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Everything You Need to Know About Early Theme Park Entry at Walt Disney World — Extended Through 2025

by Mommy Frog on February 26, 2024 77 Orlando   Video

Inside This Post Inside This Post

Rise and shine — today we're talking about Disney World's Early Theme Park Entry benefit! 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 2025. Get your to-do lists (and coffee!) ready!

Early Theme Park Entry Benefit - Cinderella Castle

We utilized early entry at Magic Kingdom during our stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. While guests with regular admission were held by the castle, we were able to head over to Fantasyland and ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

This is such a great reason to stay on-site at a Walt Disney World hotel, plus Early Theme Park Entry extends to select partner hotels, as well. So, what else should you know about Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World? Let's jump in!

All About Disney World's Early Theme Park Entry Benefit

Extra Magic Hours were retired upon Walt Disney World's reopening in July 2020. As a replacement, guests at official Disney Resort hotels and select Disney partner hotels can now enjoy 30-minute early entry to ANY theme park, EVERY day. Yep, this is a big change that has implications for all park-goers! (Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and availability may vary and are subject to change, capacity and/or cancellation. For instance, during busier times, the benefit may be extended to a full hour of early entry.) We're so hoppy that early entry is confirmed to continue through the end of the year!

Early Theme Park Entry - EPCOT Early Entry Check-in

While giving on-site hotel guests more flexibility — and probably a better benefit than the original Extra Magic Hours, which was limited to one park each day — the new Early Theme Park Entry also helps Disney better spread visitation across all four theme parks. Note that hotel guests still need valid admission. If using date-based tickets, you will not need a park reservation. If using other select admission types, you will need to make a park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system. Guests without the Park Hopper option must spend the day at the same park where they'd like to enjoy the Early Theme Park Entry benefit.

For those who might have frogotten, the former Extra Magic Hours were extended theme park hours available to Disney World Resort hotel guests and some Disney partner hotel guests. Each day of the week, these hotel guests were typically allowed to enter one park one hour early or stay up to two hours later than non-hotel guests. Like EMH, this change impacts all park-goers.

This new Disney early entry benefit gives hotel guests the flexibility to decide which park they want to visit 30 minutes ahead of regular park opening. By allowing hotel guests to enter all parks early, it lessens the benefit of arriving ahead of opening for non-hotel guests, who typically could have arrived at a non-EMH park and had a couple of hours with lower ride wait times.

Each theme park has a different method for how to utilize early theme park entry, so be sure to keep an eye out for cast members with signage. At EPCOT, for instance, there was a special section of touchpoints that resort guests could enter ahead of the general public, while non-hotel guests used other touchpoints and were stopped in front of Spaceship Earth. For Magic Kingdom, all guests were allowed into Main Street and the castle area, but only resort guests could enter into either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland.

Guests will need to present some sort of resort ID, such as a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card linked to their stay to access the parks during Early Theme Park Entry. This benefit is included on both check-in and check-out days.

And an even better bonus? Disney Deluxe and Villa guests also have access to the parks on select nights after they close. Check out our guide to Extended Evening Hours for more details!

Which Hotels Offer Disney Early Theme Park Entry?

Early Theme Park Entry - Cast Member Holding Early Entry Sign at EPCOT

All of Disney World's Resort hotels and Villas offer Early Theme Park Entry. The following non-Disney hotels also offer the new Early Theme Park Entry benefit:

Available Attractions During Early Theme Park Entry

Early Theme Park Entry - Early Entry at Magic Kingdom

During this early entry period, select attractions, merchandise and food and beverage locations are operating. While attractions are subject to change without notice due to refurbishments or unplanned closures, here's a full list of the available attractions.

Magic Kingdom Park

  • "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

By the way, we offer discounts on hotel rooms at all of these Orlando hotels and more, so you can get a hop on the savings!

How Does Early Theme Park Entry Work with Disney Genie?

Guide to Toy Story Land — Slinky Dog Dash

Disney Genie+ is a pay-to-skip-the-line service that allows you to begin booking attractions beginning at 7 a.m. each day. Arrival windows are only eligible during regular park hours, so there is no Genie+ available during Early Entry. If using Genie+, be sure to book at 7 a.m. before heading to the park. You may want to use early entry for a ride that books up quickly or for one that is an individual Lightning Lane like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

We are toadally excited for the opportunity to get a hop on our mornings with Early Theme Park Entry or stay late in the evening with Extended Evening Theme Park Hours! What are your thoughts? Be sure to drop us a line in the comments below!

Related: Have You Heard of Disney Extended Evening Hours? Hop in for a Well-Kept Secret!

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Mar 1, 2024 at 3:16 p.m. Garry Says...

Hi, I keep seeing your response saying I have to ensure that my park tickets and hotel reservation are all linked to my Disney app. Is the hotel key card and valid park ticket enough to get in (staying at swan)? I may not want to use to use the app, so they will not be linked in any way.

Reply
Mar 21, 2024 at 9:26 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Garry!

Having everything linked on the My Disney Experience app is the easiest way, we've found - but it's certainly not the only way. If you'd prefer to have physical park tickets, hop to Guest Relations or a ticket booth before you enter the parks and you'll be given a physical card. For early entry, a key card should suffice but we'd also recommend screenshotting your confirmation email with dates (or carrying a printed copy) so the Cast Members can validate.

We hope this helps!

Leap

Reply
Jan 31, 2024 at 10:31 p.m. leann guerra Says...

What if I book a Disney hotel resort through second party? Will I still have early access?

Reply
Feb 1, 2024 at 9:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Leann!

You would still get Early Theme Park Access if you book through a third party, including Undercover Tourist :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 30, 2023 at 1:59 p.m. Courtney Says...

I have a 1-night hotel reservation for my one day at Hollywood Studios on June 6, 2024. Will Early Entry and being able to book ILL at 7am apply to me even though I won't officially check in to my hotel until 3pm?

Reply
Dec 30, 2023 at 4:57 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Courtney!

Yes, these benefits apply on both check in and checkout days as well. Be sure to connect your hotel to My Disney Experience! The system will automatically recognize that you are eligible early for ILL, and if you are entering the park early, you can show your hotel reservation in the app to access the parks early. We recommend taking a screenshot for easy access. Have fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 28, 2023 at 3:07 p.m. Chris Says...

Hi all,

Do you know if your entire party needs to enter at the same time for early entry? I ask because I like to arrive to the parks super early and my friends with their kids may arrive a little while after me but still in time for early entry. Thanks!

Reply
Oct 31, 2023 at 10:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Chris!

As long as you're all individually linked to the hotel reservation, it should be fine if you arrive at different times.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 27, 2023 at 3:46 a.m. Sammy Says...

Hi there! Not sure if these comments are still modified but the previous answers seem so helpful I thought I'd try!

For the third-party hotels with Early Entry, how are guests verified? Do I need to make sure the stay is somehow linked to my MDE? (We're staying at the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, if it matters)

Or do I need to make sure each guest in our party carries a key card?

Reply
Sep 29, 2023 at 9:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sammy!

We're here and hoppy to help! You can link your Good Neighbor Hotel reservation to My Disney Experience. Log in to your account, select "Resort Hotel" from the main menu (can find in the lower right corner with the icon of three lines). There's space for linking a Hotel Reservation by "Type ID" where you can insert your confirmation number and last name on the reservation. Also, a head's up that it could take a few days to show up in MDE. If you have any tech troubles, we'd recommend stopping by the front desk or mentioning it when you check in, and they may give you a card to present or tell you to show your hotel keys.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 25, 2024 at 3:20 p.m. Jeanie Says...

I booked shades of green and yes I had trouble linking my reservation. I called and they told me you have to do it on a computer and you can’t do it on a phone or the MDE app. It took a couple days before I could link it to MDE but I was able to do it on computer and when I tried to do it on my phone again it did not work.

Reply
Jul 31, 2023 at 3:17 a.m. Robert Says...

Will Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista only offer the early entry benefit in 2023 but not in 2024? We are going to WDW in January 2024 and need to know for sure if that benefit would still be available for Drury guests then... is there an official website where we can check that? Thanks!

Reply
Jul 31, 2023 at 12:07 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Robert!

Disney keeps the list of hotels offering Early Entry here, which gets updated every so often (and we just updated our post as well!). As of right now, we expect that Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista will offer it, but as similarly stated on Disney's website, please check back later for further details regarding 2024.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 1, 2023 at 1:46 p.m. Jodi-Lee Says...

Is there a list of food and beverage stations that are open during Early Entry? I like to grab a small snack/breakfast during early entry, so i was wondering which snack and beverage kiosks where open. I really hope Chesire cafe is open!!! That way i can grab a snack when I head into Fantasyland from Tomorrow land.

Reply
Jul 7, 2023 at 11:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jodie-Lee!

It may vary day by day, as Disney states that select food & beverage locations are open during Early Entry, but you can double-check the operating hours of a restaurant in the app. For instance, Main Street Bakery is usually one spot that will be open!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 3, 2023 at 4:35 p.m. Waltz Karen Says...

I’m staying at Wyndham at bonnet creek. Are we allowed early entry. I don’t think it is part of Disney property anymore. For early entry do I need genie +

Reply
Jan 3, 2023 at 1:20 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karen!

Guests staying at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek do not have access to the Early Theme Park Entry benefit. Genie+ is not available during Early Entry hours.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 6, 2022 at 2:34 a.m. Becky Says...

I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Orlando. Do I have to book the resort through Disney to get early entry?

Reply
Nov 18, 2022 at 2:48 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Becky!

No, you don't have to book directly through Disney.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 7, 2022 at 12:39 p.m. Monica Says...

Is early entry available to guests on the day of check-in? We've checked in online but won't be getting to our resort that day until around 4 pm. Can I still use the early entry that morning?

Reply
Jun 7, 2022 at 9:02 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Monica!

Yes, the Early Theme Park Entry benefit is included with your check-in and check-out days.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 20, 2022 at 5 p.m. Tiffany Says...

Do you have to do anything extra aside from having a hotel reservation and a park pass reservation to get early entry? Or is it automatically linked to simply have the normal reservations? We are staying at Beach Club and only going to Epcot for one day.

Reply
May 23, 2022 at 8:08 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tiffany!

As long as your hotel reservation, park tickets and park reservations are all linked to your account, you're good to go for Early Theme Park Entry! When you arrive, they will scan your MagicBand, MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card to confirm.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 23, 2022 at 8:05 p.m. Jay Says...

I have comp tickets in April and I was wondering if the COMP tickets allow for the early entry access?

Reply
Mar 23, 2022 at 6:06 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jay!

The Early Theme Park Entry benefit is determined by hotel reservation and not ticket types.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 10, 2022 at 3:16 p.m. Ann Says...

Question I have 2 nights reserved at Art of animation with a 3 day park ticket included. Arriving on a Thursday checking out Saturday. Going to the parks Saturday- Monday. Can I still use early entry on Sunday and Monday?

Reply
Mar 10, 2022 at 9:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ann!

The Early Theme Park Entry benefit is only valid on the days of your hotel stay, including check-in and check-out, so Sunday and Monday would not be included.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 3, 2022 at 4:59 a.m. Brian Says...

Want benefits do you receive by stay at a Disney World accommodation that you do not receive at one of the non-Disney hotels that has early-access?

Reply
Mar 3, 2022 at 8:24 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brian!

Some of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel include the ability to book individual Lightning Lane selections for rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at 7 a.m. instead of at park opening (especially during peak times, these have been known to sell out quickly, even before non-Disney hotel guests get a chance to purchase at park opening), and the ability to book dining reservations for your entire trip (starting at 60 days in advance) rather than one day at a time for each day of your trip.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 1, 2022 at 9:20 p.m. Patricio Pellagino Says...

Hello. We are staying at the Swan. We have 3 kids (let's call them Sarah, Joan, and Ryan). But we only listed 2 of them officially as room occupants. We didn't list Ryan because of the occupancy limits of the hotel. So it's just mom, dad, Sarah and Joan as hotel guests. Question: Can we still get Ryan into the park for Early Entry even if he isn't technically a room occupant?

Reply
Mar 1, 2022 at 3:39 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Patricio!

During our most recent visit, we had to scan in every room occupant over age 2 for Early Theme Park Entry - so we'd expect the same for your visit! Guest Relations should be able to add Ryan to the res for you, without issue :) You can do this by calling (407) 939-5277 ahead, asking at check-in or visiting Guest Relations at any of the parks (from Swan Dolphin, you could even make your way to EPCOT for help if they aren't able to help on-site). Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 23, 2022 at 12:29 p.m. Nana Disney Says...

Hello. If we have a resort reservation but never actually check in to our room, would we still be able to use early entry on our check out day? We are only staying one night and might not to Orlando in time to actually stay in our room. But still want to try to go to a park for one day.

Reply
Feb 20, 2022 at 11:34 p.m. Em Says...

Hi Mommy Frog,

I see that you said to another poster that the early entry benefit is available on your check-in and check-out day to a Disney resort. What if I want to be able to try and snag those 7am Individual Lightening Lanes for Epcot on our check-in day? I asked a DVC customer service person this questions today and the couldn't get me a solid answer! lol I'm hoping you might know! Thanks in advance!

Reply
Feb 22, 2022 at 2:52 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Em!

Yes, you would be able to take advantage of the 7 a.m. time for individual Lightning Lane selections on your arrival day.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 25, 2022 at 8:55 a.m. Jeremy Says...

Hi, We are staying at the Swan and hoping to make early entry rope drop on the day of our check in.

- can we get early entry before actually checking in or arriving to drop off our bags.

- At check in - do all guests need to be there? I was thinking of checking bags while the rest of my family lined up at HS

- Can we access 7Am lighting lanes before actually arriving at the hotel.

Thank heaps

Reply
Jul 25, 2022 at 2:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jeremy!

Yes, the Early Theme Park Entry and Lightning Lane benefits both work on the day of check-in, and not everyone needs to be at check-in. You can even do Mobile Check-In before you arrive (though you would still need to drop off your bags at Bell Services).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 at 7:47 p.m. Nicky Blades Says...

Hello, if I stay at a Disney hotel for one night, would I have early access and extended hours for both arrival and departure day?

Many thanks for your help.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 at 4:01 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nicky!

Benefits are valid the day of check-in and the day of checkout. Have fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 3, 2021 at 5:08 p.m. Robin Says...

We are staying at Orlando hilton lake Buenavista

We can enter early but what about making genie plus and paid lightening lane reservations ? We get to do this at 7am or have to wait u til park open at 9? Thank you

Reply
Dec 3, 2021 at 12:42 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Robin!

You will be able to make your first Genie+ reservation at 7 a.m. each day, but you'll have to wait until park open for individual Lightning Lane selections (this option is only available to Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of Swan and Dolphin or Shades of Green).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 30, 2021 at 3:33 a.m. Elledubs Says...

I heard that for early entry, only one person in a group needs to be staying at Disney property. I ask because- we chose a non early entry property (if we would have known about genie six mo the ago we wouldn’t have!!).

Some in our group are staying on property.

I heard you just walk in with that group and they scan the guests staying there. Is this a false rumor?? We’d love to stick together.

Thanks in advance! ❤️

Reply
Dec 1, 2021 at 9:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elledubs!

The Early Theme Park Entry benefit is only available for Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels (as listed above in this post) — and cast members scan MagicBands or MagicMobile passes to confirm eligibility. We're not aware of any exceptions otherwise.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 28, 2021 at 11:15 p.m. Laurie Bates Says...

Hi Frog Family,

I will be staying at Wyndham Garden which is on the list for early entry, I have my reservations (Dec 3) for Hollywood Studios. What would be the best way for me to get there early, the shuttle that the hotel uses is not an option from all of the comments on it. I thought I could walk over to Saratoga and catch a bus there, but not sure of the times to do that and get there early before early entry. I haven't been to Disney in over 30 years. HELP!!!!!

Reply
Nov 29, 2021 at 9:02 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laurie!

The easiest, most-straightforward (and less time-consuming) option would be taking an Uber or Lyft, as you can be easily picked up from the hotel and dropped off near the park entrance without too much time needed. We'd suggest arranging the ride at least a half-hour before Early Entry starts so there's enough time for the app to find you a ride, the driver to get to your hotel and the drive itself. Walking to Saratoga Springs could be an option, though you would need to allot much more time. Bus service usually starts about an hour before the park opens, so in order to get to the park before Early Entry, you'd want to be at the bus stop well before bus service starts in case there's already a line, especially since Saratoga has multiple bus stops and a bus could fill up. Since Hollywood Studios opens at 9 a.m., we'd estimate that you should be at a bus stop no later than 7:30 a.m. And you'd need to factor in walking time as well, which could add up to another 30 minutes or so since it's about a mile walk. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 6, 2021 at 9:56 p.m. Cathy Blackman Says...

The official Disney World website says that buses begin running from Disney hotels (I'm staying at Pop Century) to the parks 45 minutes before park opening times. This answer indicates that the buses begin running 1 hour before opening. Does that mean "early hours" opening time or the "normal" opening time? Is the 1 hour estimate more accurate than the 45 minute estimate. Ultimately, what I want to know, is if the bus will get me to the park in time to take advantage of the early hours perk?

Reply
Dec 10, 2021 at 11:47 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cathy!

In our experience, bus times can vary, especially during busier times. We tend to stick with either using Uber/Lyft or drive ourselves if we want to ensure that we'll arrive at the parks at a specific time during a peak time for transportation (and then use Disney transportation to return to our hotel).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 21, 2022 at 5:06 a.m. Rosemary Says...

Hello,

Thank you so much for your post! So much great information! I hear if you take an Uber of Lyft too early to Magic Kingdom, you get turned away or get dropped off at the TTC. Is there a way to get dropped off at the Speedway gas station and walk to get to rope drop at Magic Kingdom? Staying at Riviera in March and wanting to take advantage of early entry and rope drop. Thank you!

Reply
Jan 21, 2022 at 8:28 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rosemary!

Thanks for hopping by! If you take Uber/Lyft, you'll be dropped off at the TTC regardless of the time of day. Only Disney buses can drop guests off close to the Magic Kingdom entrance. The drop-off at TTC would be much closer than the drop-off at the Speedway gas station (where it wouldn't be possible to walk from anyway because of the blockades to TTC).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 16, 2021 at 4:23 a.m. Leann Mitchell Says...

Do you know if they will still be offering the extended evening hours for deluxe guest in January?

Reply
Nov 16, 2021 at 8:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Leann!

Yes, Extended Evening Hours will be available for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort guests in January.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 9, 2021 at 1:24 p.m. Francesca Says...

Hi!

Do you still get early access to the parks on the day you check out of the resort? For example say I checkout on Friday, will I also be able to get into the park early on that Friday?

Reply
Nov 9, 2021 at 9:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Francesca!

Yes, you would be able to take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry benefit on both check-in and check-out dates.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 8, 2021 at 4:48 p.m. Sabina Says...

Hi, what’s the earliest you can park at magic kingdom when staying on site?

Reply
Nov 8, 2021 at 12:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sabina!

Parking lots generally open about an hour before the park's official opening time (or 30 minutes if you're taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry hours).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 at 4:13 p.m. Cerys Want Says...

Hi

If I book a Disney hotel for 28th April for 1 night check in is 4pm do I get half an hour early entry on the 28th or the next day when we check out?

Reply
Oct 14, 2021 at 12:13 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cerys!

You can use the Early Theme Park Entry benefit on both your check-in and check-out dates.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 3, 2021 at 3:07 p.m. Slmayo Says...

Where are the early entry points? Do you just go to the front of the non Disney guests to get there?

Reply
Oct 3, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Slmayo!

There are cast members who will be there to guide you through certain touchpoints while regular guests enter through different ones and wait in a holding area until the park officially opens. Keep a look out for signs that point you in the right direction!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 9:41 p.m. DEvans Says...

In over 50 trips, I have never seen a rope drop, but I usually shut a park down and loved evening magic hours. Not being deluxe guests, Disney has now removed the only remaining reason for me to stay onsite. Considering all they’’ve done to drive so many to this same point, like charging us daily to park at our resort, I should probably thank them for going ahead and putting this final nail in that coffin.

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 4:09 p.m. Heather Says...

Any idea if they will be including the other "non-deluxe" WDW resorts, such as the "value resorts" in the extended evening hours in the future? Does not seem like much of a "perk" to stay at these WDW resorts, if they are excluded.

Reply
Sep 30, 2021 at 10:14 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Heather!

At this time, we do not know if Disney will extend the evening hours benefit to other hotel guests.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 3:40 p.m. Julie Says...

What qualifies as verification of a Disney resort stay? We will be using Magic Bands. Thanks!

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 10:52 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Julie!

Yes, MagicBands, Disney MagicMobile passes or Key to the World cards that are linked to your stay are all acceptable forms of Resort ID.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 2, 2021 at 10:11 p.m. Yvette Says...

If you stay at one of the non-Disney Hotels, do youhave a magic band or just a key card. If you are only staying one night, which day would you have early access arrival or departure?

Reply
Aug 2, 2021 at 5:33 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Yvette!

Non-Disney hotels will have key cards. In the past, the early theme park entry benefit applied on the day of check-in and checkout - we'll be sure to confirm once we hear more!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 25, 2021 at 10:50 p.m. Dan Says...

I'm planning on staying at a 3rd Party hotel that is on the Early Entry list. I would love to go to Magic Kingdom in the morning and then check in that night. We are traveling with our 4 kids. I am unclear of all the logistics of getting each person early entry. Do the kids need to be identified on the hotel reservation to gain sccess? What if I haven't checked in yet?

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 at 8:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dan!

Yes, you'll want to be sure that your complete party is on the reservation. You can attend on the day of check-in without having checked in yet - you'll need some sort of credentials to show the cast members (during our most recent visit, they scanned our MagicMobile passes to verify, so we'd recommend adding your stay to My Disney Experience). Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 20, 2021 at 3:02 a.m. MizzMo Says...

Will this be true of Disneyland as well - going to the half-hour benefit starting in October? Or, will they be bringing back the Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland and California Adventure?

Thanks for your help!

Reply
Jul 20, 2021 at 8:25 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi MizzMo!

No news has been released just yet on an early entry benefit returning to Disneyland - we'll be sure to update the blog if we hear anything!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 6, 2021 at 6:25 p.m. Connie Bowen Says...

30 minutes is no time at all. Everyone that is going to rope drop gets there early. If the park opens at 9 then resort guests should be able to enter at 8:30 but check YouTube most say that everyone frequently gets in about 30 minutes before the park opens. Disney is not giving us anything except early entry on paper. It will take 30 minutes just to get through the crowd.

Reply
Jul 7, 2021 at 11:23 a.m. Lady A Says...

We're currently at the resorts.

We have been to every single park for rope drop this past week. Only 1 has dropped early, HS. They will let you in early but you won't get on any rides early. The food carts and places to eat before you get to the rope are also open.

So the benefit of getting there early is to get through security and having a bit of a shorter than normal wait in your first ride of the day.

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Jul 6, 2021 at 5:52 p.m. Tony Catalfamo Says...

We are staying at a Disney resort for the first time in January. We were excited that we would be able to use the magical express from and to the airport. We are EXTREMELY disappointed that it will end several days prior to our arrival!!!

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Oct 1, 2021 at 12:14 p.m. Dianne autenzio Says...

Means is 18 e

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Jul 6, 2021 at 3:14 p.m. Daniel Levin Says...

We will be in Disney World July 14-17 and will be staying at a Disney resort. I thought 30 minutes early entry was already in place for resort guests. Is that not true?

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Jul 6, 2021 at 10:39 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Daniel!

No, the Early Theme Park Entry was announced earlier this year, but at the time, it did not have a specific timeline for when it'd debut. Last week, Disney announced it would start Oct. 1.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Mar 7, 2021 at 7:25 p.m. Judy Newton Says...

when will there be information avaible to read for my/our vaction to Disneyworld Sept 23,2021 -Oct 5th

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Mar 8, 2021 at 7:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Judy!

We'll continue to keep our posts updated as new information is released! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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