Credit: Paul Beattie, FlickrThere’s something unmistakably electric about stepping onto Main Street, U.S.A., before the rest of the world wakes up. For many Walt Disney World Resort guests, those first quiet moments inside Magic Kingdom represent more than convenience—they represent opportunity. The chance to ride beloved attractions with minimal waits, to experience the park’s magic uninterrupted, and to feel like, for just a moment, the magic belongs to them alone.
For years, Disney’s Early Entry perk has been one of the most coveted benefits offered to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select partner properties. Those precious extra minutes in the morning often define the entire day’s strategy. Guests carefully plan their routes, racing toward high-demand attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain, hoping to accomplish as much as possible before crowds inevitably surge.
But lately, something has felt different inside Magic Kingdom. Between ongoing construction projects, shifting guest patterns, and evolving entertainment offerings, the rhythm of the park’s early morning experience has been quietly changing—and longtime fans have noticed.
Guests Have Built Entire Vacation Strategies Around Early Entry Access
The importance of Early Entry cannot be overstated. For many Disney World visitors, especially families traveling long distances, it can mean the difference between riding their favorite attractions and missing out entirely. The perk has historically allowed guests to access select attractions 30 minutes before official park opening, offering a valuable head start in navigating crowds.
Magic Kingdom, in particular, has long been ground zero for this strategy. Popular attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain often see wait times climb rapidly within the first hour of operation. Early Entry has allowed savvy guests to bypass some of the longest lines of the day.
Currently, Early Entry participants at Magic Kingdom can access a wide variety of attractions, including classics like “it’s a small world,” Astro Orbiter, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, alongside major headliners. These early hours have been synonymous with efficiency and careful planning—until now.
Construction and Major Changes Have Already Altered the Park’s Atmosphere
Magic Kingdom is no stranger to evolution. The park is currently undergoing significant expansion and refurbishment efforts, including the construction of new areas like Piston Peak and the highly anticipated Villains Land. These additions signal a bold future for the park but have also created temporary disruptions to guest flow and availability.
At the same time, beloved attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are undergoing extensive refurbishments. Both rides are expected to reopen in spring or summer 2026 with major enhancements, including new ride elements, updated vehicles, and expanded storytelling components.
These closures and construction projects have subtly reshaped how guests approach their mornings. With fewer headline attractions available during certain periods, Early Entry strategies have already begun to shift—and Disney appears to be leaning into that shift in a surprising way.
Disney World Is Introducing Exclusive Character Meet-and-Greets During Early Entry
Now, Disney has officially confirmed a major addition to the Early Entry experience, one that could fundamentally change how guests spend their first moments inside the parks.
As part of the Cool Kids Summer promotion, running from May 26 through September 8, 2026, eligible hotel guests will be able to meet a rotating cast of Disney characters during Early Entry at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, including Magic Kingdom.
This marks a significant expansion of the perk. Instead of exclusively focusing on attractions, guests will now have the opportunity to meet Disney characters before the park opens to the general public. These character appearances will rotate regularly, and Disney has not released a full list of participating characters, encouraging guests to visit multiple parks throughout their vacation.
Importantly, these early morning character meet-and-greets will not replace existing meet-and-greet opportunities during normal park hours—they will be offered in addition to them.
This addition introduces a completely new dimension to Early Entry. Instead of racing solely toward rides, some guests may now prioritize exclusive character experiences, potentially redistributing early morning crowds across the park.
Fans Are Already Reacting to the Unexpected Expansion of Early Entry
Across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, Disney fans have begun discussing how this change could reshape their morning strategies. Some guests are excited about the chance to meet characters without long waits, calling it a “game changer” for families with young children.
Others see it as a strategic move by Disney to help balance crowd distribution during a period of construction and ride refurbishments. With fewer headline attractions available at certain times, offering exclusive character interactions gives guests another compelling reason to take advantage of Early Entry.
Many longtime visitors are already debating whether to prioritize rides or characters, especially once newly refurbished attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopen.
This Change Could Redefine How Guests Experience Magic Kingdom Mornings
The addition of character meet-and-greets during Early Entry represents more than just a new perk—it represents a shift in how Disney World is shaping the guest experience during one of the most important times of day.
For families hoping to create unforgettable memories, this could be an incredible opportunity to interact with beloved characters in a more relaxed environment. For others focused on maximizing ride access, it may provide a strategic advantage by spreading crowds more evenly throughout the park.
With major expansions underway and beloved attractions preparing to return, Magic Kingdom is entering a new chapter—one where Early Entry offers more choices than ever before.
As Walt Disney World continues to evolve, one question remains: will guests continue racing to rides, or will the chance to meet iconic characters redefine the meaning of an early Disney morning?