The Best Things About Disney World Extended Hours: Insider Tips for Extending the Magic

Last Update October 22, 2024

The Disney World Extended Hours program is a perk offered to guests of Disney World resorts. This special opportunity extends the the amount of time eligible guests can spend in the parks, by admitting entry into Disney World theme parks outside of normal operating hours. As you plan your Disney World vacation, it’s important to consider what Disney World extended hours may deliver for your trip.

Disney World Extended Hours, What’s in a Name

Empty hub in front of Cinderella's Castle during Disney World Early Theme Park Entry

You might hear Disney World extended hours called by different names, including Disney World After Hours, Early Theme Park Entry and even Extra Magic Hours. All are valid in a way and complete a piece of the overall extended hours puzzle. Here is how it breaks down.

Disney World Extra Magic Hours

Under Disney World Extra Magic Hours, guests were allowed to enter one theme park up to two hours early or stay up to 3 hours past normal opening hours. Sadly, this program was disbanded in 2020 and resumed under the banner of extended hours. Since the name is kind of snappy and rolls off the tongue far easier than Disney World Extended Hours or Early Theme Park Entry, you may still hear people referring to Extra Magic Hours.

Disney World Early Theme Park Entry

Apple Watch on wrist showing early morning time.

Disney World Early Theme Park Entry refers to morning extended park hours, when guests are allowed to visit any theme park a half an hour before official opening.

Disney World Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Under this Disney World extended evening hours program, guests may visit either the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT for 3 hours after official park closing. Each park is scheduled for extended evening hours once during the week.

At times when special ticketed events are scheduled for either of these parks, usually around the Christmas holidays, you may see Disney Extended Evening Hours move to either Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom.

When Do Disney World Extended Hours Start?

Since Extended park hours encompass both Disney World Early Theme Park Entry and Disney World Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, opening hours for these programs depend on the time of day the program runs. Disney World Early Theme Park Entry allows guests to enter the theme park up to one half hour before official opening time. However, this is a bit of a falsehood.

For instance, in the case of Magic Kingdom, all guests are allowed to enter the park early, often up to an hour ahead of opening. You’ll have access to Main Street USA and the area in front of the castle, but ropes will restrict access to the rest of the park. Guests who are eligible for Early Theme Park Entry will head to a separate checkpoint outside Tomorrowland, where they will scan proof of a Disney World resort reservation and wait until Early Entry hours begin.

At Hollywood Studios, admittance during Early Theme Park Entry hours may be restricted to Disney World resort guests. Again, the turnstiles may open up to an hour before official park opening, allowing resort guests to enter the park, but you will be asked to wait in ride queues or outside of each open ride until Disney World Early Entry park hours officially open.

EPCOT operates in a similar fashion to Magic Kingdom, where all guests are allowed to enter the park up to the point of Spaceship Earth. Only eligible guests will be permitted access to Early Theme Park Entry. If you’re one of these lucky guests, you can head toward the ride of your choice. If the ride is open, you’re free to hop in line. If you’re a little ahead of official opening hours for Early Entry, you’ll be asked to wait at point somewhere within the park.

Animal Kingdom also allows all guests to enter the park early, but will hold guests not eligible for Early Theme Park Entry at a checkpoint until the park officially opens. Early Entry Guests may checkin through a separate checkpoint and be allowed to queue for eligible rides.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours begin as soon as the park closes for the day. Guests who wish to remain in the park will need to obtain a wristband as proof of eligibility. Only guests with a wristband will be allowed admittance to rides and attractions. Other guests will be encouraged to make their way toward the exit.

Who Can Attend Disney World Extended Hours?

Gran Destino Tower Lobby with Christmas tree at Disney Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs Resort lobby at Gran Destino Tower

You may have noticed that the previous section talked a lot about eligibility. That’s because Disney World Extended Hours, whether they be Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, are only available to guests of Disney World resorts.

You will be eligible for Early Theme Park Entry if you are staying at one of the following Disney World resorts:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Island Tower (opening 2025)
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels Eligible for Early Theme Park Entry

  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
  • Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
  • Holiday Inn Orlando
  • Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa
  • Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World Resort
  • Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
  • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

Disney World Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are only open to guests of Disney deluxe resorts and Villas in 2023, as well as a few select hotels, including:

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Other Select Hotels

  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

How to Attend Early Theme Park Entry: Tips for Each Park

Floating rocks in Disney's Pandora Land taken during Extended Hours.

As previously stated, only guests of certain resorts are granted the Genie wish of entering Disney World parks early or staying late—and yes, you will be checked for eligibility.

After passing through the turnstiles at the park gates, you will find that most of the rides and attractions are roped off. To gain entry, you’ll have to prove that you are a guest at an eligible resort, eithter by scanning your MagicBand, your MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card (plastic ticket card).

Here is how the process works at each Park.

Attending Early Theme Park Entry at Magic Kingdom

After entering through the turnstiles, all guests are free to wander around Main Street USA and the Castle hub. However, if you plan to attend Early Theme Park Entry (ETPE), you’ll need to pass a secondary screening point.

As you pass down Main Street, steer your party to the right. When the line of buildings comes to an end, you will see a sign directing ETPE guests to the right, toward Tomorrowland. Follow the pathway to the line of cast members checking eligibility.

Here, they will scan your MagicBand or other proof of eligibility and let you into another queue. To keep things moving, only one member of each party needs to scan their band or ticket.

If you plan to make a break for either Space Mountain or 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, you’ll want to be in the front of this line of guests.

Attending Early Theme Park Entry at Animal Kingdom

Early Theme Park Entry at Animal Kingdom operates differently depending on how crowded the park is expected to be. We have entered the park early and been allowed to walk right up to available attractions before being asked to scan in.

At other times, you’ll be directed to the left of the Oasis and asked to scan in, before being granted access to the rest of the park. Guests who are not eligible for early entry, will enter to the right and be held in front of the Tree of Life.

Attending Early Theme Park Entry at Hollywood Studios

During peak travel times, cast members at Disney Hollywood Studios may ask guests to demonstrate eligibility for Early Entry at the Turnstiles. When this is the case, cast members often make several announcements, letting you know that only guests of Disney World resorts will be allowed through the gates and into the park.

At less crowded times, all guests are allowed to enter the park, but only those eligible for ETPE will be allowed on the rides. In this instance, you will need to scan your MagicBand, MagicMobile Pass or Key to the World card with a cast member before you ride.

Attending Early Theme Park Entry at EPCOT

Empty EPCOT park as guests wait for Disney. World Extended hours Early Theme Park Entry.
Guests attending Disney World extended hours in the morning at EPCOT can wait in front of Connections Eatery to ride Test Track when the park opens.

Similar to attending ETPE at Magic Kingdom, guests entering EPCOT park early in the morning will be allowed to enter and congregate in front of Spaceship Earth. If you are attending ETPE, make sure you head to the right side of this open space and look for cast members holding signs for Early Theme Park Entry.

Once you scan in here, you will be able to enter the rest of the park and wait at a separate rope, depending on which ride you plan to enjoy first.

How to Attend Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Since evening extended park hours take place after the park closes, the process for attending and proving eligibility is a little different. To attend Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, guests may be asked to obtain a wristband.

If you are already in the park before closing time, look for stations scattered about where you can obtain your band. If you are entering close to park closing, ask for one at the turnstiles.

If wristbands are not in use, expect to scan your MagicBand, MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card (plastic ticket card) at several of the first rides of the evening.

Attractions Available During Extended Park Hours

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride lit up in front of Spaceship Earthy during Disney World Extended hours.

While extended park hours offer eligible guests an opportunity to visit a number of attractions with little to no wait, it’s important to know that not every ride is open during these times. Since crowds are lower during these extended hour openings, fewer rides are needed to accommodate guests.

Rides and Attractions Open During Early Theme Park Entry

Magic Kingdom Park

EPCOT

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on Disney’s website or mobile app.

Disney World Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride behind text.

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Rides and Attractions Open During Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

During the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available. In addition, the following attractions are planned* to operate:

Magic Kingdom Park

EPCOT

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on Disney’s website or mobile app.

Tips for Attending Disney World Extended Theme Park Hours

Exterior shot of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh during Disney World Extended Hours

Making the most of either Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours requires some advanced thought. Here are some tips to help you plan your time.

Disney World Early Theme Park Entry Strategy

  • Plan to arrive early—up to an hour before official park opening. You’ll wait for a bit at the turnstiles and then again at the rope or ride of your choice, but you’ll be well ahead of the crowds. Guests who employ this strategy are often able to ride 2 to 3 rides with little to no wait in the half an hour before other guests are allowed to enter the park. During our last trip to the Magic Kingdom, we rode Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Winnie the Pooh before the park officially opened. Since these rides often queue up long waits throughout the day, we considered this a big win.
  • While some restaurants may be open during Early Theme Park Entry, we don’t recommend waiting in line to grab you Starbucks, unless you don’t want to experience any of the attractions. You may see some of the shortest lines of the day for your cup of coffee during this time, but you’ll pay for it by waiting longer in lines for rides throughout the day.
  • Know which attractions you will visit during early entry before you hit the park. The half an hour goes by fast, and guests who spend ten to 15 minutes deciding what to do have used up half the time in decision making.
  • Use Early Theme Park Entry to ride the most popular attractions. In most cases, you won’t see shorter waits for headliners than you do during early entry. Even if that means you’ll only experience one ride during the half hour, you’ll still be ahead of later arrivals who will also be beelining it to those major rides.
  • Don’t forget to check in through the early entry point inside the park. It sounds simple, but we nearly did this once toward the end of our trip. We were tired and got caught up getting pictures in front of Spaceship Earth. We nearly forgot that we had to visit the cast members and prove our eligibility for early entry.

Disney World Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Strategy

  • Remember that guests are allowed to arrive before park closing on the day of evening theme park hours, as long as you have used your ticket park hopper ticket.
  • If you arrive early, inquire at the gate as to whether you will need a wristband to stay for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
  • Guests planning to utilize Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at EPCOT can join a virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind beginning at 6:00 pm.
  • Nights for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours may change, so be sure to consult the Hours and Events Calendar for your travel dates.

Putting It All Together

If you like low crowds and the chance to do more in less time, then Disney World’s Extended Theme Park Hours provide the perfect opportunity. Since fewer guests like to rise at dawn to attend Early Theme Park Entry, and Extened Evening Theme Park Hours are limited to guests of deluxe resorts, you’ll find the perfect combination of lower crowds and open attractions. It’s also the perfect time to grab some photos, particularly that coveted shot in front of the castle or Tree of Life, with no one else around.

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By Kathleen Hesketh

Kathleen Hesketh is an experienced travel writer and planner who has spent over a decade uncovering and sharing the best of U.S. destinations. A dedicated member of the International Travel Writers Alliance, she holds a wealth of industry certifications, including Disney College of Knowledge, Royal Caribbean International’s Master's program, and Viking Cruise Line’s Rivers Certified Expert. As a longtime Disney enthusiast with more than 15 park visits under her belt, Kathleen brings unique insights to her clients at Mickey World Travel and through her travel blog, Seconds to Go, where she shares her adventures traveling the U.S. with her daughters. With a career spanning over a decade of professional writing, Kathleen specializes in creating content that not only informs but combines her love for travel to deliver meaningful advice and stories for fellow travelers.

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