Hollywood Studios Morning Entry Procedure: What You Need to Know
Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, it’s time to get up to speed on the new morning entry procedure. Recently, Disney made some changes that impact how guests can enter the park before the official opening time. Whether you’re staying at a Disney Resort or visiting as a non-resort guest, these updates are worth knowing to make the most of your morning. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the updated Hollywood Studios morning entry procedure and how to optimize your early hours in the park.
What Changed in the Hollywood Studios Morning Entry Procedure?
Previously, the early entry privilege was exclusive to Disney Resort hotel guests. Non-resort guests had to wait outside the main entrance until the park’s official opening time. But things have changed. Now, all guests, including those not staying at Disney hotels, are allowed through the entry tap points starting at 8:00 am for a scheduled 9:00 am opening. Here’s how this impacts your morning:
- Early Access to the Park: Regardless of where you’re staying, you can now enter the park at 8:00 am, an hour before the official opening. This adjustment gives everyone a chance to soak up the atmosphere on Hollywood Boulevard, grab a coffee at the Trolley Car Café, or snap photos around Echo Lake.
- Exclusive Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests: Resort hotel guests still retain the perk of a 30-minute early entry for select attractions. At 8:00 am, they can head to specific checkpoints and start queuing up for rides that open at 8:30 am. Non-resort guests can enter the park but will be held at certain points until the park officially opens.
Where Can You Go Once Inside?
Once inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park splits into different zones for early entry. Here’s how it breaks down:
- General Entry for All Guests (8:00 am): All guests, whether staying at a Disney Resort or not, can explore areas like Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, and Animation Courtyard. It’s a great time to take in the ambiance or plan your strategy for the day.
- Checkpoints for Early Entry (Resort Guests Only):
- Sunset Boulevard: Ideal for those aiming to head towards Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
- Grand Avenue: This is the pathway for resort guests eager to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Toy Story Land Entrance: Perfect if you’re planning to ride Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Mania.
Disney Resort hotel guests can pass through these checkpoints and line up for attractions that start running at 8:30 am. Non-resort guests must wait at these checkpoints until the park fully opens at 9:00 am.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
One of the standout aspects of the updated Hollywood Studios morning entry procedure is access to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This ride is located before any of the early entry checkpoints, instead cast members will scan tickets or MagicBands prior to entering the queue for guests staying at a Disney Resort. This gives them a head start, while non-resort guests still need to wait until the official opening at 9:00 am.
Why Did Disney Update the Morning Entry Procedure?
This change essentially marks a return to the pre-pandemic approach, where all guests were allowed into the park before the official opening time. Here’s why Disney made this adjustment:
- Improved Guest Flow: Allowing everyone into the park early helps distribute guests more evenly, preventing bottlenecks at the main entrance. This makes for a more relaxed start to the day.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: Now, non-resort guests aren’t left waiting outside the park gates. They can explore Hollywood Studios’ shops, cafes, and photo spots before the attractions open, making their arrival less stressful.
- Maintaining Resort Guest Benefits: While non-resort guests benefit from earlier park access, Disney Resort hotel guests still enjoy the advantage of a head start on attractions. The 30-minute early entry window remains a valuable perk for resort guests, giving them a chance to experience popular rides with shorter waits.
A Typical Morning at Hollywood Studios (9:00 am Opening)
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect if you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on a day with a 9:00 am opening:
- 7:00 am – Parking Plaza Opens: Start your day by parking at Hollywood Studios. The earlier you arrive, the closer you’ll be to the main entrance, making your morning more convenient.
- 8:00 am – All Guests Enter Through Tap Points: Whether you’re staying on-site or not, you can now enter through the tap points at 8:00 am. You’ll be free to explore main areas of the park and get ready for the day ahead.
- 8:00 am – Early Entry Begins for Resort Guests: Resort hotel guests can make their way to the designated early entry checkpoints. They’ll be able to line up at select attractions ahead of the 8:30 am start.
- 8:30 am – Early Entry Attractions Open for Resort Guests: Disney Resort guests can enjoy a head start on popular rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
- 9:00 am – All Guests Can Enter Attraction Lines: At 9:00 am, the park officially opens, and non-resort guests can join the attraction lines. This is the time to head straight to your must-do rides if you haven’t already planned out your morning.
Tips for Making the Most of Hollywood Studios Morning Entry
- Arrive Early: If you’re driving, aim to be at the parking plaza by 7:00 am. This ensures a smooth entry when the gates open at 8:00 am.
- Leverage the 8:00 am Entry: Even if you’re not a Disney Resort guest, use the extra time to explore and get a feel for the park before it gets crowded.
- Resort Guests – Focus on High Demand Rides: If you’re a resort guest, make a beeline for your top priority attraction during the early entry window. This can save you from long waits later in the day.
- Non-Resort Guests – Plan Your Strategy: Use the time before 9:00 am to position yourself near your desired attractions. Once the park fully opens, head straight for your priority ride.
For more tips on rope drop strategies at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, check out my guide.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of the Updated Hollywood Studios Morning Entry Procedure
Disney’s changes to the Hollywood Studios morning entry procedure are a win for both resort and non-resort guests. While resort guests still enjoy an early start on popular attractions, non-resort guests benefit from entering the park earlier and soaking up the atmosphere before the rush. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, exploring Galaxy’s Edge, or strategizing your day’s rides, these updates make mornings at Hollywood Studios smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. So set that alarm, plan your morning, and get ready to make the most of your Disney day!
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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