Welcome back to planDisney, Douglas! Helping Guests maximize the magic of their Disney Day is one of my favorite things, so I’m glad you asked about making the most of
Early Entry at the Disneyland Resort.
As you may know, Early Entry is an exclusive benefit for Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels. It allows hotel Guests to enjoy select attractions for 30 minutes before the parks officially open, giving you a head start on your day. When it comes to choosing the best entrance, a little strategy can go a long way.
For Disneyland, the
Monorail is certainly a fun option, but it comes with a small limitation. The Monorail typically begins boarding Guests right at the start of Early Entry (around 7:30 a.m.), which means you’ll be entering the park after Early Entry has already begun. By contrast, the Main Entrance Gates usually allow you to be among the first Guests inside as Early Entry begins, giving you those extra precious minutes to head toward Fantasyland or Tomorrowland. If your goal is to maximize the full Early Entry experience, the front gates are the better choice.
Over at Disney California Adventure, the dedicated entrance from
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is a wonderfully convenient option if you’re staying at that hotel. However, it can sometimes see heavy traffic during Early Entry, park opening, or on event days. For the most reliable access, the Main Entrance Gates are usually the smoothest way to start your day at DCA. This helps you avoid any unexpected delays and makes sure you’re taking advantage of every Early Entry minute.
A quick reminder, Douglas: no matter which entrance you choose, you’ll need to present both your valid theme park admission with a park reservation and your hotel room key to enter during Early Entry. Keeping those handy will make the process much smoother.
And here’s a little Q-Tip! If your Early Entry day takes you to Disneyland, consider starting with the Fantasyland classics. In those early morning minutes, many attractions tend to have much shorter wait times. My family once managed to ride nearly all of them before the park officially opened, which set the stage for an amazing day filled with Disney magic.
Douglas, I hope this helps you make the most of your early mornings. If you have any more questions, we’d be delighted to see you again at planDisney.
Wishing you a truly enchanting visit,
David