Hello and welcome to
planDisney, Christine. Your question made me perk right up because you are a girl after my own heart. The early bird always gets the worm at
Walt Disney World!
Christine, I also like to be at the
Walt Disney World Theme Parks as early as possible. Oftentimes, I have the same intentions as you - about 1 hour prior to the scheduled opening time. If you are using complimentary theme park transportation from Disney's Old Key West Resort you can plan on the first bus leaving about 45 minutes prior to the park's scheduled opening time. Now, to be on that first bus I suggest you get to the bus stop area right at an hour before because that 45 minute time is just approximate. Sometimes the buses are a little bit earlier than that and sometimes they are a little bit later than that.
Another option would be to take your personal vehicle if you had one or use a ride-share service to get you to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. However, the parking lots don't open up until the first bus has arrived with Guests which is usually around that 45-minute prior mark as well. The parking lots are a bit further of a walk than the bus stop so I think time-wise it is kind of a wash. I typically like to drive myself but that's because I have my own personal vehicle. I wouldn't recommend going the ride-share route if you don't have to.
Getting to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks that early really does just set you up for success. I am always so amazed at how much I can check off of my must-do list arriving before the park technically opens for the day. Typically, we can accomplish almost all of our favorites before lunchtime and then be able to spend the rest of the day just leisurely enjoying the theme park.
I hope this helps you plan out your morning, Christine. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help!
Have fun!
Jackie H.