How early can I arrive at Disney?


How early can I arrive at Disney? Check-in is officially at 3:00 PM at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, but you can arrive at any time, even at 7:30 AM, to store your bags with Bell Services and get yourself set for a day in the parks.


Can you bring food into Disney World?

Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.


When should you avoid crowds at Disney?

Off-peak times fall around January, February, September, and early November. Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times.


How does Disney know who can stay after hours?

The answer is the MagicBand! Your resort reservations are linked to your MagicBands through your My Disney Experience account, and, during Extra Magic Hours, you must scan your MagicBand to enter the park early. Or, during evening Extra Magic Hours, you must scan your MagicBand at any rides or attractions.


Can you get into Disney after 2PM?

Second, annual passholders may enter the parks after 2PM without a reservation, except for Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays. Blockout dates still apply for these guests. Third, and most important, there is a partial exception for guests who are park hopping, which we'll discuss next.


How early should you arrive at Disney parks?

Arriving at the Magic Kingdom 30–60 minutes before official opening ensures the shortest possible waits for rides. Off-site guests, who aren't eligible for Early Theme Park Entry, should arrive 30 minutes before official opening on all days.


Can you carry a backpack into Disney?

Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24 long x 15 wide x 18 high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm) are not allowed in any theme park or water park. Loose or dry ice is not permitted in these containers. Re-usable ice packs are recommended.


What time is Disney most crowded?

The WORST times to visit Walt Disney World are:
  • December 26-31. This is the most crowded and most expensive time of year. ...
  • Mid-February through mid-April (or later, depending on the date of Easter). ...
  • Midsummer (June through early August).


What is 2PM rule at Disney World?

However, that has changed. You now can only park hop AFTER 2PM. So you'll have to wait until well after lunchtime if you're planning on visiting another park. However, this rule is different for Annual Passholders.


Will Disney let me check-in early?

You can check in as soon as you arrive at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel - no need to request an earlier time. The official 3 p.m. check-in time is actually when you should expect your room to be ready for you, but it doesn't affect when you may begin the process.


Why do Disney employees point with two fingers?

In his later years, Walt Disney was a chain-smoker who rarely visited Disneyland without a cigarette in his hand. Because he didn't want to put the cigarette down, the legend goes, he would point out the landmarks with two fingers. By echoing his actions, todays cast members are following his lead.


Can you use Disney hotel pool before check-in?

On your arrival day, regardless of when you get to your Disney resort hotel, you definitely can use the resort pool. In fact, my family always plans an afternoon at the pool on our arrival day.


Do backpacks at Disney have to be clear?

Clear bags are not required. You are welcome to bring a purse, backpack, or another type of bag as long as it is no larger than 24 long x 15 wide x 18 high. You may also bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Please note that glass containers, other than small baby food jars, are not permitted.


What time does Disney World open their gates?

Theme Park Hours Magic Kingdom: 9:00am to 9:00pm or 10:00pm. EPCOT: 9:00am to 9:00pm. Disney's Hollywood Studios: 9:00am to 9:00pm. Disney's Animal Kingdom: 8:00am or 9:00am to 7:00pm.


Can I carry a backpack at Disney?

You Can Bring a Backpack to Disney Parks With the exception of a couple attractions, every ride at Disney will have a small pouch for you to stow your backpack, or space at your feet. Your trusty bag can take on all the adventures Disney has to offer with you!


Can Disney characters hug you?

Go no further! We've known since the end of March that traditional character meet and greets were returning to Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani Resort beginning April 18. And now we know which characters are giving hugs and autographs at select meet and greets and dining experiences.


Can anyone go to Disney after hours?

You won't need a Disney Park Pass theme park reservation or a regular theme park ticket to get in as long as you enter the park no earlier than 7:00 PM. If you want to drop in earlier, you'll need a standard theme park ticket — and a park reservation (if your ticket type requires one).


Can you swim in Disney pools after hours?

Feature or main pool hours are 10 am until 10 pm or 11 pm daily, depending upon the season. (Expect warmer months to see longer hours.) Leisure or quiet pools are once again open 24 hours per day. As always, operating hours are subject to change without notice (mostly due to weather).


Can I take a water bottle into Disney World?

We on the panel love helping guests to plan magical vacations! You can absolutely bring a water bottle with you into the Walt Disney World theme parks, including Magic Kingdom. The water bottle cannot be glass, but others are absolutely fine.


Is EPCOT free after 7pm?

The Disney After Hours at EPCOT event takes place from 10.00pm to 1.00am. You can get a head start on the fun by entering EPCOT at 7.00pm. You do not need a Disney park reservation or additional ticket to enter EPCOT after 7.00pm.


What time are Magic Kingdom fireworks?

Magic Kingdom Fireworks are at 9pm on most nights.


Does Disney open gates early?

Early Theme Park Entry is a perk of staying at a Disney hotel or select other hotel that allows these guests access to every park, every day, for 30 minutes before the park opens.