What Time Do Disney Parks Open for Resort Guests?
As a Disney resort guest, you’re in luck! Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris offer a variety of perks and benefits for their guests. One of the most exciting aspects of being a Disney resort guest is the ability to enjoy the parks without having to worry about long wait times or crowded attractions. While the parks may be open at various times throughout the day, there are some key times and dates that are worth noting.
Park Hours and Admission
Before we dive into the specific park hours and open times, let’s take a look at the general park hours and admission policies for Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Epcot: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Hollywood Studios: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Animal Kingdom: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Breakfast and Character Meet-and-Greets
For resort guests, Disney World offers a special breakfast buffet at each park, as well as character meet-and-greets throughout the day. Here are the general hours and locations for these events:
- Magic Kingdom:
- Magic Kingdom Breakfast Buffet: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Character Meet-and-Greets: varies by day and character
- Epcot:
- Epcot Breakfast Buffet: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Character Meet-and-Greets: varies by day and character
- Hollywood Studios:
- Hollywood Studios Breakfast Buffet: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Character Meet-and-Greets: varies by day and character
- Animal Kingdom:
- Animal Kingdom Breakfast Buffet: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Character Meet-and-Greets: varies by day and character
Dining and Park Reservations
To ensure availability and make the most of your park days, Disney World recommends making dining and park reservations up to 60 days in advance. Here are the general dining and park reservation policies:
- Dining Reservations: reservations for table-service restaurants can be made up to 60 days in advance
- Park Reservations: reservations for FastPass+ and Genie+ experiences can be made up to 60 days in advance
- Important Notes:
- Make sure to book your dining reservations and park reservations well in advance, as availability is limited
- Consider making reservations for popular restaurants and attractions up to 12 months in advance
- Be sure to check the official Disney World website for up-to-date information on park hours, dining reservations, and other important details
Morning Magic at the Themed Lands
During the early morning hours, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios offer special morning viewing opportunities to see Frozen-themed projection show "Frozen Sing-Along," Toy Story-themed projection show "Toy Story Midway Mania!", and Star Wars-themed projection show "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge". These shows are free to watch** and can be accessed at designated viewing areas throughout the parks.
Tips and Tricks
To make the most of your Disney resort guest experience, here are some additional tips and tricks:
- Arrive Early: plan to arrive at the parks early to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter wait times
- Use the My Disney Experience App: the official Disney World app allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food from your phone
- Take Advantage of Disability Access Guides: Disney provides Disability Access Guides to help guests with disabilities navigate the parks and attractions
- Consider a Park Hopper: if you want to visit multiple parks in one day, consider purchasing a Park Hopper ticket
Special Events and Holidays
Disney World celebrates various special events and holidays throughout the year, including:
- Halloween Time: trick-or-treating, costume contests, and Halloween-themed decorations throughout the parks
- Christmas and New Year’s: festive decorations, special holiday food, and special events like the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and Disneyland’s Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: a special event with trick-or-treating, costume contests, and Halloween-themed decorations
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: a special event with festive decorations, special holiday food, and special events like the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and Disneyland’s Festival of Fantasy Parade
Conclusion
As a Disney resort guest, you have access to a wide range of perks and benefits that can enhance your overall Disney World experience. From special breakfast buffets to special events and holidays, there’s always something new to look forward to. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your Disney resort guest experience and create unforgettable memories in the Happiest Place on Earth.