Disney's Updated Park Entry Perk Makes Staying At The Resorts Even More Magical

Disney parks are all about the magic, and often, that magic starts before you even step foot through the gates. Guests are immersed into Disney magic as soon as they enter the Disney bubble, whether there for a quick shopping trip in Disney Springs or staying at one of the 25 hotels on-property. One of the perks of remaining in the Disney bubble is early entry into the parks, which is available to guests staying in a Disney resort or good neighbor hotel. This perk allows you entrance into the parks 30 minutes before they're open to the general public. It gives you the best shot at experiencing all your favorite rides. And a recent change just made this perk a bit more magical. 

Typically, when guests get to a park for early entry, they can't just go right up to any attraction they wish. Cast members usually have them line up against a rope, hence the famous Disney term "rope drop," until they're ready to let guests in. Once the rope is reeled in and cast members give the go-ahead, guests speedwalk as fast as they can (because running isn't allowed) to their first attraction. This journey can get intense as you try to get ahead of the crowd, dodging strollers, children, and slow-walkers, to get to an attraction that may be on the opposite end of the park. This may cause you to use up a bunch of energy before the park is officially open. It's not the magical experience you want to start your day off with.

Now, according to a report shared by Inside the Magic, guests at Magic Kingdom no longer have to wait for a physical rope drop. They can walk right up to any attraction they want before the official early entry time.

Staying at a Disney hotel has more benefits than you may have realized. Maybe you're not a morning person, or maybe you want more time in the parks. A stay at certain Disney World hotels comes with extended evening hours, allowing you to stay in the parks after they have closed on select nights in select parks.

This means when standard guests have filtered out, you get select rides and attractions all to yourself. Most available rides during these hours are walk-ons, meaning you won't have to wait in line. And if there is a line, it won't be nearly as long as during normal park hours.

This perk is currently available at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels such as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green. These are Disney's pricier hotels, but they are worth it for a stress-free Disney World vacation, especially if you pair the extended hours with early entry. Just be sure to double check Disney World's Hours and Events Calendar to learn what days and in which parks extended evening hours are offered.