Hi Maggie! Welcome to
planDisney, and thank you so much for sending in your question. What a magical week you've chosen for your visit! Staying at
Disney's Pop Century Resort during the holidays is such a fun experience. With larger-than-life icons, beautiful decorations, and the Skyliner just steps away, it's the perfect home base for a Christmas trip.
You'll be happy to know that as a Guest of a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, your family will have access to
Early Theme Park Entry. This awesome benefit allows you to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the posted opening time each day, as long as you have valid Theme Park admission. It's a fantastic way to get a head start on some of the most popular attractions before the crowds really start to build. And trust me, Christmas week is one of the busiest times of the entire year at
Walt Disney World Resort, so taking advantage of those extra 30 minutes makes a world of difference.
To find your exact park hours, just open your
My Disney Experience mobile app. Scroll down until you see the four park icons, then tap “All Hours.” There, you'll find the daily schedule for each park, including the official opening time and your Early Theme Park Entry time. Hours can shift slightly depending on the day, so it's always a good idea to double-check the night before you visit a particular park.
Since you'll be traveling during peak holiday crowds, I recommend arriving at the park entrance even earlier than your Early Entry window. Many Guests show up well ahead of time, and Cast Members often begin scanning Guests in before the posted start, especially on high-demand days. Getting to the gates 45–60 minutes before Early Entry might sound ambitious, but it can set you up for an incredibly smooth and magical morning.
Maggie, your Christmas visit is going to be filled with lights, music, treats, and so many unforgettable moments. I hope you and your family feel the holiday magic from the moment you arrive at Pop Century all the way through your time in the parks! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. We're always available and more than happy to help here at planDisney!
Warm hugs,
Ana Paula