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Is early entry worth it at Magic Kingdom?

Unlike the old Extra Magic Hours perk (which was only at 1-2 parks per day), Early Entry happens every day, at every park, including at Magic Kingdom. Because of the sheer number of extremely popular attractions, we highly recommend you plan to use Early Entry at Magic Kingdom if you are eligible.



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Arriving at the Magic Kingdom 30–60 minutes before official opening ensures the shortest possible waits for rides. Off-site guests, who aren't eligible for Early Theme Park Entry, should arrive 30 minutes before official opening on all days.

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There's too much in the park to easily do in a single day. It's probably more of a one-and-a-half or two-day park. That said, this is a one day itinerary post, and there are a few approaches you can take to have one very good nearly perfect day at Magic Kingdom.

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Because Magic Kingdom is often the number one park on visitors' lists, they'll hit it first on their trip. If they arrive on a weekend, that makes it a Sunday or Monday! Generally, Tuesdays through Thursdays are much less crowded than other days of the week.

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However, most people can also go and take a nap and then come back and enjoy the extra magic hours at night. So you're more likely to have more people during the nighttime extended hours than daytime. However, it is still less crowded at night, and the weather is better once the sun goes down.

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Go Early 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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However, there are still times of the year that are better than others as far as crowd size. We tend to find that the slowest times at Disney World are in the early fall, like September and the late winter, like February.

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A surge of early birds arrive before or around opening time but are quickly dispersed throughout the empty park. After the initial wave is absorbed, there's a lull lasting about an hour after opening. Then the park is inundated for about 2 hours, peaking between 10 a.m. and noon.

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Saturdays and Sundays are usually the busiest days of the week. I've had some of my favorite times at the Resort during the summer months and major holidays, but to be on the safe side, you'll want to avoid those days because there will be many families squeezing in the magic while they're out of school.

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If it's your first time visiting, we recommend you begin the trip at Disneyland Park for a feel of the original Disney magic across its nine themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, Mickey's Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge®.

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Is Genie+ available during Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours or After Hours events? No, Genie+ and the individual Lightning Lane selections are only available during normal park hours.

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Disney Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to skip the standby line and use the Lightning Lane entrance at select attractions.

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In general, you can expect Magic Kingdom to close between 9PM and 11PM most days. The park tends to stay open later during times when Disney expects crowds. BUT, there are days when Magic Kingdom closes as early as 6PM because of special events.

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Disney After Hours is a specially ticketed event (meaning it's a ticket that is purchased separate from regular park tickets) that allows people to enter Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom at 7 p.m. and stay until midnight or 1 a.m. (ending time varies by date).

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Is Disney Lightning Lane Worth it Conclusion. As a general rule of thumb we do find the Disney World Lightning Lane to be worth it if you can find a way to save 60 minutes per attraction at a cost of under $11.00 per attraction.

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These are the top 10 most in-demand Genie+ Lightning Lane selections that “sell out” the fastest in Magic Kingdom:
  • Jungle Cruise.
  • Peter Pan's Flight.
  • Space Mountain.
  • Big Thunder Mountain.
  • See The Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall.
  • See Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater.
  • Haunted Mansion.
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade.


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Between the rides, stage shows and other entertainment, there is a ton to see and do at Magic Kingdom and the pressure to experience everything can be anxiety-inducing, to say the least. Admittedly, to truly see and do it all at Magic Kingdom, you do need to spend at least two days.

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Between the rides, stage shows and other entertainment, there is a ton to see and do at Magic Kingdom and the pressure to experience everything can be anxiety-inducing, to say the least. Admittedly, to truly see and do it all at Magic Kingdom, you do need to spend at least two days.

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Sit towards the back of the theatre for a quieter experience. Don't want to watch the show? You can still relax and enjoy the air-conditioned lobby area full of benches! There's also a set of rocking chairs right outside The Hall of Presidents that is a great spot for a little one to nap if you find it empty!

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