Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Theodore! If you love early mornings and low crowds, you will adore
Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World Resort! When my family stays on property (which we do 99% of the time!) we take advantage of those magical moments at Magic Kingdom Park.
When you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, there isn’t a welcome show, but you may be let through the turnstiles about 20 minutes before the park opens. You can pass through the Oasis and onto Discovery Island to the various “gates” to the lands inside. There, you’ll find Cast Members with ropes that will “drop” at opening to let you pass towards the fun! Regular park guests that arrive after Extra Magic Hours will find the park in full operation! If you are visiting Magic Kingdom, let’s say the park opens at 9am, with no Extra Magic Hours. Guests will be allowed to pass through the turnstiles to access Main Street, U.S.A. as early as 8am, experiencing the merchandise locations, and perhaps grab breakfast. About 10 minutes before the park opens, you’ll see the welcome show, “
Let the Magic Begin,” performing on Cinderella Castle Stage. Gather around the Central Hub to watch the morning magic! After it ends, the Cast Members will allow you to enter the lands of the park.
On a day where there are EMH, you may enter early and enjoy the welcome show which will perform for Resort Guests 10 minutes before the start of Extra Magic Hours. You’ll pass through Tomorrowland, scanning MagicBands to show that you are indeed a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel guest and continuing through the park. If you have more questions about logistics or plans for your vacation, please let me know. You’ve got a friend in me! ~ Lindsey P.