Maximising Your Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney resort or select partner hotels is access to Extra Magic Hours, also known as Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Hours. These additional hours give you a head start (or extra time in the evening) to enjoy some of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions with lower crowd levels. Here’s how to use your extra magic time wisely to get the most out of your visit.
What Are Extra Magic Hours?
Early Theme Park Entry allows guests staying at Disney resorts and select partner hotels to enter Magic Kingdom 30 minutes earlier than the general public. This may not sound like a lot, but those early minutes can give you a head start on the park’s most popular attractions before the big crowds arrive.
On select evenings, Disney also offers Extended Evening Hours, giving guests staying at deluxe resorts and villas an additional two hours in the park after regular closing.
Why Is Extra Magic Time So Valuable?
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most in-demand attractions in all of Walt Disney World. With wait times for rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain frequently reaching over an hour during the day, having extra time with fewer people around can make a huge difference. Using your extra magic time strategically lets you experience high-demand rides with significantly shorter wait times, saving you hours during the busiest parts of the day.
How to Maximise Early Theme Park Entry
Here’s how to make the most of that precious 30-minute window:
- Arrive Early: Plan to be at the park entrance 30-45 minutes before Early Entry starts. Cast members typically let guests onto Main Street before the park officially opens, so you’ll be closer to the hub when the rides begin operating.
- Head to High-Demand Attractions: Use the first 30 minutes to hit rides with notoriously long wait times. Focus on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (which often has waits over an hour during the day) or Peter Pan’s Flight, both of which can be difficult to ride without a long wait later.
- Explore Tomorrowland or Fantasyland: These two lands open during Early Entry and contain some of the most popular attractions. After tackling Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan, check out other rides in these areas, such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
How to Maximise Extended Evening Hours
If you’re staying at a deluxe resort or villa, you’ll have access to Extended Evening Hours on select nights, which is another huge advantage.
- Use the Evening to Ride Popular Attractions: During Extended Evening Hours, most guests have left the park, leaving shorter wait times at some of the most popular rides. Take advantage of the quieter park to ride attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion with little to no wait.
- End Your Day with Fireworks: The crowds for the Happily Ever After fireworks show can be huge. If you’re enjoying Extended Evening Hours, you can skip the stress of finding a spot early and focus on the rides during regular park hours. After the fireworks end and the park empties, you’ll have another two hours to experience attractions without the daytime crowds.
Rides to Prioritise During Extra Magic Hours
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Always one of the first rides to hit due to its consistently long lines during the day.
- Space Mountain: Another thrill ride with typically long lines that can be much shorter during extra hours.
- Peter Pan’s Flight: Known for its long wait times all day, this classic ride is perfect for Early Entry.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: One of the most popular rides in the park, with lines that often exceed an hour during peak times.
Pro Tips for Extra Magic Hours
- Don’t Try to Do Everything: Focus on a few high-demand rides rather than trying to fit everything in. Having a few priority attractions in mind will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Take Advantage of the Quiet Park: Not only are the wait times shorter, but the atmosphere of Magic Kingdom during the early morning or late evening is completely different. Fewer crowds mean more magical moments, like walking through a near-empty Main Street, U.S.A.
- Have a Game Plan: If you’re using Early Entry, know which land you’ll be heading to first and have a plan for your first few rides. For Extended Evening Hours, decide which big attractions you missed during the day and target those.
Conclusion
Extra Magic Hours are one of the biggest advantages of staying on Disney property. Whether it’s in the morning or evening, these additional hours allow you to experience Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions without the massive crowds. Take your time, prioritise the rides you want to experience, and enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace, knowing you’re making the most of every magical minute.
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