Summary
On selected mornings, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure open their gates an hour early, allowing qualifying guests to enjoy a Magic Morning. It’s an appealing idea, promising smaller crowds and shorter lines.
Magic Morning early entry gets you inside one park early each day, but not all areas are open, and not all rides may be operating.
Why Early Entry Isn’t Everything You Expect
Who wouldn’t want early access to the Disneyland parks? Many guests envision enjoying the park without the usual crowds, resulting in shorter wait times. However, the reality often deviates from this expectation.
Early entry is accessible to all guests staying in the Disneyland hotels. These three hotels alone feature more than 2,500 rooms, meaning over 5,000 Disney hotel guests share the same privileges – not to mention those residing at Good Neighbor hotels and visitors with multi-day tickets that include early entry.
When compared to Disneyland’s average daily attendance of 40,000 (as reported by the Themed Entertainment Association), the early crowds can still feel overwhelming.
Moreover, not the entire park is accessible during early entry. Consequently, wait times can quickly rise to 60 minutes for popular attractions like Peter Pan and 40 minutes for Star Tours by the time regular hours begin.
Tips to Get the Most out of a Magic Morning
Lines to enter can be quite long, so if you plan to use the main gates, arrive early. While Disney recommends being at the gate 15 minutes before opening, 30 minutes in advance is advisable during busy periods.
Allow an additional 15 to 30 minutes to navigate from the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier to the entrance while navigating security. If you’re checking out of your accommodation, also factor in an extra 30 minutes for the check-out process and luggage handling.
Most guests rush toward rides upon entering, leading to long lines comparable to those during standard hours. To maximize your Magic Morning experience, select one ride you wish to enjoy the most and then spend the remainder of your time exploring, taking pictures, and soaking in the atmosphere.
Additionally, you might gain an advantage by using the monorail entrance instead of the main gates, which allows you to head directly to Tomorrowland before crossing to Fantasyland and enjoying Peter Pan.
If you are eager to experience attractions, concentrate on those that do not have FASTPASS options. However, be sure to arrive early enough to get through the gates and into line promptly.
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, consider using the Monorail entrance in Downtown Disney for early access; it’s reserved solely for hotel guests during Magic Morning hours, featuring significantly shorter lines compared to the main entrance. Furthermore, if riding Finding Nemo is on your agenda, the Monorail will conveniently transport you to its entrance.
For California Adventure, hotel guests have the option to enter through the Grand Californian, which involves walking through the lobby and past the Napa Rose Hotel.
How to Get into Disneyland During Magic Morning
Gaining access to early entry is straightforward as long as you meet one of the criteria listed below – simply present your ticket at the regular entrance. If you’re utilizing the Downtown Disney Monorail entrance, be prepared to show your room key as well. As of mid-2013, Magic Mornings are available if you:
- Stay at one of the Disney Hotels or purchase selected Disneyland Vacation or Good Neighbor Packages. Days and rules for hotel guests can be found on the Disneyland website.
- Buy a Disneyland ticket that includes Magic Morning admission. If you are more interested in one park over the other and are purchasing a three-day ticket, it’s wise to check the Disneyland website for the schedule and adjust your visit days accordingly.
