Hi Terry! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It's great to hear from a fellow Marylander! I'm happy to help with your planning question.
I'm so glad you are considering taking part in
Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom Park. My family and I are naturally early risers, so utilizing that extra time in the morning is one of our favorite
benefits to staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. During Extra Magic Hours, you will be able to experience select attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before the park is open to the general public. Cast Members will be positioned at the entrances to Liberty Square and Adventureland until official park opening. Once the park is open to the general public, you will not be led to a specific area, so feel free to join the 999 happy haunts in the
Haunted Mansion at the conclusion of Extra Magic Hours. You can enter Liberty Square near the entrance to
"it's a small world" and the Tangled themed restrooms.
In case you are also considering the separate ticketed event,
Early Morning Magic - Fantasyland, which takes place on select mornings in the Magic Kingdom, you will find yourself in a similar situation come official park opening. Cast Members will be positioned at the entrances to the lands not operational during the event, and you are free to explore the rest of the park wherever you choose at 9:00.
I hope that helps with your morning plans, Terry. Bottom line - once the entire park is open, you are free to experience any land or attraction you like. I think you will really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an early start in the Magic Kingdom. Be sure to get some morning photos in front of Cinderella Castle!
Wishing you a magical vacation full of memories!
Betsy