• On Apr 28, 2022
    Amy from VA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am finalizing my plans for my upcoming trip and want to be at the parks at a Practically Perfect Time. I am staying at Disney's Grand Floridian and wonder how early should we arrive for "rope drop" and where do Early Entry Guests line up?

    Hello and welcome to planDisney, Amy!

    I know you've got to be getting so excited about your trip to the Most Magical Place On Earth. I'm also visiting around that same time and for me, I know that I am anxiously counting down the days. 

    Wow, Amy! Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of my favorite places to stay. I know that you are going to have such a fantastic time. There are so many things to enjoy about that particular resort. I personally love all of the dining options that Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has to offer. If you enjoy appetizers and adult beverages, I suggest stopping in one afternoon at the Enchanted Rose Lounge. It's on the second floor of the main building and they open around 3:30 in the afternoon each day. On the menu, you can find light bites like homemade flatbreads and my personal favorite - truffle fries. They also have a beautifully curated cocktail menu fit for a princess. I've enjoyed several menu offerings but my go-to is the French 75. It's a classic. If you are traveling with children, they are more than welcome in the lounge area. My daughter is 15 and thoroughly enjoys relaxing at the Enchanted Rose Lounge. There are several non-alcoholic specialty beverages for her to choose from which I really appreciate. The addition of mocktails on the menu makes it feel like a special treat for the whole family. It's really a practically perfect place! 

    Amy, I am so glad you plan to be at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks bright and early each morning. I am always so impressed with how much my family and I can cross off of our must-do list simply by being at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks right before they open. Transportation to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks starts running about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled opening time. So if Magic Kingdom Park opens for all Guests at 8:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. for on-property resort Guests like yourself, you'll see transportation start running around 6:45 a.m. I like to line up for the mode of transportation that I am taking almost a full hour in advance because I do like to be one of those first people over to the theme parks. Once you get to Magic Kingdom Park, Amy, you'll be able to scan in using any of the turnstiles that are open. Mainstreet U.S.A. will be open for all Guests to enjoy shopping and dining. However, I'd recommend skipping this until later in the day. Once you get up to Cinderella Castle, you'll want to stay to the right. The lands that are open for early entry are Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. As you approach these areas you'll want to have your party together as you'll have to scan your MagicBand, phone or keys to the world card to gain access to these lands. Once you are in, you'll be able to enjoy select attractions for up to 30 minutes before they open fully for the day. Typically, my family and I are able to enjoy 2 full attractions and be waiting in line for our 3rd when the park technically opens for the day. This really does give us just such a nice jump start and I think you will really enjoy it too! 

    Amy, I hope this helps you plan your days a little bit better. If you have any other questions before you go, please feel free to stop back by and ask me. I'm here to help. 

    Have fun and enjoy!
    Jackie H. 
thumbnail image for Jackie

Meet the Panelist: Jackie, North Carolina

I love all things Walt Disney World.  In fact, since becoming Annual Passholders, my family of 3 is always hopping in the car for a quick trip to visit with Mickey Mouse!  I've been known to make the 8 hour each way drive to Walt Disney World (in one day!) to indulge in a Mickey Waffle or enjoy a sunny day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.  I may have a small family, but we are always up for some BIG fun at the Walt Disney World Resort.   Learn More About Jackie

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