Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Tiffany! Thank you for visiting us again with another great question!
When Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, or Epcot open, guests are generally let in 30 minutes before park opening time. Once through the entry points, each park has ropes up to hold guests before attractions until park opening time. The ropes will be removed close to park opening time and you will be on your way to an adventurous day. The procedure is similar on days with
Extra Magic Hours.
On a day without Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom Park, guests are allowed in the park up to an hour before park opening time. Main Street, U.S.A. is full of excitement and the
Let the Magic Begin show starts a few minutes before park opening. At park opening time, ropes blocking the pathways to the various lands are removed. On days with Extra Magic Hours, the procedure is the nearly the same. Guests are still allowed in up to an hour early to enjoy Main Street, U.S.A. Instead of ropes blocking the pathways you will find a Cast Member ready to scan Magic Bands to verify eligibility for Extra Magic Hours.
I sometimes wish there was a more concrete answer to this question, but I believe having flexibility for when they let guests in the parks allows Cast Members to manage crowds more effectively. I would plan on being allowed in Magic Kingdom Park around an hour before opening and the other Parks around 30 minutes before opening and be pleasantly surprised if you are let in earlier.
Tiffany, thank you again and be sure to let us know if you have any other questions!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Amy H.