Everything Early Theme Park Entry (ETPE) - Please Read Post 1

[musicguy856]

For Epcot, what about taking a bus to AK, then another bus to Boardwalk or Beach Club and walking to IG?

 

[40ariel]

When did this happen? Many have taken a bus to DHS then the Skyliner to Epcot and not reported this happening. It did a bit back in 2020 when the parks were open reduced hours and Epcot did not open until 11:00 but not for a long time now.

This was April 2023. We were held at CBR until 7:30am. Early entry started at EPCOT at 8:30am. I just remember posting on one of the forums when I returned that we regretted taking the skyliner because we ended up so far back in line when we arrived at the International Gateway.

 

[scrappinginontario]

This was April 2023. We were held at CBR until 7:30am. Early entry started at EPCOT at 8:30am. I just remember posting on one of the forums when I returned that we regretted taking the skyliner because we ended up so far back in line when we arrived at the International Gateway.

Ah, makes sense now. Transportation to parks normally (but not always) starts about an hour before ETPE.

 

[musicguy856]

This was April 2023. We were held at CBR until 7:30am. Early entry started at EPCOT at 8:30am. I just remember posting on one of the forums when I returned that we regretted taking the skyliner because we ended up so far back in line when we arrived at the International Gateway.

Not sure how much this would have helped, but you could have walked to the Riviera Skyliner station - which is closer to Epcot - from CBR.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

There is no access to any resort without an ADR or to be staying at that resort

So you can no longer resort hop to see the various resorts?
We have viewed a few in the past. Also we have walked from Swan through BW to take a bus to MK, is that also a problem now?

 

[Rpo0921]

So you can no longer resort hop to see the various resorts?
We have viewed a few in the past. Also we have walked from Swan through BW to take a bus to MK, is that also a problem now?

The restriction is vehicle based. You can still take Disney transportation from wherever it starts to wherever it ends.

 

[CarolynFH]

So you can no longer resort hop to see the various resorts?
We have viewed a few in the past. Also we have walked from Swan through BW to take a bus to MK, is that also a problem now?

As above, taking Disney transportation to any resort is fine. You just can’t park a car there without an ADR, and some resorts won’t allow a rideshare dropoff without an ADR at very busy times (for example, CR, BW, and Yacht & Beach near park opening time). Walking from Swan to take the bus from BW is also allowed, although you might get dirty looks from some people if you talk about it while waiting at the bus stop or on the bus, especially at very busy times when the buses are crowded.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

As above, taking Disney transportation to any resort is fine. You just can’t park a car there without an ADR, and some resorts won’t allow a rideshare dropoff without an ADR at very busy times (for example, CR, BW, and Yacht & Beach near park opening time). Walking from Swan to take the bus from BW is also allowed, although you might get dirty looks from some people if you talk about it while waiting at the bus stop or on the bus, especially at very busy times when the buses are crowded.

The restriction is vehicle based. You can still take Disney transportation from wherever it starts to wherever it ends.

We never have a car at WDW so that didn't cross my mind. We have walked to BW bus stop or back to Swan before with no issues. It's not something we'd be talking about.

 

[lorileahb]

It is possible to use Early Entry at 2 Parks if you use Lyft. Last Week, we took advantage of Early Entry at Animal Kingdom for Flights of Passage, and immediately used Lyft to hop over to Hollywood Studios... took advantage of Early Entry there for Tower of Terror (we had an ILL for Rise, because the line for it would have already grown by 8:35 a.m. when we got to HS).

AK - 7:30 a.m. Early Entry (8:00 a.m. Regular Park Opening)
1. 6 a.m. - Port Orleans Riverside West Depot Bus Stop - On 6:05 a.m. Bus to Animal Kingdom
2. First in Line at AK to Tap In - 6:40 a.m. (ish)... on this day, resort buses did beat parking lot guests in line (sometimes uber/lyft can beat the buses)
3. 7:20 a.m. (approximately): Early Entry Into Animal Kingdom (with resort guest reservation check to the left on way up the hill)
4. Flights of Passage - Off Ride 7:50 a.m.

HS - 8:30 a.m. Early Entry (9:00 a.m. Regular Park Opening)
5. Lyft to Hollwood Studios - Arrived 8:35 a.m.
6. Tower of Terror - Standby Line, 15 Min Wait
7. Millenium Falcon - Smuggler's Run, No Wait (Single Rider Line... 2 of us got to ride together so no one actually rode single)... Standby Wait Jumped to 30 Mins (we got there almost same time as 9 a.m. regular park entry guests)
8. Star Tours - Standby Line, 15-20 Min Wait
9. Rise of Resistance ILL (10:30-11:30 a.m.)

Probably could do the same to hop to Epcot for 8:30 a.m. Early Entry (9 a.m. Park Opening) to rope drop Soarin or Test Track (Frozen and Remy would probably already have lines)... or to hop to MK to rope drop Tomorrowland or less popular Fantasyland rides.

 

[lorileahb]

For Epcot, what about taking a bus to AK, then another bus to Boardwalk or Beach Club and walking to IG?

You could do this, but it would take a long time.

 

[jessieellschwartz]

MK today Oct 13: I had a party of 12; we are at a partner hotel that is allowed ETPE. Arrived to TTC at 7:45 via private driver. Were scanned into MK at 8:00. At Tomorrowland they had a row of CMs. She scanned my MB and asked how many. I said 12 and she said ok, party of 12 go. That was it. No other scan. We opted for rope drop heading to 7DMT. They dropped at 8:25 exactly. At tea cups they were yelling 7DMT was down. We headed to Space. Had a posted wait of 35min; we were on the ride in 18 minutes.

Thank for the helpful information.

 

[jessieellschwartz]

Here is a new place to talk about everything dealing with early theme park entry! Share your tips and strategies here. What worked for you? What are your early theme park entry plans?

Please be sure to follow DIS guidelines!

As of October 1, 2021, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy 30-minute ETPE to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day, including check-in and check-out days. Guests are eligible for ETPE from check-in day through check-out day.

Official Information on Disney's website. Link includes list of all Disney Resorts plus select other hotels that qualify for Early Theme Park Entry (ETPE) and attractions that should be open for ETPE.

For the purposes of this thread, Early Theme Park Entry is considered to be 30 mins prior to posted park opening time. E.g. If park hours for the day are 9AM - 9PM, ETPE officially begins at 8:30 although it is common to allow resort guests to walk towards attractions approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time.


Getting There:
The best place to ask transportation questions is on the Transportation Board

Disney Buses
Buses start running 45-60 mins before ETPE but it’s recommended to arrive at bus stop 90 mins before ETPE begins to be towards the front of the crowd.

Skyliner
Skyliner starts running about an hour before ETPE but it’s recommended to arrive at Skyliner 90 mins before ETPE begins to be towards the front of the crowd.

Uber/Lyft drop offs at a resort require an ADR, not Quick Service.

Guests arriving at DHS via Uber/Lyft at DHS enter via the bus entrance and are normally granted access to the drop off location earlier than the parking lot opens. At all other parks, Uber/Lyft enters with cars approx. 1 hour before ETPE begins.

Driving
Parking lots open about an hour before ETPE. Guests arriving more than an hour before ETPE may be turned away.

Disney’s Boat Transportation
Disney’s Water Transportation

Disney transportation is running with sufficient time to get you to the parks in time for ETPE.

The Parks
How much earlier than posted times guests can normally enter?
It appears per limited current reports, guests may be granted access to the park up to 90 minutes before posted park opening. E.g. If park hours for the day are 9AM - 9PM, ETPE attractions officially begin at 8:30. Guests are reporting they may be allowed into the park as early at 7:30 (DHS) or 8:00 (Epcot and AK) and then be held at holding point(s) within the park until sometime between 8:15 and 8:30. Please see below for further details.

NOTE: Be sure to watch for signage both before entering the parks and afterwards as guests are being divided in to Resort Guests and non-Resort Guests. You don't want to wait in line only to find it's the wrong one.

How does ETPE work for guests?
Magic Kingdom: All guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 60-90 mins (time fluctuates based on the day) before posted park opening time. Those eligible for ETPE will have their bands scanned at the hub entrance to Tomorrowland or Fantasyland (near Tea Cups) approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time and be permitted to access the open attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Attractions in the other areas of the MK are not open for ETPE and guests wishing to access those areas will be held at the entrance to those lands until official park opening. (Attractions listed below). Guests staying offsite will be directed in the hub towards Adventureland and held until posted park opening where an announcement will be made when the park is open. There is no official park opening show at this time for either ETPE or offsite guests.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Eligible resort guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 90 mins before posted park opening time. ETPE guests will be held outside the tunnel to Galaxy's Edge, near Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, inside Toy Story Land and on Sunset Boulevard. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time, guests will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening. Update: In late November 2021, some guests reported being able to ride 'Rise of the Resistance' and 'Millennium Falcon, Smugglers Run' up to 30 mins earlier than official ETPE time. This may be temporary and due to busier Thanksgiving crowds so may not happen each day.

Epcot: Eligible resort guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 60 mins before posted park opening time. Guests will be held to the right and left of Spaceship Earth, near the construction walls or, near Canada when entering via International Gateway. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time guest will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening. Note: Guests arriving via International Gateway (IG) will have an advantage for Remy due to gate proximity. Guests from non-Skyliner/Epcot resorts wishing to enter via IG may wish to take a resort bus to DHS then walk, take Skyliner or Friendship Boat to the IG entrance for ETPE.

Animal Kingdom: Eligible resort guests will be granted access to the park approx. 60 mins before posted park opening time. They will be held on the bridge leading to Pandora. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time guest will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening.

How will I access the parks for ETPE?
Whatever method you normally use to enter the park (MagicBand, MagicMobile, card) will also work to grant you access to the park for ETPE.

What if my band doesn't scan to allow for ETPE?
It's been reported that if it is your check-in or check-out day that your band may not scan to grant access for ETPE. If this is the case, a quick show of your resort reservation on MDE to a CM should clear this up and grant you access.

Which attractions should I head to first?
A headliner attraction is recommended and would depend on personal preference.



Attractions that should* be open during ETPE:

Magic Kingdom Park (All attractions open for ETPE are located within Tomorrowland and Fantasyland)

• “it’s a small world”
• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• The Barnstormer
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot

• Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
• Frozen Ever After
• Mission: SPACE
• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure *NEW* Note: IG guests will have an advantage reaching this attraction first.
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™
• Toy Story Mania!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Na’vi River Journey
• TriceraTop Spin

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational.

Here is a new place to talk about everything dealing with early theme park entry! Share your tips and strategies here. What worked for you? What are your early theme park entry plans?

Please be sure to follow DIS guidelines!

As of October 1, 2021, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy 30-minute ETPE to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day, including check-in and check-out days. Guests are eligible for ETPE from check-in day through check-out day.

Official Information on Disney's website. Link includes list of all Disney Resorts plus select other hotels that qualify for Early Theme Park Entry (ETPE) and attractions that should be open for ETPE.

For the purposes of this thread, Early Theme Park Entry is considered to be 30 mins prior to posted park opening time. E.g. If park hours for the day are 9AM - 9PM, ETPE officially begins at 8:30 although it is common to allow resort guests to walk towards attractions approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time.


Getting There:
The best place to ask transportation questions is on the Transportation Board

Disney Buses
Buses start running 45-60 mins before ETPE but it’s recommended to arrive at bus stop 90 mins before ETPE begins to be towards the front of the crowd.

Skyliner
Skyliner starts running about an hour before ETPE but it’s recommended to arrive at Skyliner 90 mins before ETPE begins to be towards the front of the crowd.

Uber/Lyft drop offs at a resort require an ADR, not Quick Service.

Guests arriving at DHS via Uber/Lyft at DHS enter via the bus entrance and are normally granted access to the drop off location earlier than the parking lot opens. At all other parks, Uber/Lyft enters with cars approx. 1 hour before ETPE begins.

Driving
Parking lots open about an hour before ETPE. Guests arriving more than an hour before ETPE may be turned away.

Disney’s Boat Transportation
Disney’s Water Transportation

Disney transportation is running with sufficient time to get you to the parks in time for ETPE.

The Parks
How much earlier than posted times guests can normally enter?
It appears per limited current reports, guests may be granted access to the park up to 90 minutes before posted park opening. E.g. If park hours for the day are 9AM - 9PM, ETPE attractions officially begin at 8:30. Guests are reporting they may be allowed into the park as early at 7:30 (DHS) or 8:00 (Epcot and AK) and then be held at holding point(s) within the park until sometime between 8:15 and 8:30. Please see below for further details.

NOTE: Be sure to watch for signage both before entering the parks and afterwards as guests are being divided in to Resort Guests and non-Resort Guests. You don't want to wait in line only to find it's the wrong one.

How does ETPE work for guests?
Magic Kingdom: All guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 60-90 mins (time fluctuates based on the day) before posted park opening time. Those eligible for ETPE will have their bands scanned at the hub entrance to Tomorrowland or Fantasyland (near Tea Cups) approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time and be permitted to access the open attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Attractions in the other areas of the MK are not open for ETPE and guests wishing to access those areas will be held at the entrance to those lands until official park opening. (Attractions listed below). Guests staying offsite will be directed in the hub towards Adventureland and held until posted park opening where an announcement will be made when the park is open. There is no official park opening show at this time for either ETPE or offsite guests.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Eligible resort guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 90 mins before posted park opening time. ETPE guests will be held outside the tunnel to Galaxy's Edge, near Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, inside Toy Story Land and on Sunset Boulevard. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time, guests will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening. Update: In late November 2021, some guests reported being able to ride 'Rise of the Resistance' and 'Millennium Falcon, Smugglers Run' up to 30 mins earlier than official ETPE time. This may be temporary and due to busier Thanksgiving crowds so may not happen each day.

Epcot: Eligible resort guests will be allowed access to the park approx. 60 mins before posted park opening time. Guests will be held to the right and left of Spaceship Earth, near the construction walls or, near Canada when entering via International Gateway. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time guest will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening. Note: Guests arriving via International Gateway (IG) will have an advantage for Remy due to gate proximity. Guests from non-Skyliner/Epcot resorts wishing to enter via IG may wish to take a resort bus to DHS then walk, take Skyliner or Friendship Boat to the IG entrance for ETPE.

Animal Kingdom: Eligible resort guests will be granted access to the park approx. 60 mins before posted park opening time. They will be held on the bridge leading to Pandora. Approx. 40 mins prior to posted park opening time guest will be permitted to access the open attractions. (Attractions listed below). Guests not staying at a Disney resort will be held at park gate until posted park opening.

How will I access the parks for ETPE?
Whatever method you normally use to enter the park (MagicBand, MagicMobile, card) will also work to grant you access to the park for ETPE.

What if my band doesn't scan to allow for ETPE?
It's been reported that if it is your check-in or check-out day that your band may not scan to grant access for ETPE. If this is the case, a quick show of your resort reservation on MDE to a CM should clear this up and grant you access.

Which attractions should I head to first?
A headliner attraction is recommended and would depend on personal preference.



Attractions that should* be open during ETPE:

Magic Kingdom Park (All attractions open for ETPE are located within Tomorrowland and Fantasyland)

• “it’s a small world”
• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• The Barnstormer
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot

• Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
• Frozen Ever After
• Mission: SPACE
• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure *NEW* Note: IG guests will have an advantage reaching this attraction first.
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™
• Toy Story Mania!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Na’vi River Journey
• TriceraTop Spin

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational.

Great advice thank you!

 

[Matrixleos]

Question for Early Theme Park Entry. On our first park day, I know we will need to scan our magicband+ and they will need to scan each of our fingerprints the first time we use our tickets. My worry is, that might delay us from entering the park on the timely basis as we each have to scan our fingerprints.

My question, is if there a way to sync our park tickets, magicband+ and fingerprints before our first park day? I don't mind traveling to the parks on our arrival day to get the fingerprint scanned. Just trying to see if there was a way to speed up our park entry for our first park day.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Question for Early Theme Park Entry. On our first park day, I know we will need to scan our magicband+ and they will need to scan each of our fingerprints the first time we use our tickets. My worry is, that might delay us from entering the park on the timely basis as we each have to scan our fingerprints.

My question, is if there a way to sync our park tickets, magicband+ and fingerprints before our first park day? I don't mind traveling to the parks on our arrival day to get the fingerprint scanned. Just trying to see if there was a way to speed up our park entry for our first park day.

Each person scans their fingerprint each time they enter a park, not just the first time. There is no time difference between the first time and other times. You only scan one finger.

What you will want to do is remember which finger you scan as you must use it each time. That will slow you down on other days if you try to use a different finger.

Also, if you travel to the parks on arrival day and scan your fingerprint, you will use a day of your ticket even if all you do is turn around and leave.

 

[brockash]

Question for Early Theme Park Entry. On our first park day, I know we will need to scan our magicband+ and they will need to scan each of our fingerprints the first time we use our tickets. My worry is, that might delay us from entering the park on the timely basis as we each have to scan our fingerprints.

My question, is if there a way to sync our park tickets, magicband+ and fingerprints before our first park day? I don't mind traveling to the parks on our arrival day to get the fingerprint scanned. Just trying to see if there was a way to speed up our park entry for our first park day.

The first day will be the easiest as it's not "matching" to any previous fingerprint. Everyone scans every day...it's not a big deal, but just remember to scan the same finger each time. 1st day will be the quickest though.

 

[nighttowll]

Better to Uber or take bus from Port Orleans Riverside to AK for early entry?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Personally bus as it’s free. There is no guarantee which opens first - parking or bus entrance so no noticeable advantage to paying for an Uber.

 

[lorileahb]

Better to Uber or take bus from Port Orleans Riverside to AK for early entry?

Definitely no guarantees. We went in early March (very crowded day) - we got to POR bus stop (West Depot) at 6 a.m. - first bus arrived at 6:05 a.m. - was a 7:30 a.m. Early Entry day for Animal Kingdom. On that day, buses did beat the parking lot opening (and any ride shares). We were first in queue to tap in.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Better to Uber or take bus from Port Orleans Riverside to AK for early entry?

The best advantage you can give yourself as @lorileahb said, is to arrive at your resort transportation 90 mins before ETPE begins. That is key!