Hey There, Hi There, Ho There, Hä Ther!
Welcome to planDisney! Thank you so much for stopping by, and I am honored to help you plan your upcoming trip to
Disney World! It looks like you are arriving in just a few days, so it's time to put on your Mickey ears and pack your bags! Just know we can't wait to "See You Real Soon!"
Early Entry at Disney World is one of the best ways to jumpstart your day with extra MAGIC! If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can enter any of the four parks 30 minutes before official opening, which means shorter lines and cooler temps while everyone else is still parking. To help you in your planning, here are some specific tips and tricks for each Disney Park:
Magic Kingdom is the most classic park, where Early Entry gives you a big advantage. The best strategy is to head straight to either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is on your must-do list, make that your first stop since it builds a long wait quickly. If you prefer thrills, Space Mountain in Tomorrowland is also open during Early Entry and often has a short line first thing. OH, and don’t forget to snap a quick castle photo while the sun is low and the crowds are still behind you!
EPCOT Early Entry is more laid-back, but it is important to have a strategy. Suppose you’re entering from the Skyliner or International Gateway (near the World Showcase), head straight to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion. If you’re coming from the main entrance, Frozen Ever After in Norway is your best bet. After knocking out one of those, you can usually make it over to Soarin' Around the World before the crowds hit.
Animal Kingdom is where Early Entry feels like a game-changer. Avatar Flight of Passage is the top-tier choice here, as it often has the longest standby wait in all of Disney World. Riding it early can save you over an hour later in the day. If thrill rides aren’t your thing, Na’vi River Journey is also a gorgeous ride that is perfect for the first thing in the morning.
Hollywood Studios requires a solid Early Entry plan. If you want to ride Slinky Dog Dash without a long wait or using a
Lightning Lane, this is your moment. You can head straight there when the gates open. If Slinky isn’t on your list, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run are both great Early Entry alternatives that usually have manageable lines. One important note: Rise of the Resistance typically doesn’t open for Early Entry (though it's always worth double-checking the app that morning), so save that one for a little later.
Now, let’s talk about food and snacks! Mickey allows you to bring your own food and drinks into the parks (no glass or alcohol, though), so pack smart. Think sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, crackers, and even Uncrustables—anything easy to carry and not too messy to stand in lines or eat on the go. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and refreshing drinks later. It’s a great way to save money and keep those hangry moments far, far away!
I hope this information helps you in your planning! If you have other questions, please let us know!
Have a MAGICAL day!
Wes