Your Disney World Early Entry Strategy Has To CHANGE in 2025
- Apr 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Early Entry isn’t what it used to be — and if you're planning a Disney trip in 2025, your morning strategy needs a serious refresh.
Whether you’re staying on-site or not, 2025 brings a few major shifts to Disney World’s early morning routine. Here's how to plan smart and stay ahead of the crowds.
🏰 Magic Kingdom
If You’re Staying at a Disney Resort:
TRON Lightcycle / Run remains a strong early option, especially before regular guests are let in.
Keep an eye on new Early Entry access areas — Disney has announced that more lands like Frontierland and Liberty Square will be available during Early Entry on select days.
Got kids? Take advantage of the limited-time character meet-and-greets during Early Entry (May 27–September 1, 2025). Knock these out early and free up your schedule later.
If You’re Not Staying at a Disney Resort:
Skip TRON. Resort guests will already be deep in the queue.
Instead, rope drop something like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — it might still offer a better return on time than competing for leftovers at TRON.
🌐 EPCOT
If You’re Staying at a Disney Resort:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now available during Early Entry (no more virtual queue!). If you’re not buying a Lightning Lane, this is your chance.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is tricky. If you’re not entering through the International Gateway (i.e. staying at a Skyliner or BoardWalk-area resort), you’ll likely arrive too late to beat the crowd.
If You’re Not Staying at a Disney Resort:
Go for Soarin’ or Frozen Ever After. These often have manageable waits during Early Entry.
Consider purchasing a Lightning Lane for Cosmic Rewind — its line grows fast and doesn’t slow down.
🎬 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If You’re Staying at a Disney Resort:
It’s game time! Resort guests can hit rides 30 minutes before general guests.
Top picks: Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash. Both are major headliners with long waits later.
Be flexible. These rides can sometimes be down during Early Entry. Have a backup like Toy Story Mania or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
If You’re Not Staying at a Disney Resort:
You’ll be held at internal checkpoints after tapping in.
Hit Tower of Terror, Rock 'n’ Roller Coaster, or Toy Story Mania when the gates open — these see a surge later, but are usually manageable first thing.
🌳 Disney’s Animal Kingdom
If You’re Staying at a Disney Resort:
Flight of Passage is your go-to. Guests are walked there in groups by Cast Members, and it's one of the biggest time-savers of Early Entry.
If you’re using a Lightning Lane for Flight, consider heading to Dinosaur and Expedition Everest instead — two solid rides you can knock out quickly.
If You’re Not Staying at a Disney Resort:
Kilimanjaro Safaris is the move. Animals are usually active in the morning, and it opens right at official park time.
Just like EPCOT, you’ll be held at the front of the park until Early Entry ends. Plan accordingly.
🔁 What’s Changing in 2025?
Not all parks offer Early Entry every day. Check the schedule and build your plan around it.
More guests will have access to Early Entry. It’s no longer exclusive to Disney-owned hotel guests, so crowds may grow.
Character meets during Early Entry (at least for a limited summer window) might change your morning priorities — especially for families.
💡 Bottom Line
If you’re used to the old Early Entry game, it’s time to adapt. 2025 brings expanded access, shifting crowd patterns, and evolving park rules. Don’t wing it — know which park is offering early access, adjust your expectations, and use tools like Lightning Lane and Genie+ to stay ahead.
Early mornings are still golden at Disney — but only if you play it smart.
