Welcome back to planDisney, Elsa!
Animal Kingdom Lodge is always on my mind. As a matter of fact, I'm considering another stay very soon because I simply can't resist the savanna views, its amazing restaurants, and the seclusion from the theme parks. With a stay at any Disney World Resort hotel, you receive the perk of entering your reserved theme park up to 30 minutes before other Guests. Let's dive into what to expect.
Early Theme Park Entry is available to on-property Guests every day and for every theme park. Simply visit your first theme park of the day before that specific park's normal operating hours and you will scan in to have a head start for rides and other open attractions. Also, I have great news for you, Elsa: You can take advantage of entering early on your check-in and check-out days (and as long as you have valid theme park admission). So, if you arrive on August 31, you will be able to use it right away without stepping foot into your booked hotel.
AN EXTRA GEM: Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a Deluxe hotel. Because of this, your family will be able to enjoy
Extended Evening Hours on select nights. Once you get a bit closer to your arrival date, take a look at the park calendar to see when you can enjoy a late-night visit to a certain theme park!
With a ticket with the Park Hopper Option, you can "hop" to the next theme park as soon as you've tapped into your first theme park. As long as it's already open for Early Theme Park Entry or regular park hours, you can explore any and all theme parks within one day's time. I live locally to Disney World and my older son and I like to go for the 4-Parks Challenge, which means that we visit all four theme parks in one day. But Hakuna Matata! I advise that you take your time because you'll be on vacation after all.
ANOTHER EXTRA GEM: My friends
Wes and
Shonette share everything they know about Early Theme Park Entry in the video that I've included in this answer. I also highly recommend that you arrive even earlier than 30 minutes before opening because Cast Members usually slowly walk hotel Guests into the theme park and you'll want to be towards the front to maximize your time.
Elsa, it is a joy to answer another question for you! As I mentioned last time, please don't hesitate to
reach out to us here at planDisney if you want more tips and tricks for having the best trip ever. See you real soon!
Magic always,
LeAndra