Hello, Erin!
Welcome to planDisney, and congratulations on planning your first visit to Walt Disney World! You and your family must be counting down the days until you arrive. How fun! Staying in a Disney Resorts Collection hotel is a fantastic choice, and you're in for a truly magical experience. One of the best perks of staying at a Disney resort is the
Early Theme Park Entry benefit, giving you a 30-minute head start at all four theme parks daily. You’ll also enjoy complimentary transportation, the convenience of staying close to the magic, and unique resort experiences that make your vacation even more special.
As for the omnibus, it’s a fun and iconic way to start your day at Magic Kingdom, but there is no published schedule as to when they start. From my experience, I know that the
Main Street Vehicles (trolley, omnibus, fire engine, etc.) typically begin operating after the park opens to regular guests, which means they may not be available during Early Theme Park Entry. Additionally, while the omnibus is a wonderful way to see Main Street, U.S.A., you likely can't take a double stroller onboard due to its size and the limited seating for Guests. To be sure of both, I suggest heading immediately to City Hall in Town Square to speak to a Cast Member about your options. While this may not be the news you were hoping for, I have another suggestion, or two or three, to ease into your day. Upon arrival, head to Tomorrowland and jump on the
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Another option would be to knock out other popular slow children’s rides like
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh or
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid.
Erin, to ensure you make the most of your early access, I recommend arriving at your resort's bus stop at least 30 minutes before Early Theme Park Entry begins. The
complimentary Disney buses start running about 45 minutes before the park opens, so arriving early gives you the best chance to catch one of the first buses and take full advantage of your extra park time.
Speaking of transportation, if you haven’t selected your resort or want to do some resort research for your bounce-back trip, you might want to explore the various complimentary options that add even more convenience to your trip. Resorts on the
Disney Skyliner route, like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, offer a scenic ride to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you're staying at a resort on the
Monorail line, such as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you'll have quick access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. And for those staying at Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, or Disney’s Beach Club Resort, all are within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll to the parks while sipping coffee from your Resort Refillable Mugs.
I hope this helps, Erin! Wishing you and your family an unforgettable first visit to Walt Disney World!
See you real soon!
Brent