Welcome back to
planDisney, Sally!
Sally, this question can be so tricky because I really think the answer you will get depends on who you ask. We all have our own unique ways of visiting the
Walt Disney World Theme Parks. But, since you've asked me, I'm going to let you in on a tried and true secret that works for me and my family.
When I visit the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and I want to hit up all of my favorite must-do attractions, you'll find me setting my alarm for bright and early in the morning. I typically drive myself and like to arrive at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks no later than 45 minutes to one hour prior to the scheduled park opening time. This allows me to park and head through security well before the theme park officially opens for the day. Now, with the
early morning entry, I gear my arrival time around that. Keep in mind that not everyone who is arriving at the theme park at that time has access to the early morning entry areas. Everyone is allowed to scan in and enter the theme park. At each theme park, there is a designated area that is roped off that will hold non-resort Guests back from entering the areas that are exclusive to on property Guests at that time. To access this area, you'll have to scan your
MagicBand or ticket card. It will feel very busy and even chaotic up until this point. However, once you scan in it will open up and the crowds will disperse. You'll even be allowed entry into the early entry areas a little bit before the scheduled time so you can head to your first attraction of the day. Typically, they'll hold you at the entrance of each attraction until the park is officially open for you. I suggest heading straight to your number one must-do of the day (as long as it is in an area that is open). During the early entry time, I find my family has enough time to do two of our favorite attractions and can typically be in line for the third when the park officially opens for the day. That is quite the headstart on the morning. Doing it this way, I am always so surprised at how much we are able to cross off of our must-do list before lunchtime. I don't really like to wait in long lines at Walt Disney World so, at this point in the day, I often head out of the theme parks and to my resort for an afternoon swim. Then, around dinnertime, I like to head back for a bite to eat and to finish up anything that might have gotten too long of a line earlier in the day before the fireworks.
I know that getting up so early on vacation can seem anything but magical but I promise you it really sets the day up for success. I am such a fan of this park touring method. I've been doing it like this for years and it really does work!
Sally, I hope you'll set your alarm, grab a cup of coffee and head off to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks bright and early - at least one day to try it out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised just how much you are able to enjoy this way. If you can think of any other questions, I'd love for you to come back and
ask me. I'm here to help!
Jackie H.