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How early can you get into the Disney parks?

Early Entry at the Disneyland Resort Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes before regular park opening to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping locations.



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Early Theme Park Entry allows Disney Resort Guests (as well as guests from other select hotels) the opportunity to enter any of the 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) 30 minutes before non-Disney Resort guests.

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Theme Park Hours Magic Kingdom: 9:00am to 9:00pm or 10:00pm. EPCOT: 9:00am to 9:00pm. Disney's Hollywood Studios: 9:00am to 9:00pm. Disney's Animal Kingdom: 8:00am or 9:00am to 7:00pm.

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Early Theme Park Entry is a perk of staying at a Disney hotel or select other hotel that allows these guests access to every park, every day, for 30 minutes before the park opens.

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Early Entry at Magic Kingdom is a good way for on-site guests of Walt Disney World hotels to get a head-start, accomplishing a few attractions with low waits.

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We like to arrive at the bag check line about 70 minutes before park opening because this is almost always early enough to beat the crowds and breeze through. On busier days, if you arrive at bag check under an hour in advance of park opening, you could be waiting 15 minutes at bag check.

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When is the show? Magic Kingdom Fireworks are at 9pm on most nights.

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If you drive, the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) parking lot opens about 2 hours before the park's official opening. After paying a fee, you're directed to a parking space, then transported by tram to the TTC, where you catch either a monorail or a ferry to the park's entrance.

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The WORST times to visit Walt Disney World are:
  • December 26-31. This is the most crowded and most expensive time of year. ...
  • Mid-February through mid-April (or later, depending on the date of Easter). ...
  • Midsummer (June through early August).


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If you're worried about your kids remembering the trip, you may want to wait until they're at least 5 or 6 years old to visit. Of course, a 5-year-old will be able to remember a Disney trip when they're older. Still, children under 5 probably won't remember much.

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However, that has changed. You now can only park hop AFTER 2PM. So you'll have to wait until well after lunchtime if you're planning on visiting another park. However, this rule is different for Annual Passholders.

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Early Theme Park Entry grants Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests access to any of the resort's theme parks — Disney's Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney's Animal Kingdom — 30 minutes before the parks open to the public. And the best part? This perk is offered every day now through 2024.

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Disney World's Extended Evening Hours are available for those staying at Disney World Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green.

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Parades and nighttime firework shows at Magic Kingdom are a definite must-see during a visit to Walt Disney World. They are extremely popular, which means they are also very frequently crowded. But – don't stress! We have tips to help you find the perfect spot to enjoy them.

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Off-peak times fall around January, February, September, and early November. Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times.

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Second, annual passholders may enter the parks after 2PM without a reservation, except for Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays. Blockout dates still apply for these guests. Third, and most important, there is a partial exception for guests who are park hopping, which we'll discuss next.

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If you want to avoid long lines there's no simpler way than to wake up early and get to the park before it opens. Whether you have access to early entry or not, being at the park entrance before it opens will save you lots of time. Usually, you can get in 2-3 rides during the first hour of park operation.

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Depending on what season you go to Disney World, you'll want either shorts or comfortable stretchy jeans/pants. Black leggings are a great go-to for comfort and durability. During the summer months, always opt for shorter bottoms. A note: You do not have to wear only pants/shorts to Disney world!

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