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Is Disney Early Entry Worth It? A Park Veteran’s Perspective

Absolutely, Disney Early Entry is almost always worth it! The precious time it offers, especially when strategically used, can significantly impact your park experience, allowing you to conquer popular attractions with minimal wait times. But like any good strategy, it’s not a guaranteed slam dunk without proper planning and understanding.

Unlocking the Magic: A Deep Dive into Early Entry

Early Entry is a perk offered to guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and select other hotels. It allows these guests to enter each of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the officially posted opening time. While half an hour may not seem like much, in the fast-paced world of Disney, it’s a golden opportunity to get a head start on the crowds.

But let’s be brutally honest: even with Early Entry, you won’t be alone. It’s no longer the secret weapon it once was. More and more people are wising up to its advantages. Therefore, the true value lies in understanding how to leverage those 30 minutes effectively.

Strategic Park Selection is Key

The first step to making Early Entry work for you is choosing the right park. Consider the following:

Ride Prioritization: What are your must-do attractions? Research which park houses the rides highest on your list. Focus your Early Entry efforts there.
Park Hours: Check the official Disney World calendar. Some parks open earlier than others, potentially minimizing the impact of Early Entry if the overall operational day is longer.
Crowd Levels: Utilize crowd calendars (read them with a grain of salt, as they’re never 100% accurate) to gauge which parks are predicted to be less busy. This can amplify the impact of your Early Entry.
Transportation Considerations: Factor in travel time from your resort to the chosen park. Every minute counts, so consider resorts closest to the park you wish to visit.

Mastering the Morning Rush

Once you’ve selected your park, you need a plan of attack. Simply showing up early isn’t enough. Remember, everyone else with Early Entry has the same idea!

Arrive Early, Even for Early Entry: Aim to arrive at the park entrance at least 45 minutes before the official opening time. This allows you time to navigate security, transportation, and position yourself strategically near your target attraction.
Target High-Demand Rides First: Attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom), Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom), and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT) should be your primary targets.
Walk with a Purpose: Once the ropes drop, don’t dawdle! Have a clear path in mind and walk purposefully (but safely!) towards your chosen attraction.
Utilize Mobile Order for Breakfast: Pre-order your breakfast at a quick-service location using the My Disney Experience app. This saves you valuable time later in the morning when lines start to build up.

Beyond the Thrills: Maximizing Your Time

Early Entry isn’t just about riding the headliners. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to:

Capture Crowd-Free Photos: Take advantage of the lighter crowds to snap some amazing photos in front of iconic landmarks.
Enjoy a Relaxing Breakfast: Find a quiet spot to savor your mobile-ordered breakfast and soak in the atmosphere before the park gets too hectic.
Get a Jump on Shopping: Browse through shops with fewer crowds. You might find a special souvenir without having to battle the midday rush.

The Bottom Line: Is Early Entry a Must-Do?

For most guests staying on property, the answer is a resounding yes. However, its effectiveness hinges on preparation, strategic park selection, and a willingness to embrace the “morning hustle.” If you’re willing to put in the effort, Early Entry can be a game-changer, allowing you to experience more attractions with significantly shorter wait times. Even if you’re not a rope-drop enthusiast, it can still provide a slight advantage, especially if you target less popular attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Disney Early Entry

1. Who is eligible for Disney Early Entry?

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and select other hotels such as the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Shades of Green, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are eligible for Early Entry.

2. Does everyone in my party need to be staying at a qualifying hotel to participate?

Yes. To take advantage of Early Entry, every member of your party needs to be staying at a qualifying hotel and have valid park admission with a park reservation (if required).

3. Is Early Entry available every day at every park?

Yes, Early Entry is available every day at each of the four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Park hours can vary, so check the official Disney World calendar for the most up-to-date information.

4. How do I verify that I’m eligible for Early Entry?

Your eligibility for Early Entry is linked to your MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World card that is associated with your Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation.

5. What time does Early Entry actually begin?

Early Entry officially begins 30 minutes before the posted park opening time. However, guests are often allowed to enter the park gates earlier than the official start time. It’s always best to arrive well in advance to maximize your advantage.

6. Which rides are open during Early Entry?

Not all attractions are available during Early Entry. However, most of the major headliner attractions are typically open. Check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for a complete list of participating attractions.

7. Is Early Entry the same as Extra Magic Hours?

No. Extra Magic Hours were a previous perk offered to Disney resort guests that allowed for longer park hours on select days. Early Entry has replaced Extra Magic Hours and provides a smaller, more consistent benefit across all parks daily.

8. What if I don’t care about thrill rides? Is Early Entry still worth it?

Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, Early Entry can still be beneficial. You can use the time to experience attractions with typically long wait times but are not intense (like Peter Pan’s Flight), take photos in less crowded areas, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the park before the crowds arrive.

9. Can I use Genie+ during Early Entry?

Yes! Genie+ is still available to be booked during the early entry timeframe, but keep in mind that you can only book a Genie+ reservation every 2 hours (or after you use your current Genie+ reservation).

10. What happens after Early Entry ends?

Once the official park opening time arrives, the gates open to all guests, regardless of where they are staying. This is when the park starts to get noticeably busier, so it’s crucial to have a solid plan in place for the rest of your day.

11. Are there any downsides to Early Entry?

The primary downside is the necessity of waking up early on vacation. It also requires a degree of planning and hustle, which may not be appealing to all guests. Additionally, because so many guests utilize Early Entry, some popular attractions can still have moderately long wait times even during those initial 30 minutes.

12. Is Early Entry worth it if I’m visiting during a very busy time of year?

Yes, arguably even more so! During peak seasons, Early Entry becomes even more valuable as it offers a crucial head start on the massive crowds. While wait times may still be longer than during slower times of the year, the 30-minute head start can significantly reduce your overall wait times throughout the day.