If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, one of the most valuable perks you get is Early Theme Park Entry—a full 30-minute head start before the gates open to the general public.
Early entry sign!
I’ve personally tested these perks at all four parks (yes, even on the days when I had to drag my sleepy family out the door before sunrise), and I can confidently say: if you use it right, Early Entry is pure Disney gold. But I’ve also learned the hard way that if you don’t plan ahead, you can easily waste that precious half hour stuck in crowds, wandering aimlessly, or standing in a coffee line. So after lots of early alarms and plenty of trial and error, here are 5 hacks to make the most of Early Entry at Walt Disney World from someone who has been going to Disney World for decades.
1. Get to the Bus or Skyliner EARLY (Like… Really Early)
Here’s the truth: if you’re showing up at your resort’s bus stop 30 minutes before Early Entry starts, you’re already behind. That means if Early Entry is at 8:30 AM, be at your resort bus stop or Skyliner no later than 7:15 AM if you are looking to take full advantage of the time you’ll have. Disney transportation typically starts running 45–60 minutes before Early Entry, and being on the first few buses or gondolas means you’ll be among the first guests tapping into the park. This small adjustment can completely change your day.
Disney Bus
2. Skip the Starbucks Line
I get it, you want caffeine and a breakfast sandwich to survive the day, but trust me, Starbucks is not your friend during Early Entry. The line gets long fast and can eat up most of your early park time, plus at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all guests can access the Starbucks location during Early Entry. Instead, we saw to grab coffee and maybe a snack at your resort early that morning and mobile order your breakfast after you ride during Early Entry.
EPCOT Starbucks Line
3. Know Which Rides Are Actually Open During Early Entry
One mistake I see all the time is people heading toward rides that aren’t even open during Early Entry. Not every attraction is available during those first 30 minutes, and each park is different. Knowing this in advance saves you from wasting time walking all the way across the park to a closed ride.
Find a Full List of Rides Open During Early Entry Here!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
4. Have One Clear Priority Ride and Head Straight There
Early Entry is not the time to “see where the crowds are going” or wander around deciding what you want to do. Pick your #1 ride in advance and head straight there like you’re on a mission. At Magic Kingdom, that might be Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. At Hollywood Studios, it might be Slinky Dog Dash. If you’re not first, the line builds fast. Having a clear goal keeps you focused and gives you the best shot at hitting your must-do attraction without a huge wait.
Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios
5. Use Early Entry for Rider Swap If You Have Littles
If you’re traveling with young kids who can’t ride the thrill rides, Early Entry is the perfect time to take advantage of Rider Swap. Here’s how it works:
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One adult waits with the non-riding child while the other rides.
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Then, the waiting adult can ride without standing in line again.
And yes, Rider Swap works during Early Entry! For rides like Flight of Passage, Space Mountain, or Smugglers Run, this hack lets both parents enjoy the top-tier rides without giving up that early advantage. Just ask a Cast Member at the entrance to help set it up before you enter the line.
Flight of Passage
Whether you’re chasing thrills, trying to fit in more magic before naptime, or just want to beat the Florida heat, those 30 minutes can truly make or break your day. For more Disney tips, be sure to follow us at DFB!
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No, no, and no. After many many years of doing Early Entry, we now forgo it. Why would we want to start our day at the crack of dawn to have to stand in line at the turnstiles for an hour, just to save standing in line at Seven Dwarfs for an hour? One time we were in early entry line at HS and we were about ten people back from turnstile. We had really gotten up early for this day! We were excited and planned to head straight to Slinky Dog Dash. The nice family in front of us visited with us while we waited an hour for the magical moment to arrive. Finally….the turnstiles opened. There were hundreds of people in lines across the turnstiles – most behind us. Alas, the nice family in front of us had an issue with their tickets. They do not pull these problems out of the line, instead they try to work through them while the people are still in line. So we watched hundreds and hundreds of people rush through the turnstiles before our line began to move again. Now – and this is only at Disney parks – my husband and I get in separate lines at the turnstiles. Lesson learned.
6. (or 4a) Check the Disney app and make sure your rope drop ride it open. There’s nothing sadder than wasting your early entry with a brisk walk to a closed ride.
What are your kiddos doing during all the waiting?