Welcome to planDisney, Shellie!
We're so happy you've found our magical little corner of the internet. It sounds like your vacation countdown is just about to end, and I couldn't be more excited for you! Let's make sure you know all the ins and outs so you're ready to have the best day ever at
Magic Kingdom Park.
Early Theme Park Entry is a major perk of staying on-site at a Disney Resort hotel (or participating partner hotel), but not to worry! You'll still be able to enjoy a magical visit, even without the additional 30 minutes of attraction time. In my experience, Main Street, U.S.A. is typically open to all guests during that early arrival window (a perfect time to grab a cup of coffee or snap a castle selfie). Resort guests will be directed toward Tomorrowland to have their room keys or MagicBands scanned for entry further into the park, while the rest are held back until official park opening.
Since you won't be arriving at Magic Kingdom via
complimentary resort transportation, you'll
need to park or get dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). As my fellow panelist Allison shared with another guest, the
parking lot typically opens 60 minutes before Early Entry. Once parked, you'll board a Ferryboat across Seven Seas Lagoon or take the
Monorail to the park entrance. Be sure to take the Express Monorail, which will head straight to Magic Kingdom, gliding right through Disney's Contemporary Resort on its journey. The Resort Monorail will get you there, too, but you'll make stops at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa along the way.
Both options begin operating 30 minutes prior to park opening and stop one hour after Magic Kingdom closes. If Magic Kingdom officially opens at 9 am, but offers Early Entry beginning at 8:30 am on the date of your visit, I'd expect the Monorail to begin running 30 minutes prior to that at around 8 am. Unexpected delays and changes can occur, but I'm hopeful you'll be at the gates right on time to "enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and Fantasy."
I hope this helped, Shellie! Please come back with any additional questions as you prepare for your visit. We're always happy to help!
Magic and memories,
Amy