll want to head to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure first. Otherwise, pay for that ride using the Individual Lightning Lane. Coming in from the front gates, go to Test Track or Frozen first, if that’s a priority.
Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios typically opens at 9 am, and Early Park Entry will start at 8:30. You’ll be allowed entry to Hollywood Boulevard about 45 minutes before park opening (Starbucks will be open!) and you’ll want to arrive by 7:45 at the latest. Buy an Individual Lightning Lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and set up Genie+ for Slinky Dog Dash at 7 am. When Early Theme Park Entry starts you should head to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. or try Rock and Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.
DINOSAUR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is another great use of Early Theme Park Entry
Animal Kingdom
You’ll want to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage when it becomes available at 7 am. This park typically opens at 8 am, and Early Theme Park Entry starts at 7:30. You’ll want to be at the park by 6:45, or 7 at the latest. Since you already have Flight of Passage, go ahead to Na’vi River Journey, which will have a long line throughout the day. If you are using Individual Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage, and Genie+ for Na’vi River Journey and really want to beat the crowds, head over to Dinosaur for your first ride of the day.
Disney World Early Entry – Attractions available at each park:
*Subject to change at any time, be sure to check the Early Theme Park Entry information on Disney’s website before your trip!
Magic Kingdom Early Theme Park Entry includes Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The rest of the park will be available with regular park opening.
- “it’s a small world”
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Epcot
- Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
- Frozen Ever After
- Mission: SPACE
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Na’vi River Journey
- TriceraTop Spin
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