Early entry before checking in

[cinnamoroll]

We have booked a 1-night stay on-site and would like to head straight to Animal Kingdom when we arrive at MCO. Our flights lands at 6-7am and I was hoping to store our small carry-on's in lockers at AK to save time. How does early entry work if we aren't checking in at the hotel until later in the afternoon? Does it make more sense to check in first before going to AK? We do not have magicbands if that makes a difference.

(apologies if this is not the right board)

 

[ftbaker1313]

I haven't been in your particular situation because i normally drive to the world. I have went in during early entry. I parked at the hotel that we were going to be staying at and then went to the parks. we did have magic bands from a previous trip. there was no problem with entry. I have done this at MK, EPCOT and AK.

 

[scrappinginontario]

One thing to keep in mind is the lockers are inside the park which may prove time consuming/challenging getting through security, depending on what you travel with. Also, the locker area often does not have AC so things like makeup, etc will be in the hot FL temps for the day.

Personally, I would take the extra few mins to take my luggage to luggage services when it will be kept in an area with AC.

 

[cinnamoroll]

One thing to keep in mind is the lockers are inside the park which may prove time consuming/challenging getting through security, depending on what you travel with. Also, the locker area often does not have AC so things like makeup, etc will be in the hot FL temps for the day.

Personally, I would take the extra few mins to take my luggage to luggage services when it will be kept in an area with AC.

Good to know about the high temps! Does early entry make a difference if we aren't going on Flight of Passage or Everest? My daughter isn't tall enough for them but we do want to do the safari when animals are more active.

 

[sponica]

Good to know about the high temps! Does early entry make a difference if we aren't going on Flight of Passage or Everest? My daughter isn't tall enough for them but we do want to do the safari when animals are more active.

I don't think the safari opens with early entry, depending on when park opening is that day (the last time I went to AK, I feel like it had a bonkers early opening time of 7 or 730, and then the safari didn't open until 8 or 830?)

ETA: The most active I've ever seen the animals was mid to late afternoon.

 

[cinnamoroll]

I don't think the safari opens with early entry, depending on when park opening is that day (the last time I went to AK, I feel like it had a bonkers early opening time of 7 or 730, and then the safari didn't open until 8 or 830?)

ETA: The most active I've ever seen the animals was mid to late afternoon.

Thank you! In that case we'll forget about early entry and stop by the resort before heading to AK.

 

[ftbaker1313]

The best safaris I have been on have been near closing. I've gotten lucky enough to hear the lions roar then. the rest of the animals were about as active as morning trips.