Early Admission at Disney World: Is It Worth the Early Rise?

For many Disney World visitors, the phrase “early admission” might evoke images of rushing through the park gates before the crowds arrive, eager to experience the magic of Disney before the rest of the world wakes up. But what exactly is early admission, and is it worth getting up early to take advantage of it?

Early admission, also known as “Early Morning Magic” or “Park Hoppers Early Access,” is a perk offered by Disney World that allows guests of select hotels and annual passholders to enter the parks before the official opening time. During this time, a limited number of attractions and experiences are open, offering shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.

There are different types of early admission experiences at Disney World, including rope drop and early theme park entry. Rope drop refers to the practice of guests gathering at the park entrance before opening time and rushing to popular attractions as soon as the gates open. Early theme park entry, on the other hand, is a more exclusive experience that allows select guests to enter the park earlier than the general public.

So, which rides are open during early admission? Let’s take a look at the parks:

Magic Kingdom

During early admission, Magic Kingdom has a selection of rides open, including:

• “it’s a small world” (5-minute wait)
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant (5-minute wait)
• Peter Pan’s Flight (45-minute wait)
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (25-minute wait)
• Mad Tea Party (5-minute wait)
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic (15-minute wait)
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (5-minute wait)
• The Barnstormer (5-minute wait)
• Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid

Alternatively, Tomorrowland has its own set of rides open for early admission, including:

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has a range of rides open for early admission, including:

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania!
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Slinky Dog Dash

EPCOT

EPCOT’s early admission rides include:

• Spaceship Earth
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mission: SPACE
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

So, is early admission worth it? It depends on your priorities and interests. If you’re looking to ride popular attractions with shorter wait times, early admission might be a good option. However, if you’re not interested in the rides open during early hours, it might not be worth getting up early.

Tips for making the most of early admission:

• Plan ahead and prioritize the rides you want to experience during early admission.
• Check the park schedule and My Disney Experience app to confirm ride availability and wait times.
• Make sure to fuel up for the day – grab some breakfast or snacks before or after riding attractions.

Ultimately, whether early admission is worth it depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you’re willing to get up early and prioritize the rides open during early hours, it could be a great way to start your day at Disney World.