Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours are additional theme park hours exclusively for guests of Disney Resorts and other select hotels. Read our guide to learn about these exclusive benefits and which you will be entitled to.
When Walt Disney World reopened in 2020, the previous early park entry system, Extra Magic Hours, did not return. It was subsequently announced Extra Magic Hours wouldn’t be returning to Walt Disney World. We never used to think Extra Magic Hours was a great benefit. However, we believe both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours are a great benefit and the main reason to stay on-site.
Early Theme Park Entry
Early Theme Park Entry started in 2021 and replaced Extra Magic Hours. All Walt Disney World Resort guests, and other select hotels, can gain 30-minute early entry to any theme park each day. However, you will need a Disney Park Pass.
Unlike the old Extra Magic Hours, all four parks open daily for Early Theme Park Entry. Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available during Early Theme Park Entry, and the open attractions are subject to change.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Extended Evening Theme ParkHours are only available for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and the following select resorts:
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green
This is a much more exclusive list of hotels than Early Theme Park Entry.
Guests staying at one of these resorts can enjoy extended evening hours in select theme parks on select nights. A valid Disney Park Pass is also essential for guests taking advantage of Extended Evening Hours. However, guests may visit with a Park Hopper option as long as the park where they made their reservation has been visited earlier in the day.
Extended evening hours are typically held at Magic Kingdom park on Wednesdays and EPCOT on Mondays.
An additional benefit, on nights, EPCOT is holding Extended Theme Park Hours at 6:00 PM; guests have a further opportunity to join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A similar option will be available at The Magic Kingdom once TRON Lightcycle Run opens.
These extended hours are a fantastic benefit for guests staying at Disney Resorts. Off-site guests often find large crowds already in the park when they enter later in the day. Try and complete some of the resort’s most popular attractions during these periods.
Read More
Visit our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World to learn more. Our guide includes all the latest information on Walt Disney World.
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