How Gain Entry to Disney’s Magic Kingdom before it Opens
Magic Kingdom is by far the busiest park at Walt Disney World. It’s the original park, the most “Disney” areas, and caters to every height. You can expect during your day at Magic Kingdom to experience the largest amount of crowds. So do yourself a favour and get into the park before everyone else. How can you do this?
The gates of the Magic Kingdom now open an hour before the park officially opens. Guests can wander down Main Street, U.S.A and around the courtyard in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The entry to all the “lands” are roped off until the official park open time. This is for anyone visiting Walt Disney World and is not only offered for those staying at a Walt Disney World resort.
The hour leading up to the park opening, all the shops along Main Street, U.S.A. are open as well as Main Street Bakery, the Starbucks at the Magic Kingdom. The transports are also running. So guests can take a ride on the Fire Station truck or on the trolley. Photographers are also at the ready to take those iconic family pictures in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
There are a number of benefits to coming to the Magic Kingdom before park open.
Skip the Open crowd.
The entrance to the Magic Kingdom gets incredibly crowded as guests come from a number of different ways to get into this park. You have to go through Security and you have to scan your MagicBand or ticket to gain entry. When you come an hour before park open there are no crowds. You will be through security and the entry gates within 10 minutes instead of half an hour to an hour. You’ll also see this trickle out into the first 2 hours of your day. By being at the land entrances at park open you will be on the rides at 9am, instead of wandering around Main Street U.S.A. for the first twenty minutes and not getting onto rides until 10:30am.
Shopping.
All the shops on Main Street, U.S.A. are open to guests. You get to do your shopping without the crowds and while the shelves are stocked. So spend some time shopping now and you’ll get to spend more time on attractions or watching parades and stage shows.
Pictures.
Get all those pictures you want without all the crowds in the background. Get a beautiful picture in front of the castle without waiting 15 minutes for the photographer. Get pictures of all the sweet statues around the courtyard. You’ll have pictures of just your family instead of having your pictures photobombed.
Set the tone for the day.
By arriving so early and having an hour to wander Main Street, U.S.A. you and your party will be relaxed and won’t feel rushed.
Grab your breakfast.
With the Main Street Bakery open, you can have your breakfast right at the park. Grab your favourite latte and muffin and sit on the grass in front of the castle and await the park open.
Enjoy the Park Open Show.
In front of the castle every morning, Mickey and all his friends open the park with a little show and fireworks. By being here early you’ll have a great spot right in front of it all, instead of feeling like you’ve missed out the moment you arrive.
Transportation from resorts begin an hour and a half before park open. So hop on that bus or monorail at 7:30 and make your way to the Magic Kingdom for a calm and relaxing morning walking down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. Happy Planning Friends.