Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Devin!
One of my number one strategies for making the most of a Walt Disney World vacation is to get to the parks before they open. Not only will you encounter lower waits for many attractions, but the weather is usually so lovely first thing in the morning, and waking up with a magical Starbucks is my kind of vacation. Plus, my Mouseketeers are usually up early, excited, and ready to let the magic begin!
Extra Magic Hours, where on-site Guests may enjoy select attractions at determined parks before or after regular operating hours, are one of the many awesome
benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Be sure to take a good look at the
Extra Magic Hours web page, as it lists the attractions that should be open during Extra Magic Hours at each park.
"Rope drop" refers to the practice of leading Guests to a particular location in the theme park, before "dropping"a rope and allowing the Guests to head into the land. This happens at park opening every day; on an Extra Magic Hours day, Cast Members will stand at various locations in the theme parks and check MagicBands to be sure those heading to attractions are resort Guests.
Magic Kingdom Park is currently the only theme park that offers a welcome show.
Let the Magic Begin is a super fun show that always gets me so excited for our day, and it usually takes place 5 minutes before the park's official opening time. On Extra Magic Hours days, this is the time that the park opens to all Guests.
I hope this helps, Devin, and that you have an
extra magical time!
Have a zip-a-dee-doo-dah day,
Robyn