Hi Patrick! Welcome to planDisney! It’s great to have you stop by with your question!
Oh boy! There is nothing quite like being on Main Street, U.S.A. first thing in the morning on a beautiful, sunny day staring up at
Cinderella Castle! When I am at home envisioning being at Walt Disney World, this is the image that sticks in my head. The music is playing as you are strolling in and smells from the
Main Street Confectionary are surrounding you. It truly is the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Officially, the
Magic Kingdom Park does not open the gates until the official park opening time. But to help ease the crowds, they typically will allow you to enter about an hour before opening. You’ll be able to walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and into the hub. This would be a great time to get photos in front of Cinderella Castle and check out the merchandise at the
Emporium (if it is open). Once you get to the hub, you will be blocked off from entering any of the lands. They will hold you here until they officially open the park.
Currently, Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel and other select hotels can enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official park opening. Specifically at the Magic Kingdom, if you can take advantage of this perk, you’ll get a head start on the rest of the Guests in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Once you enter, head toward the hub and over by the entrance to these lands. There will be Cast Members there that will scan your
MagicBand to confirm that you qualify for
Early Theme Park Entry.
If you are hanging out in the hub waiting for the park to officially open, make sure to check out the
Let the Magic Begin welcome show that begins about five minutes before opening time. It's the perfect way to start your Magic Kingdom day and see Mickey and his friends right at the beginning!
Patrick, I hope your trip is as magical as I am anticipating it to be! Stop back and
find me at planDisney for any additional questions you may have!
See ya real soon!
Greg