• On Feb 22, 2019
    Mandy from AK Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are staying off resort but want to take advantage of extra park hours. How is this accomplished? If you had to pay one day resort fee (book a room at hotel) how many in my party can take advantage of extra hours. And what extra hours are most worth it

    Hello Mandy!

    Thanks for bringing this great question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. My family is firmly in the camp of "be at the parks when they open." In all of our trips as a family, I can't think of a time when arriving at "rope drop" (Disney fan speak for park opening) wasn't our primary goal. Each day, Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests and guest of other participation hotels enjoy the option of extra time in one of the four major parks. The only way to take advantage of these Extra Magic Hours is to be a Guest at one of the participating hotels.  It would be possible to book a single night in a participating hotel and utilize the Extra Magic Hours on check-in and check-out days. Only guests registered in the room would be able to use this perk. 

    Are Extra Magic Hours worth it? As with all things, that depends on how your family prefers to vacation. Are you super early risers or consistent night owls? If so, you may find this extra time worth it. In my opinion, the evening hours are the better option, as you typically get two extra hours vs. one extra hour in the morning. However, for my family, we rarely utilize this perk. Instead, we make sure we select parks that are not having Extra Magic Hours on the day we will visit.  We then plan to arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before the published park opening.  If Extra Magic Hours are appealing to your family, I would suggest moving your reservation to a Walt Disney World Resort hotel where you can take advantage of all the great perks that come with staying onsite.

    I hope this is helpful for your planning.  No matter which options you choose, I am confident you will have a magical time!

    See ya real soon,
    Anne
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Meet the Panelist: Anne, Iowa

I’m Anne, a native Iowan, wife, mother, and grandmother. For me, a major part of the fun of a Disney trip is the planning. I have traveled to the Disney Parks in multiple stages of my life, including as a daughter, sister, aunt, mother and grandmother.  One of my favorite things to do is to travel with multi-generational groups. I am thrilled to be able to help other Disney guests plan their adventures. Learn More About Anne

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