Early Entry's future?

[Simba's Mom]

Since Disneyland announced the upcoming discontinuation of the Early Entry park program, to be replaced by one Lightning Lane per length of stay (yes, one for your whole vacation, not one every day, which is how often you got Early Entry), I have some fear for WDW. Do you think it could ever be possible that WDW's Early Entry could be discontinued/replaced?

 

[Minnie1222]

Do you think it could ever be possible that WDW's Early Entry could be discontinued/replaced?

Absolutely!
I can see them dropping free EE and bring back paid EE such as early breakfast in so and so land.

 

[BrianL]

It has been brought up on the DLR thread, but one thing to know is that WDW doesn't always do what DLR does. I'm not going to say that it wouldn't surprise me, but I am also not too worried about it happening too soon.

 

[CarolynFH]

I've always thought that EE was one way to encourage visitors to stay onsite rather than offsite. It seems that Disney's data shows EE isn't returning the results they want at DLR, but that doesn't mean it's the same at WDW. If the EE perk is more effective at WDW than at DLR, it might "save" EE at WDW.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

WDW and DLR rarely do the same thing.

I honestly wouldn't care if they did get rid of EE at WDW though since imo its not worth much anymore.
I've noticed that up to 3 attractions that are supposed to be operating during EE are down.
I'd prefer them go back to 1 hour at varying parks throughout the week at this point.

If they gave each person a LL that would be A LOT of money they are not bringing in since there are so many resorts at WDW so I doubt they'd do that.

 

[hardcorestitch]

Since Disneyland announced the upcoming discontinuation of the Early Entry park program, to be replaced by one Lightning Lane per length of stay (yes, one for your whole vacation, not one every day, which is how often you got Early Entry), I have some fear for WDW. Do you think it could ever be possible that WDW's Early Entry could be discontinued/replaced?

WDW better not pull a Disneyland in this case. If they do, we might see a cancellation spree among guests.

 

[gottalovepluto]

It has been brought up on the DLR thread, but one thing to know is that WDW doesn't always do what DLR does. I'm not going to say that it wouldn't surprise me, but I am also not too worried about it happening too soon.

This is key. DL is NOT WDW. Case in point: Security is still an old school backed up disaster at DL with no indications of ever changing. Metal detectors that could be from the 2000s and hand searches of all bags that vary wildly from security person to security person. Like lol. I had one morning where it was a quick peak and that evening they pulled it all out down to the tampons in the tiny interior pocket of purse. It's a joke compared to WDW.


Is it possible WDW nixes EE? Sure. Likely? Ehh, there are a lot of guests who use it and off-site hotels who benefit from it as well. And it serves to spread arrival crowds out which WDW seems to be into getting crowds split out and staged... Idk that Disney World is going to find themselves in the same situation as DL. (I'm convinced DL has found themselves in a Situation, idk what though. All of the sudden EE is dead and the just updated PPH DCA entrance is axed? Something about 2026 changed...)

 

[jaredjohn4]

Disney World has 5 times the hotels that Disneyland has. It is not fair comparison to the parks. But in reality, Disney does what Disney wants to do.

 

[JayMass]

I'd prefer them go back to 1 hour at varying parks throughout the week at this point.

If they gave each person a LL that would be A LOT of money they are not bringing in since there are so many resorts at WDW so I doubt they'd do that.

I agree. The EE half-hour is almost like nothing at all. The morning EMH were always so much better!

I also agree that they are not going to give away any LLs. That's a perk that I don't see coming back.