Hi Kathleen,
Your Walt Disney World Resort vacation will be here before you know it! I'm so excited for you! My family loves arriving early and being at the parks for every moment of the magic, so I'd be happy to help you figure out what to do to be there for the official park opening.
First, be sure to check the
park calendar to know for sure what time the park you'll be visiting opens on the day you will be there.
If you are staying at a Disney resort hotel, bus transportation will begin approximately 45 minutes before park opening. I would be sure to be at your bus stop a little before that to try to catch the first bus. If you have a car or are staying off site, I recommend arriving at the park 30-45 minutes before the park opens to allow time to park and go through security and ticketing.
If you are visiting Magic Kingdom Park, I'd suggest going even earlier than that, and arriving at least 60 minutes before the park opens. You'll park your car at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then travel via monorail or ferryboat to arrive at the park.
Each park handles opening a little differently, but the friendly cast members will definitely be happy to help you know where to go. My very favorite park opening is the new
Let the Magic Begin show at Magic Kingdom Park. Shortly before the park opens, guests will be allowed to enter Main Street, U.S.A. and will begin gathering in front of Cinderella Castle. It's truly a magical way to begin your day!
Being there right as the park opens will not only be a fun way to start the day, but you'll also be able to experience attractions with very little wait time. Have a magical vacation, Kathleen!
Missy