• On Apr 20, 2022
    Bronwen from N/A Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Does it matter what time I arrive at the park I have made a reservation at? In other words, can I turn up for lunch after 2 pm or dinner in the evening, or do I need to arrive before 2pm?

    Hi Bronwen! Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for stopping by from across the Atlantic!

    Oh boy! You picked a great time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort! Halloween is in full effect by the end of October and there is some wonderful theming around the parks and resorts, but mostly over at the Magic Kingdom Park. Main Street, U.S.A. is lined with fall foliage and Mickey-shaped pumpkins take over most of the lampposts. There is traditionally a nighttime party or after-hours event that will take place on select nights leading up to Halloween night. I have my fingers crossed that Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party makes a return this year after being on a hiatus for the past two years. This event in the past had a fantastic stage show, parade, and firework display. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for any updates or announcements.

    One of the best aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation is the flexibility that it offers to you. There is no set time that you need to arrive at the parks each day. Some Guests will enjoy the amenities at their resort for the day, then head over in the evening just to have dinner inside of a park. On a recent trip I took, my family enjoyed a relaxing pool day and toured the surrounding resorts during the afternoon. We headed over to EPCOT at night for a few treats and to watch Harmonious before heading back to the resort for bed. You will need a valid park reservation to the theme park you are visiting on that day in order to enter the park. Also, if you want to park hop and have valid park hopper tickets, you will still need to visit the first park you made a reservation for even if it is after 2 PM. 

    A strategy that has worked great for my family recently is to get to the park early and ride as many attractions as you can within the first few hours of the day. The crowds tend to be lighter and wait times for attractions usually are manageable. We then will take a break and head back to the resort to enjoy the day there. After that, we'll get ready and head back to the park for dinner and/or the nighttime festivities that are happening. Being able to come and go throughout the day is a great perk that Walt Disney World offers.

    Bronwen, I hope you have a fantastic time visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth! Stop back to planDisney anytime with your planning questions! 

    See ya real soon!
    Greg
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Meet the Panelist: Greg, South Carolina

Hello friends! Greg here from Charleston, SC. I am a Disney-loving husband and dad to two wonderful daughters. Walt Disney World Resort offers everything you want in a vacation and touches all the senses. From the sights to sounds and even the smells, there is something for everyone to enjoy! When our family is not riding "it’s a small world" or going on a Journey Into Imagination With Figment, we are readily planning our next Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Learn More About Greg

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