Unexpected Change for Magic Kingdom's Early Entry

One of the biggest perks to staying at a Walt Disney World Resort is Early Entry. Find out how this perk made an unexpected change.

Disney World Early Entry

Disney World Adjusts Park Hours - What You NEED to Know — Photo Credit: Disney

It is important to note that the posted park times may not be the actual park times. Guests staying at Disney World Resorts can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes earlier than the official park opening.

First introduced in 2021, Early Theme Park Entry allows guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts to enter all 4 Theme Parks 30 minutes early. Originally, all other guests were held at the park entrance

Magic Kingdom offers so many exhilarating and nostalgic attractions that garner high wait times. Disney Resort guests can enjoy lower wait times for the most popular attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Early Entry Changes

Early Entry has changed a bit over the years. One of the most notable changes was the removal of the rope that held guests at key locations at both Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

This past Tuesday, December 9, 2025, I (Donna) arrived at Magic Kingdom for Early Entry. As I made my way towards Fantasyland, I was surprised to see that a rope was returned to hold back guests until 8:30 am.

I was not expecting this and hoped that this would not affect my touring plan to start the morning aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Reason for the Change

The good news is that a Cast Member shared that this change was only temporary. This morning, families from the Gary Sinise Snowball Express enjoyed a special event before Early Entry.

Early Entry changed on December 9, 2025 for a special event.

Although this was not expected, this was such a magical moment for these families. Unfortunately, Disney does not share information of these special events so guests may plan around them.

What is your favorite plan for Early Entry? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family at the Disney Parks.