Early entry is a magical perk for Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and select partner hotels, offering the chance to enter the parks 30 minutes before the general public. While half an hour may not seem like much, it can make a huge difference in your day, especially if you have a plan to maximize the time.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of early entry, including expert tips and must-know strategies!
Set That Alarm
To fully take advantage of early entry, you’ll need to be an early riser. Aiming to leave your hotel approximately an hour before early entry begins gives you enough time to navigate transportation, security, and park entry. By doing so, you’ll be among the first in line to enjoy your favorite attractions without the long wait.
Although getting up early might feel like a sacrifice during your vacation, it’s a small price to pay for the reward of experiencing Disney magic with shorter lines and fewer crowds. Plus, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Know Your Transportation Options
Transportation is a key component of your early entry strategy. Depending on where you’re staying, your options may include:
- Buses: Available at all Disney Resort hotels.
- Disney Skyliner: A fantastic option if you’re staying at Skyliner resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
- Monorail: Perfect for Guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
- Boats: Available from select resorts, such as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
- Walking Paths: If you’re staying at resorts like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can stroll right to the parks.
Plan your transportation the night before to avoid confusion in the morning. Knowing where to go and how to get there ensures a stress-free start to your day.
Don’t Forget Your Park Pass
To enter during early entry, Guests must have:
- A valid theme park ticket.
- A Park Pass reservation for the specific park you plan to visit.
Park Pass reservations can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so it’s essential to secure them well in advance. Without both a ticket and a reservation, you won’t be able to enjoy the perks of early entry.
Have a Game Plan
Not all attractions are open during early entry, so it’s vital to prioritize which rides you want to experience. Here’s a breakdown of attractions typically available during early entry:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- And more!
EPCOT
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Mania!
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- DINOSAUR
Review the list for your chosen park and decide which ride you’ll tackle first. Focus on high-demand attractions, as this is your best chance to experience them with minimal wait.
Strategize Like a Pro
When it comes to early entry, not all rides are created equal. For instance:
- Magic Kingdom: Start with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain.
- EPCOT: Head straight to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Prioritize Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage is a must, followed by Expedition Everest.
By hitting these top attractions first, you’ll save time and enjoy a more leisurely day.
Make the Most of Early Entry
With thoughtful planning and preparation, early entry can set the tone for an incredible day at Walt Disney World. Wake up early, know your transportation options, and have a solid plan in place to maximize this magical perk.
Whether you’re soaring through space, racing through the galaxy, or exploring Pandora, those 30 extra minutes will feel like pure Disney magic.
