We’re sharing a complete guide to Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World, a continuing perk for staying at a Disney World hotel.

In 2023, Disney World officially retired their Extra Magic Hours, replacing the perk with Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. While Extended Evening Hours are only available for Guests staying at Disney World Deluxe Resort hotels and Deluxe Villas, Early Theme Park Entry is available for a wider group. Any registered Guest staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can enter each Disney World theme park thirty minutes prior to the official opening We’re sharing your complete guide for everything you need to know about Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World.

• What is Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World?
• Participating Disney World Hotels
• What is Available During Early Theme Park Entry
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World?

Early Theme Park Entry is available for Guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels, as well as select other hotels. The perk allows Guests to enter each of the four theme parks thirty minutes before they officially open, giving them the chance to experience select attractions, merchandise locations, and dining options.

Photo by Brett Svenson

Participating Disney World Hotels

What is Available During Early Theme Park Entry

During Early Theme Park Entry hours, Guests will have select attractions, merchandise, food, and beverage locations available to them. While ride availability is subject to change, these are the rides that are typically open at each of the parks during Early Theme Park Entry.

Starting in the summer of 2025, characters will also be available during the Early Theme Park Entry period.

Photo by Cliff Wang

Magic Kingdom

• “it’s a small world”
• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• The Barnstormer
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

EPCOT

• Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
• Frozen Ever After
• Mission: SPACE
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Na’vi River Journey
• TriceraTop Spin

Ride availability during Early Theme Park Entry is always subject to change, so make sure to check your My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on what rides are available while you are there.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Early Theme Park Entry at Disney World, including what’s available and the best places to use it.

What other benefits are available for Disney World Resort hotel guests?

Guests staying at eligible Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa hotels are also eligible for Extended Evening Hours. You can learn more about this benefit, including dates and what hotels it’s available for, by clicking here.

What is the best park to use Early Theme Park Entry?

Ultimately, the best park will depend on what exactly you and your group want to get done in a day! However, if you are looking to ride on some of the most popular attractions at Disney World, you may have some luck getting a shorter wait on rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and others at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, at EPCOT, use the time to get in early at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting a park like Magic Kingdom, only select lands will be open during this time, so you’ll want to plan your day accordingly.