Early Entry at Disney World: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
What is Early Entry?
Early entry at Disney World is a special perk that allows guests to enter the parks before the general public. This can be a game-changer for families with young children, as it gives them a head start on the day and allows them to experience the parks at a more relaxed pace. However, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding early entry to ensure that you make the most of your visit.
When is Early Entry Available?
Early entry is typically available on select days throughout the year, and the exact dates vary depending on the park and the time of year. Here are some general guidelines:
- Magic Kingdom: Early entry is available on select days, including:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (August to November)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (November to December)
- Holiday Weekends (select days in December)
- Epcot: Early entry is available on select days, including:
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (August to November)
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March to May)
- Hollywood Studios: Early entry is available on select days, including:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary Celebration (select days in 2023)
- Animal Kingdom: Early entry is available on select days, including:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration (select days in 2023)
How to Get Early Entry
To get early entry, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Make a Park Reservation: You’ll need to make a park reservation for the day you want to enter the park. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance for most parks.
- Have a Park Ticket: You’ll need to have a valid park ticket for the day you want to enter the park.
- Have a Disney Account: You’ll need to have a Disney account to access early entry.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the park with early entry, you’ll be greeted by a cast member who will check your ticket and verify your identity. They’ll then escort you to the front of the line, where you’ll be able to enter the park before the general public.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Early Entry
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your early entry:
- Arrive Early: Get to the park as soon as possible after arriving, and make sure to arrive at the front of the line.
- Use the FastPass+ System: If you have a FastPass+ reservation, use it to reserve a spot in line for popular attractions.
- Take Advantage of Early Morning Extra Magic Hours: If you have an Early Morning Extra Magic Hours (EMH) ticket, take advantage of the extra time to explore the park before the general public.
- Use the My Disney Experience App: The My Disney Experience app allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even reserve FastPass+ reservations.
What to Bring
Here are some things you’ll need to bring with you when you arrive with early entry:
- Valid Park Ticket: Make sure you have a valid park ticket for the day you want to enter the park.
- Disney Account: You’ll need to have a Disney account to access early entry.
- ID: Bring a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity.
- Cash: Bring some cash to pay for any purchases you make during your visit.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues and solutions to help you avoid:
- Long Wait Times: If you’re waiting in line for an attraction, try to move to the front of the line or use the FastPass+ system to reserve a spot.
- Crowds: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by crowds, try to move to a less crowded area of the park or use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times.
- Lost or Stolen Tickets: If you lose or have your ticket stolen, report it to a cast member immediately.
Conclusion
Early entry at Disney World can be a game-changer for families with young children, as it gives them a head start on the day and allows them to experience the parks at a more relaxed pace. By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding early entry, you can make the most of your visit and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional Resources
- Disney World Website: The official Disney World website has a section dedicated to early entry, including information on how to get early entry and what to expect.
- Disney Parks Blog: The Disney Parks Blog has a section dedicated to early entry, including tips and advice from Disney cast members.
- Disney’s Official Social Media: Follow Disney’s official social media accounts for updates on early entry and other Disney news.