The Early Entry Change You Need to Know About for 2024

Early Entry is a special perk for onsite Guests. It replaces the Extra Magic Hour benefit that ended in March 2020. There is one change you need to know about for 2024.

Early Entry

Early Theme Park Entry is a new(ish) benefit for all guests staying at Disney resort hotel. It began in the fall of 2021 and replaced morning Extra Magic Hours. All guests utilizing this benefit can take advantage of entering the parks 30 minutes before the parks officially open.

What can be done in 30 minutes? A lot more than you think! It can save you hours of waiting later in the day and will free up time for you to knock out other attractions or head back for an afternoon rest. I (Monica) have utilized early theme park entry at all four parks in Disney World and both parks in Disneyland.

Maggie has 5 really good reasons why you should use it. Be sure to read her post HERE.

Change

Currently, Disneyland Resort guests can enjoy Early Entry at both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park every day. In August, Disneyland announced changes coming to this perk that can greatly change your park plans for 2024.

Starting on January 20, 2024, the early entry benefit will be updated, and guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels may take advantage of this 30-minute Early Entry on select days.

We now have the schedule for Early Entry. California Adventure will host Early Entry on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, Guests will be able to enter Disneyland Park 30 minutes early.

A Strategy

I know what you may be thinking. “The parks already open super early! How am I going to get myself and my family out of bed after a late evening in the parks? Will 30 minutes really put me at a higher advantage? It’s not the same as the 60 minutes we used to get!”

Early entry is your best friend, especially during peak seasons! As a mom of four, I know how hard it is to get everyone up and going. You may have to decide between late evenings, early mornings, or maybe a mix of both during your vacation.

I recently visited Disneyland in late April 2023 and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. This gave me access to early entry, and I used it at both parks. You can read about my strategy in this post.

Will you be visiting Disneyland in 2024? Are you going to take advantage of Early Entry? How will this schedule affect your touring plans? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with someone who is also visiting Disneyland.