Thank you for returning to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Mark! Some of my family’s favorite vacation moments are made in the morning hours, as we grab breakfast and make our way to the parks.
Magic Kingdom Park is the only park that offers an opening show. About ten minutes before official park opening, the crowds of Main Street, U.S.A. (which are let in up to an hour before official opening time) will be called to gather around Cinderella Forecourt Stage to watch “
Let the Magic Begin.” The show itself is less than ten minutes long, and when it finishes, crowds are let into various lands as Cast Members drop the ropes… hence the name rope drop! Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios all three have rope drops, but no opening ceremonies. You will be able to pass through security and bag check, touchpoints and into the park about 30 minutes before official opening time. My kids and I got into Disney’s Hollywood Studios about 20 minutes before park opening and were held at the edge of Sunset Boulevard until the clock struck 9, when we strolled to an early morning meet & greet with Buzz and Woody. Disney recommends that you give yourself 90 minutes to reach a destination, which accounts for delays due transportation, security, etc. I have reached Magic Kingdom in about 30 minutes from Pop Century, but it’s also taken me upwards of 90 minutes from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. I recommend that you plan a good amount of travel time into your journey. You can find directions and transportation notes within the My Disney Experience Mobile App when you search for a destination and then GET DIRECTIONS on that screen.
If I can point you in the right direction for any other part of your vacation, please let me know. It’s the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning! ~ Lindsey P.