There are a lot of outside the box ways to experience Walt Disney World. many of them involve after-hours events. When it comes to getting into the parks early, you hear a lot about “rope drop” but nobody really says much about how to get into the parks before they open. There are just as many opportunities to get into Disney parks before they open as there are for after they close. More and more Disney World parks are becoming accessible to more people with different schedules. There are even cheaper tickets for those who show up mid-day. As for the early park entry, it’s the most ideal time to extend your hours in the park because most people have greater difficulty showing up early than going in later. With that in mind, here are some ways to gain early entry to Disney parks.
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3 Ways to Get Into the Disney World Parks Before Opening Or Early Park Entry
Early Morning Magic
One really cool way to get into Disney parks before they open is with Early Morning Magic. This is a way to pay extra for the chance to get early park entry at specific parks. This option is not available all the time, so you have to check the calendar dates to see what applies. So far the only two parks to offer Early Morning Magic are the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Early Morning Magic grants guests access to a specific location within the park, such as Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, and Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition, to select rides, Early Morning Magic Guests have an optional breakfast buffet. Early Morning Magic is a great way to get a head start by targeting popular attractions before the crowds have a chance to get to them.
Extra Magic Hours
This less exclusive option is complementary to Disney resort guests. Extra Magic Hours are available at all parks. They are on a scheduled rotation and some of them are extended evening hours, while others are extended morning hours. The good news is the morning hours are the hardest for most people to make. With a little bit of careful planning and diligence, you can gain early access to the parks and beat the other guests to some of the attractions that are known to get very heavy lines later in the day.
Breakfast Reservations
Another very good way that requires more advance planning is breakfast reservations inside the park. Each of the parks has at least one character dining experience that is available before the park is scheduled to open. These reservations fill up very fast, though. You have to be among the first to book a table as soon as the 180-day mark hits. Keep the date circled on your calendar and make your reservation as early as you can. The earliest time you can book your reservation is 7:00 am EST. To improve your odds of success try scheduling the important meals later in your trip. Most people booking reservations will start with day one and move forward chronologically.
Seana Turner says
Great suggestions! How cool to get in before the throng arrives. I’ve only been to Disney a couple of times, and I didn’t get in early. I would have loved it though!
Janine says
Aw, Seana, I hope you get to do early hours maybe someday soon in the future now!! 🙂
Dara says
We always try to go right away in the morning to make it worthwhile! I hadn’t heard of early morning magic, that’s interesting that they are doing that now.
Janine says
Dara, definitely see if you can try to do this if you like to do the earlier portion of the day. I don’t think you’d be disappointed 🙂
Jen says
These are really good ideas1 We are going to Disney in February and I want to be able to get in early a few of the days. Thanks for sharing! Pinned!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share with you and so excited for your trip in February now!!! 🙂
William D Holland says
I’m sure this is good information for many….just not for me. 🙂 Snow on the way here….anything to stop the rains is fine by me. 🙂 Have a stupendous weekend, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, wishing you a wonderful Thursday and hope the snow isn’t too bad by you today!!
Meredith Spidel says
Super scoop, Janine! You know I am gathering up all the Disney tips I can before our trip! 🙂
Janine says
Aw, you know I am so happy to share any and all tips for your upcoming trip now, too 🙂
Tamara says
Just the once! We paid for the early morning magic hours and LOVED it! Scarlet and Cassidy went on Mine Train six times in a row. Des and I paced ourselves more and did it four times.
Janine says
Omg, so worth it if you do the Mine Train that many times in a row indeed 🙂
Gloria Spagnoli says
Good suggestions. I know you are planning the next trip to Disney! Love to all….xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Aunt Gloria and love to you, too!! xoxo
Christine Carter says
Janine, those are such helpful suggestions on how to get in early to the parks! Girl, you know your Disney well! 🙂
Janine says
Thanks, Chris and you know I do love sharing my Disney knowledge here whenever possible 🙂