Early Entry at Disney World: Who Gets it?
Eligibility Criteria
For those who want to experience the magic of Disney World at the earliest possible time, the age-old question has been a subject of much debate. While there is no definitive answer to who gets early entry at Disney World, there are certain criteria that apply to those who are likely to be granted early access. Here are the basic eligibility criteria:
- Guest who purchases a Package Offer: Guests who purchase a Package Offer, which includes a package deal that includes a hotel stay, park tickets, and other perks, are eligible for early entry.
- First-time Visitors: **First-time visitors to Disney World who have never visited before may be eligible for early entry, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Disney Vacation Club Members: Disney Vacation Club members may be eligible for early entry, but they must meet specific criteria, including being a permanent resident of the United States or having a valid passport.
Membership and Package Offers
For those who want to take advantage of early entry, Disney offers several membership and package options. These options include:
- Disney Vacation Club (DVC): DVC membership allows guests to book a Disney vacation package, which includes early entry to the parks.
- Disney’s Magical Express: This is a free shuttle service that provides early entry to Disney’s Orlando Resort hotels.
- Disney’s FastPass+: This is a pre-purchased, timed-entry system that allows guests to reserve a spot in line for popular attractions.
- Special Offers and Promotions: Disney occasionally offers special promotions and discounts on packages, which can include early entry to the parks.
Annual Passholder Benefits
For those who are already members of a Disney Resort hotel, annual passholders may be eligible for early entry benefits. These benefits include:
- Early Entry: Annual passholders can take advantage of early entry to the parks, as well as other perks, such as the ability to purchase tickets on the day of their visit.
- Expedited Entry: Annual passholders can use their annual pass to enter the parks quickly, without having to wait in line.
- Free Parking: Annual passholders can use their annual pass to enter the parks for free.
Regular Guests
For regular guests who are looking to experience the magic of Disney World, early entry may not be an option. However, there are still ways to get early access to the parks. Here are a few options:
- Early Evening Entry: Regular guests can take advantage of early evening entry to the parks, which allows them to experience the attractions before the crowds arrive.
- Morning Extra Magic Hour: Regular guests can also take advantage of Morning Extra Magic Hour, which allows them to experience the parks before the official opening time.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Regular guests can take advantage of behind-the-scenes tours, which provide exclusive access to areas of the parks that are not typically open to the general public.
Additional Tips
While early entry is a highly sought-after perk, there are still several ways to experience the magic of Disney World at the earliest possible time. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Check the Disney World website: The official Disney World website is a great resource for information on early entry and package offers.
- Contact a Disney agent: If you are interested in taking advantage of early entry or package offers, contact a Disney agent who can provide you with the information and guidance you need.
- Be flexible: With so many people vying for early entry, be prepared to be flexible with your plans. Consider the crowds and plan accordingly, or look into other options that may be available.
Conclusion
Early entry at Disney World is a highly sought-after perk, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone. If you’re interested in taking advantage of early entry, be sure to do your research and plan accordingly. With the right combination of membership and package offers, regular guests can still experience the magic of Disney World at the earliest possible time.