Greetings, Melanie! Welcome to planDisney and thanks for bringing your question to us.
You ask an excellent question.
Early Entry is a wonderful perk for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests as it allows them to enter the Parks 30 minutes before the general public. It doesn't sound like a lot of time, but it's amazing just how much you can accomplish! You'll feel like you have the entire Park to yourselves for a bit. My kids and I recently stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and we had this same question so here's what we learned from a friendly Cast Member.
Yes, you may indeed use the
Disneyland Monorail to enter the Park for
Early Entry. A line will begin to form outside the Monorail station approximately 20 minutes before. The Monorail train will leave the station at the time of Early Entry (e.g., if Disneyland opens at 8 a.m. and Early Entry begins at 7:30 a.m., the Monorail will leave
at 7:30). If you miss this train or feel that the line to too long, I would recommend that you keep walking to the Esplanade.
Over at the Park Entrance, Cast Members will open
Main Street, U.S.A. to everyone about 45 minutes prior to opening. Follow the signs for the Early Entry Guest queue (usually on the right side by Plaza Inn) and you will be allowed into the rest of the Park at the specified time.
Which method you choose will depend on your priority. If it's saving time, Guests already in the Park will have a head start because they'll already be in the Park as the Monorail leaves the station. However, if it is saving steps, the Monorail will be your go-to, especially if the attractions you would like to experience first are in
Tomorrowland!
If you have little ones in your party, Early Entry is a fantastic time to experience all of the dark rides in
Fantasyland! My kids and I took advantage of this last time and rode
Peter Pan's Flight early in the day because standby times are consistently long and there is no Lightning Lane. You could also grab a leisurely breakfast somewhere and enjoy a mostly empty Park. Please note that not all attractions will be running during Early Entry, so plan your time accordingly.
Melanie, I hope this was useful to you and assists you in planning your magical stay at the Disneyland Resort! Please feel free to contact
me or any of my pals at planDisney if you have further questions for us. We'd be happy to help!
“So hurry back, we would like your company.” - From the Haunted Mansion
-Al