Disney’s Latest Change to Early Entry at Magic Kingdom: What Guests Need to Know
Disney recently made a change to Early Entry at Magic Kingdom. If you're planning a trip soon, this update could impact your experience. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
What is Early Entry at Magic Kingdom?
Early Theme Park Entry is a perk for guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels, allowing them to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. This helps resort guests experience select attractions before the general crowd arrives.
How Does Early Entry Work?
Early Theme Park Entry is a perk exclusively for Disney Resort guests that allows them to enter the parks 30 minutes before official opening time. This gives guests a head start on popular attractions, dining, and experiences before the general public arrives.
Where Can You Use Early Entry?
Early Entry is available every day at all four Walt Disney World theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom: Access to Fantasyland & Tomorrowland before official park opening
- EPCOT: Start your day in World Discovery & World Celebration
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Get into Galaxy’s Edge & Toy Story Land early
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Enjoy shorter waits for Flight of Passage & Kilimanjaro Safaris
Who Can Use Early Entry?
Early Entry is not available to all guests—you must be staying at a Disney-owned or select partner hotel. The following guests qualify for Early Entry:
- Guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels (Value, Moderate, and Deluxe)
- Guests at Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas
- Guests at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (Select partners)
- Guests at Shades of Green (Military Resort) and the Swan & Dolphin Hotels
If you’re staying off-site, you will need to wait until the official park opening before entering.
What Attractions Are Available During Early Entry?
Not all rides and experiences are available during Early Entry. Each park offers select attractions, primarily focused on high-demand rides. Here’s what you can access:
Magic Kingdom
- Tron Lightcycle / Run (Virtual Queue required)
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Fantasyland)
EPCOT
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Virtual Queue required)
- Test Track (currently closed and reopening in 2025)
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Animal Kingdom
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Expedition Everest
- Dinosaur
Pro Tip: Not all attractions operate during Early Entry, so check the My Disney Experience App for real-time updates.
What’s Changing with Magic Kingdom Early Entry?
Disney has updated the Early Entry process for Magic Kingdom. Here’s what’s new:
- Guests can now enter Tomorrowland earlier than before
- Previously, guests were held at the bridge until 8:30 AM, but now they can enter as early as 7:45 AM
- While rides still open at 8:30 AM, guests can enter ride queues earlier, allowing for a head start on top attractions
Is Early Entry Worth It?
For Disney Resort guests, Early Entry offers a significant advantage by allowing you to position yourself for major attractions before the crowds arrive. If you’re staying off-site, you may need to adjust your strategy.
Who Benefits the Most?
- Guests who want a head start on top rides
- Families with young kids looking for shorter wait times
- Guests using Genie+ who want to stack Lightning Lane selections later in the day
Tips to Maximize Early Entry
To make the most of Early Entry, follow these strategies:
- Arrive at the park gates at least 45 minutes before Early Entry begins
- Head straight to high-demand attractions like Tron or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Use the My Disney Experience app to check ride wait times
- Pair Early Entry with Genie+ to optimize your day
Want to Extend Your Disney Vacation?
Planning beyond Magic Kingdom and Disney World? Here are great ways to extend your trip:
- Universal Studios Orlando for more theme park fun
- Disney Cruise Line for a magical sea adventure
- Explore Florida’s beaches, Kennedy Space Center, or Cocoa Beach
Ready to Plan Your Disney Trip?
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but I’m here to help. Whether you need guidance on Early Entry, resort stays, or itinerary planning, I’ll make sure your trip is stress-free and unforgettable.
There is no additional cost to you for planning your trip with me
