Blue waterfront building with a large water wheel beside a river and wooden bridge at Port Orleans Riverside.
  • On Apr 5, 2026
    Kayla from OH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Can I visit the parks before we’re able to check into our hotel?

    Hiya Kayla! 

    Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your theme park question. You are in for such a magical treat visiting Disney World! My family and I were just there last week, and it truly felt like stepping into a dream. From admiring the new paint on Cinderella Castle to watching Fantasmic light up the night at Hollywood Studios to heading out on Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom,  it was a week full of unforgettable core memory moments.  

    Let’s hop right into your question. If you have a valid theme park ticket, you can absolutely enter the parks before checking into your Disney Resort hotel. Just be sure your ticket is active, and take a quick look to see if your ticket type requires a park reservation. Once that is set, you are good to go and can start your day in the parks. 

    One important tip if you are arriving with luggage. Be sure to stop by your Disney Resort first and drop your bags off with Bell Services before heading to the parks. Large luggage cannot be stored at the theme parks, so this will make your day much smoother.

    Also, on both your check-in and check-out days, you have access to all of your Disney Resort amenities. If you decide to skip the parks, you can kick back and enjoy the pool, explore your resort, or soak in all your resort has to offer.  

    Since you are visiting in August, I highly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. You will find refill stations throughout the parks and resorts. And do not forget sunscreen because that Florida sunshine is no joke. 

    One last tip: pack a small poncho or rain jacket. Afternoon rain showers like to pop up out of nowhere. I like to say it is just Tia Pepa expressing her feelings again.  

    Kayla, I hope this helps answer your question and gets you even more excited for your trip. If you have any more questions, feel free to stop by again. 

    See you real soon,

    Christina 
thumbnail image for Christina

Meet the Panelist: Christina, Florida

Hiya Pal! I am an Instructional Designer by day and a Disney enthusiast by night. As a mom of two princesses, a wife, a runDisney finisher, a Disney Vacation Club member, and an annual passholder, my life is filled with magic. Although we live about an hour away, we love staying at different Disney hotels, visiting the parks, savoring different dining locations, and meticulously planning each trip. Adventure is out there, and I am here to help you find it!  Learn More About Christina

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