Girl at Disneyworld
  • On Oct 19, 2024
    Krista from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What is the best time to arrive at Disney World if you’re not staying at a Disney resort? If Magic Kingdom opens at 9am, what time should we arrive at the parking lot? Can you get in at 8am to hang out on Main St before the park officially opens?

    Hiya, Krista - welcome to planDisney! It's always a very big day when we get to help add a little extra magic to someone's Walt Disney World Resort vacation. I see that you're arriving at The Most Magical Place on Earth next week (also known as "Jersey Week" - our family often visited at this time when we lived on the East Coast!), so let's get down to business to get the details of theme park entry for you. 

    Typically, the parking lots at the theme parks open one hour before the posted opening time. Guests staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel do receive Early Theme Park Entry and may access the park 30 minutes before offsite Guests. If you look at the Park Hours for each day, you will see both the early opening and regular opening times. The parking lots will open one hour before the early opening time, so I recommend timing your arrival for close to then.  

    Krista, your travel time from the parking lot to the main gate will likely take 30-45 minutes. Once you reach the entrance, Guests will be allowed in and can snap pictures on Main Street or grab a Starbucks coffee and a sweet treat from Main Street Bakery to fuel up for the day! As you head toward Cinderella Castle, you'll notice Cast Members directing Guests staying on property to one side of the path and offsite Guests to the other. You can queue here and be ready to roll once the park officially opens for your group at the general opening time. 

    I hope this information is helpful for your planning purposes! Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney - wishing you safe travels and the most magical vacation. Please come see us again anytime if we can help with other questions. 

    See Ya Real Soon!
    Susan 
thumbnail image for Susan

Meet the Panelist: Susan, Michigan

Hi there! I'm Susan, a pixie-dusted pediatric nurse and Disney Vacation Club specialist. I'm married to my own Mr. Incredible and we have two fantastic teenage daughters. Our family has been making Disney memories for four generations, and I'm so excited to help you plan your own magical adventures as part of the planDisney panel. Welcome home! Learn More About Susan

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Must Do Experiences For Tweens & Teens | planDisney Podcast – Season 3 Episode 2

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.