Hey there, Mary! It's great to see you here today at planDisney. I know how exciting it is to plan your park days and figure out the best way to maximize your time, and I'm happy to help!
Early Theme Park Entry is a special perk just for guests staying at a
Disney Resort Hotel or other qualifying hotels in the area. This allows eligible guests to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official park opening and get a head start on some of the most popular attractions. Day guests, meaning guests who are visiting Walt Disney World but not staying at an eligible resort, do not qualify for early entry to the theme parks.
That said, some parks, like
Magic Kingdom, do allow guests to enter the front gates earlier than the posted opening time, but day guests cannot begin riding attractions until the park's official opening time. During that time, you're welcome to soak in the magical morning atmosphere by doing some shopping, grabbing some coffee, or snapping some photos in front of
Cinderella Castle!
If you're not staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, don't worry, there are still great ways to make the most of your morning. Arriving early before official park opening is always a smart move, as you'll be ahead of the crowds at the entrance. Plus, if you prioritize high-demand attractions, like
Tiana's Bayou Adventure or
TRON Lightcycle / Run, first thing in the morning, you'll be able to experience some of the most popular rides before the lines start to build up later in the morning. Either way, you're in for an amazing Disney day!
I hope this answers your question, Mary, and please let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you plan your day in the parks!
Jessica