Hiya Chuck!
Welcome to planDisney.
It sounds like you’ll be staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, and I am thrilled for you; it is my favorite part of my Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Maybe it’s the legendary service by the friendliest Cast Members or the feeling of magic that follows me from the theme parks to my resort because, as we know, each Disney Resort hotel tells such a unique and enchanting story. It’s also definitely the
Early Theme Park Entry offered to Guests of Disney Resort hotels! Yippie!
Chuck, Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can take advantage of entering any of the four theme parks 30 minutes prior to operating hours for the duration of your stay; that even includes the day you check out! Isn’t that great?
I like to show up to the theme park of my choice a little earlier than the 30 minutes to take full advantage of the extra time I get. There will be Cast Members directing Guests, and you will want to head to the Cast Member verifying you’re staying on-site, and then they’ll let you into the theme park. During this time, my family tries to get to one or two of our must-do attractions. These are usually the more popular attractions that get a much larger crowd as the day progresses, and it feels good to get them done earlier in the day when the crowds are limited.
If you’re like me and sometimes just want to experience the magic of the emptier parks, you’re welcome to do that, too! Sometimes, I’ll get to
Magic Kingdom Park during the Early Theme Park Entry and grab a coffee from
Main Street Bakery. Then, I walk around, enjoying the cooler weather the morning brings as I listen to the cheerful music playing in the background and watch Guests’ reactions to seeing Cinderella Castle for the first time. I will warn you, doing this may bring on some happy tears.
If you’re into the thrills of attractions, do be sure to check for the
Virtual Queues during your park visits. Currently, Virtual Queues are being used for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT or TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can join the Virtual Queue at 7 AM (you do not have to be in the park when you join, but please be sure to have a park reservation) to experience these highly sought-after attractions. If you miss the 7 AM opportunity to join the Virtual Queue, no worries, as there is another chance to join the next Virtual Queue in the afternoon!
Wishing you an enchanting visit, Chuck!
Aena