Disneyland Early Entry | Strategies and Tips for park entry before opening

We were hosted at the Grand Californian for two nights courtesy of GetAwayToday and Disneyland, where we were given the opportunity to take advantage of Magic Morning. Disneyland's early entry. 30 minutes before the park opens. We'll be doing both parks and provide our strategy and tips for how best to take advantage of the extra time.
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[@jmwaters1208]

I will never understand how people can think: the joy that a child feels at Disneyland somehow stops, or is unacceptable once we are adults. Disneyland is a joy for anyone, of ALL ages.

[@diazjr1975]

True, but more for adults 😄!

[@billyjoelmartin]

Still feel it most days I go

[@adventuresinthebay8487]

Because those haters don’t know how to feel joy so they’re envious of those who can rekindle that youthful happiness.

[@patrickperalta59]

Josh Aguas ,.... I agree Disneyland is a fun place for kids and Adults... it never stops being fun once your an adult.

[@natalieprescott6642]

seriously, i’m just gonna continue to do what makes me happy while they can stay bitter and miserable LOL

[@nadine6518]

That Tigger hug just melted my heart.

[@sherylmurawsky5160]

My family and I just stayed at the Disneyland Hotel Thursday-Sunday (8/11-14) and did Early Entry at Disneyland on Thursday and at DCA on Saturday. On Thursday we got to the security check-in at about 6:55 and they were open and checking room keys and only allowing people through with a key. There was a line of non-hotel guests waiting for security to open at 7. We were able to get to the esplanade gate for DL just before the trams dropped off the first guests at 7:15. The line was fairly long already and the cast members didn’t open the gate until 7:30 on the dot. It was about 7:40 when we got to the checkpoint in the hub. We were able to ride Peter Pan and Alice before rope drop and were heading to Space Mountain before rope drop but it was down and so lost some EE time because of that which was very disappointing. On Saturday, the day we were going to do EE at DCA, we got down to the security checkpoint by the Disneyland Hotel at 6:50 thinking the security would be the same as on Thursday. It was not. Security was closed (it didn’t open until its usual 7am time) and there was a line that extended almost the entire length of the DLH property. And of course, when security opened there were plenty of guests who hadn’t gotten in the line that just started to pour through, ignoring the huge queue of people going in. It was a mess. Security lines were long and by the time we were able to get all the way to the Esplanade to line up for DCA, it was about 7:20 maybe later, so the trams had already let people off. Now luckily because we were going into DCA, there were less people queued up but the DL side was a disaster and anyone trying to do EE from the Disneyland hotel or Paradise Pier would have been out of luck. Again, guests weren’t scanned in until 7:30 on the dot. We were able to get to Web Slingers and were going to queue up outside Radiator Springs Racers but were told it wouldn’t open at 8 that morning so we headed to Incredicoaster which was down. So all told, EE wasn’t a great experience for us. I heard other guests complaining about security not opening up soon enough (at least down by Disneyland Hotel) and also about EE rides being down. Disney needs to step things up in regards to Early Entry, in our opinion as it’s kind of a “sham” right now, at least if you stay at Disneyland Hotel. Hopefully they will fix the security gate time issue because if they don’t, I wouldn’t recommend staying at DLH if you want to take advantage of EE. Thanks for the video!

[@danielguizar360]

Its interesting this past Saturday I was expecting it to be super crowded but for me it was moderately crowded. Wait times weren’t too bad. The most I waited for a ride was 45 minutes. Rise, Space and Splash were the examples that come to mind. I even waited Indiana Jones for about a half hour which isn’t bad. And I arrived to Disneyland at about 8:45am. It really varies what days u go that will determine on the line. Also didn’t use the fastpass at all

[@IdiotAudio]

DL: Peter Pan is always first! Magic Morning, Early Entry, Rope Drop - it's tradition. Space Mountain before 7:50am is a dream when it's open! Back door from Fantasyland to bust over to Rise at 8am is a winner. DCA: I think Soarin then Web Slingers then back door to Cars Land to get on RSR could work perfectly. Can you imagine hitting those three before 8:15am? Then TSMM and Incredicoaster. DUDE... Thanks for putting both days on one post. Killer vid. The French toast at Lamplight Lounge is Beyond delicious. Can still taste it.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Now that was about as much fun as one can have without actually being there! Thank you David, Liz and Sofi for so much joy! And thanks for all the effort you put into this fine presentation Dave! Very grand indeed!

[@rosyhvideo2587]

Yea! 👍

[@richarddelgado8913]

I found this video very educational about the early entry into Disneyland Disneyland thank you so much...

[@jeffjohnson6922]

I enjoyed this video so much. My favorite content of yours has always been your in-park videos. Your joy and excitement about the park make me smile, and I love seeing the park through your eyes. Vids like this helped me get through the pandemic. Thanks for making this.

[@jmathews2178]

My goodness, your dumbo ride was the cutest thing ever! Thanks for all joy you provide us!

[@joeyphillipp]

Omg she’s growing up so fast! Thank you for taking us along with you guys

[@marcylopez9833]

Love going on these trips with your family. Thank u for taking us along

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Our pleasure!

[@tishaandmegan]

Picture perfect video!! The family makes a great team!! Thanks for bringing us along!!!

[@FollowMyRuin]

Thank you so much for this! We're staying and Grand Californian next month and I'm with some first-timers so this was invaluable info as I plan our days.

[@dianerios880]

How sweet to be accompanying you guys on your family visit. So he’s gonna have the best memory the kid could have! And I love those thank you cast member T-shirts! So cool. And I love the music they’re playing it’s like music from my childhood at my grandma’s house I hope it never changes.✌️❤️

[@KeturahsKastle]

Wow! This was super helpful! Thanks for sharing 🙂. Definitely going to do Magic mornings.

[@tylerkraft6985]

Thanks for telling me and my family about space mountain being closed! Cool to see you!

[@virginialake5080]

What an incredible trip! Sofia on Dumbo is pure magic. ✨ Great and detailed info, thank you, David. Keep making memories with the fam.❤️

[@melyndasanagustin3989]

I just have to say Liz is such a good momma ❤️ it warms my heart ❤️

[@rh5563]

Absolutely amazing! Those people at GetAwayToday really hooked you up! They are great! You deserve it. Top notch family and Disney enthusiast. 👍👍👍

[@Cel.G]

This was super helpful!! Thanks Dave! We’re heading out there in a couple weeks! Super excited!

[@00Kristan00]

Thanks for sharing, helps understanding how to navigate early entry.

[@ilovethedisney]

Loved the strategies omg 😱thank you ! 🤩

[@alfredorosales2821]

Great video David. Nice to see u having fun with ur family.

[@Ceelle2]

Right on time! Next Saturday and Sunday for me.

[@MisterTwister1669]

Any FreshBaked trip through the park with Sophie is just a pure joy!!!

[@citticat2]

This is exactly our plan with our next visit. Thanks for posting.😀

[@dalemayfield6098]

Yo! Thanks for the insight. I’ll be on prop for a few days and can plan my time better. 🔥😎👏🏾

[@FreeTheOne1996]

I love this!!! this is exactly what I needed to watch to know the great stuff we’re going to be doing we have lamplighter‘s for brunch we also have Plaza Inn for breakfast Yep we’re gonna be doing exactly as you just suggested thank you so much to get away today and thank you so much to Fresh Baked we love you King, Queen and especially The Princess!! 💓

[@winterds1]

Excellent video!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@patrickperalta59]

nice to see the Family at Disneyland. your daughter Sofia is having so much fun.

[@xCaLLMeGHeTTo]

David!!! New Camera? This video looks immaculate, my friend. Thanks for taking us along.

[@Intothefunko]

Saw you at the park today your genie+ tips got us a extra lightning lane or two

[@TrojTV]

I LOVE Liz's spirit jersey. Will definitely be looking for that one next month in Florida

[@Disney4ever55]

Omg, the swinging gondola part had me dying 🤣🤣🤣

[@CharlesGreggo]

That Dumbo ride melted my heart. ❤️

[@naomiw7515]

I have never seen the line for Peter Pan so short!!! Nice 😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@Henderson754]

A joy to see sophi having a great time on dumbo. FYI...........My first AP pass was $145 in 1985. Love Disneyland!!!!!!!

[@juliwilkins2170]

When my son and I went in May, we rope dropped Space Mountain and (like this) it was not open. So we rode Buzz Lightyear a couple of times and my son made it on the top 10 board. By that time, Space was open and we only waited about 15 minutes. It was worth hanging out Tomorrowland for a little bit until it opened. We had Genie +, but it was Hyperspace Mountain and we wanted to ride more than once per day. It worked out in the end.

[@murraykeir1745]

Great video as always. Can guests use the Grand Californian use that entrance to get into DCA?

[@sirmalmsten1982]

The views at SUNRISE are magical, December has later Sunrises.

[@ItsameBS]

TSMM is not an EE attraction. Racers has been down each morning during EE so far. Order should be.... DL Space, Pan, Alice, Dumbo, Toad, Snow, Pinnochio. Goal is to be done by 758 so you can walk to Rise. No Rise then do Thunder, Indy, Jungle, Pirates, Mansion, Splash. DCA WS, Maters, Goal is tp be in line for Racers by 758. You do not have to head to Pixar Pier until 845am.

[@FreshBakedDisney]

we were getting in line for the ride to open at 8 am. we were told it would not open on time. it opened about 20 minutes later.

[@Jaruzelsk]

When you got scared ,that was the funniest part of the video 😂

[@patrickperalta59]

when I went to Disneyland years before all this rope drop and other early things I arrived at the park and first thing I went on was the Pirate's ride fallowed by Haunted mansion before the crowd got there.

[@charleslinker2904]

Hidden MIckey in the tower, Nice!

[@Happy-dv2uu]

Man, that breakfast looks soo good 👍!

[@daronmarkley826]

I had the most magical time hanging out with you Liz and Sophie and I was so happy you were able to get away from home and enjoy a wonderful getaway thanks to Getaway today also it was interesting to see the only rides that are open at that early hour also I must thank you David for explaining the best way to navigate the park and what rides to go on at early morning hour it will be a big help also I noticed as I always do is when Liz is in the park with you you are that much happier and I can’t blame you Liz is such a beautiful woman and you guys work so good together now thanks David for allowing me to hang out with you Liz and Sophie on your special day in both parks now with that being said peace ☮️ love ❤️ and happiness to you David, Liz and Sophie and I’ll see you on the next Fresh Baked Adventure wherever it takes you peace ☮️ out ✌️

[@DarMar106]

I know coming into the park and rope dropping isn’t ideal on vacation but you can get SO MUCh done in that first two hours

[@cpt.walker6273]

An interesting difference between Disney World's Peter Pan and Disneyland's is that the ride vehicles are a little bigger and do not stop in the loading area in Disney World. So it has a higher ride capacity.

[@emmaboxer4659]

No way!! At the DCA queue thats me and my husband directly behind you with the tie die minnie hat 😂

[@cameronarmstrong8248]

Love the 4k upgrade FB!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

our upgrade to the new computer has finally paid some dividends :)

[@chericrabbypelley]

Her ears ❤️!!!!

[@sierramist3249]

Nice friends reference

[@carrievaldez3708]

That is very different. You used to not be able to enter the park for magic morning unless you were qualified. So they would have special Gates that said magic morning above them and everyone else would cue in the regular Gates

[@joeshonk9715]

So it will cost a minimum of $600 to $800 (if not more) per night to get an extra 30 minutes? Dang. Maybe I've been to harsh on Cheapek's business acumen.

[@CarterBaby32]

No, there are rooms at the Paradise Pier hotel that are less than 400.

[@crystalsanchez5720]

U made an excellent point👌

[@crystalsanchez5720]

@@CarterBaby32 still 400$for an extra 30min is insane

[@CarterBaby32]

@@crystalsanchez5720 I'm sure thirty minutes was just because they had a few hiccups the first day. I'm sure it'll be back to an hour after the issues are worked out. If you don't like the prices, and don't think it's worth it. Then don't do it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@troyj4960]

In fairness, you do get a hotel room with the price too, but still not worth it given the more affordable options nearby on Harbor.

[@KrauseMouseAdventures]

Thanks for the tips! We’re doing early admission tomorrow and will try to ropedrop Rise from Fantasyland/Frontierland

[@harrisfamily3247]

Were you able to sneak over to Rise at rope drop from the Fantasyland/Frontierland side?

[@KrauseMouseAdventures]

@@harrisfamily3247 yes! It worked out great!

[@KrauseMouseAdventures]

@@harrisfamily3247 yes! It worked out great!

[@disneylandlux]

Super helpful - thanks! I looked at the app at 7:30 and it shows if a ride is down - so next time you don’t have to walk to space mountain - just check the app!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

lol i try to avoid the app as much as possible.

[@robertspanjers7888]

Hi guys, with resort guests being able to do early entry, would you change your strategy for rope drop as a non resort guest? As a first time visitor to Disney I would like to see Fantasyland. Would you still go there first or would you do it later (by the way I do have Genie Plus)?

[@Songdaddy]

I remember when the rope was at the end of Main Street. That was like in the early 80's. Do you remember when there was a stage beneath Space Mountain?

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Yup! Captain EO! But us old timers remember when there was an open air stage there with big sound system and lighting and they had outdoor concerts big time style! Was actually very great fun!

[@jenniferdennison1995]

Curious why you didn’t use the park entrance from the Grand for your DCA Magic Morning?

[@carrievaldez3708]

If I went now during magic morning since it is so so so much less crowded than it used to be. I would just ride Peter over and over. Cuz all of the other rides don't have a line until 8:30. Maybe I would do Alice at 7:50 and Space right before rope drop like David tried to do.

[@tmevforever]

Do they scan your reservation? How do they stop people from screen shotting an old reservation and re-using it?

[@jsbh2006]

What should be the new rope drop strategy?

[@akdisney]

Dave why did you you use Grand Californian entice I saw the sign up there to

[@melomelon3]

Hey have a question if you have a magic key pass are you able to get in early too or is it only for people with hotels

[@zeroconsequences]

I feel like Space Mountain is ALWAYS closed at rope drop. I don't know how Ron and his son do it if it's always closed. Every time I've tried its closed anyway.. and I've seen multiple livestreams and videos of it not working out at rope drop!

[@cab9191]

Do you never start at Indiana Jones at rope drop? If not why not? Seems like hitting that then Space then Matterhorn/Star Tours would work

[@prissymissliesl]

How amazing was that day??!!

[@erikaacosta7285]

Question for you. Do they now allow you to use camera during certain rides😮 or how did you do that?

[@nitrogirl422]

Does anyone know if the stroller rental at guest services opens prior to 7:30? I want to take advantage of Magic Morning but also need to get a stroller before entering the park.

[@katm.9382]

For Magic Mornings. You entered through the main gate of DCA? You can’t enter from the Hotel?

[@jeffreyh7951]

Hey Fresh Baked!!

[@sierramist3249]

I was wondering if they would open it earlier so you could have the whole 30min

[@lasvegaslife5770]

WHAT I don't understand is early access and no early access people both have to stay in line to get threw the first gate and what if that takes along time then buy the time you get to the early access gate time will have already expired???.please explain this thanks .

[@ghosttownshari1962]

If I have early entry can I get in the back way to galaxy edge by fantasy land area right at 8:00?

[@tabithabeaton9837]

I love watching your videos in the park as you do such a great job of bringing us along with you. It really feels almost like we’re there. Thank you so much! I’d like your opinion on strategy if you don’t mind. We’re staying at the Grand California for two nights the first week in December and we’ll have one day to do magic morning in Disneyland. I think we want to start in Fantasyland like you guys did and knock all the dark rides out. My question has to do with the best way to ride Rise of the resistance once the whole park opens. I don’t think we want to mad rush with all the rope droppers but getting to ride Rise at some point is important because it’s the only ride we have never gotten to ride and we only have the one day at Disneyland. I’m perfectly willing to purchase an individual lightning lane but do you know if those run out early in the day. Do you know the earliest I can purchase a lightning lane for Rise? Can you purchase it during the early morning half hour? I’ve heard that it sells out at DisneyWorld in minutes, do you know if it does at Disneyland too? I would so appreciate your thought. Thank you again for the wonderful videos!

[@disneylandlux]

You can purchase Rise in the morning - you have time. You can check the disneyland app each morning now on the tip board to see how fast mornings are selling for Rise. It takes hours for the whole day to sell out.

[@tabithabeaton9837]

Thank you for the information. Much appreciated!

[@aaronwannamaker6506]

Any reports of successfully spring boarding early entry into beating rope drop for Rise?

[@cheekymunke]

I would love watching the landscapers….hahaha What rides? 😉

[@musicviolamusician4392]

I'm confused on my situation a little. So i'm planing a disney trip for my family on May 13 and 14th (Monday and Tuesday). I'm planning on staying at the disneyland hotel and since we are going to the parks on monday and tuesday. In order to get early entry could we check in on sunday night (maybe past midnight?) sleep then be ready for early entry monday? I live 2 hours away from disney and its alot of traffic and dont really know how to arrive on time without being sleep deprived. I dont wanna buy an extra hotel day in case we dont really use it enough.

[@jonsnow5907]

The plan would’ve worked if space mountain were open so. Still a good plan

[@mikeymoney8676]

I wonder if those duck 🦆 were ok at 34:14 after that crowd came rushing in ! Fresh bake your a mad man running around like that for 30min got a lot done

[@erikaacosta7285]

5:58 Peter Pan, one of my favorite rides there

[@juniperdog5523]

Wouldn’t they be able to see in an App that Space Mountain was closed?

[@loubeenewbee]

Would the app have shown that Space Mountain was down at the 8 am rope drop? Just curious because then those people could have avoided the mistake of running over there.

[@disneylandlux]

The app does show starting at 7:32 am - so I would definitely check my app before traveling to a second ride

[@ilenearce2153]

Does anyone know what shop or restaurant was invested with rodents that closed down?

[@linetperry2621]

So my question for you David, is why you and Liz didn’t use the Grand’s own entrance to DCA the day that you had early entry or any other day you were staying there? I understand how it is for Magic Morning at DL but I would hope you could use that exclusive entrance instead of having to walk to the main entrance of DCA.

[@disneylandlux]

Hi - I can answer. I made the mistake of using the Grand CA hotel entrance for magic mornings and it was a bust. They are slow to process people and the line is long because everyone at the hotel lines up there and they only have a few turnstyles and you don't enter at a great place in the park. The main entrance has many gates and you can get through security earlier than people who are not staying in the hotels so you can get to DCA main gates and be at the front. Then you are closer to Guardians and Web Slingers which is where most adults want to start - or to the Cars kids rides.

[@JeffA_]

David, do you know if hotel early entry can be done at the new paradise pier entrance for DCA?

[@FreshBakedDisney]

it can yes.

[@JeffA_]

@@FreshBakedDisney thank you 👍🏻

[@sierramist3249]

If you stay at the grand California, can you use the entrance in the hotel at 7:30?

[@FreshBakedDisney]

You can yes

[@leeannjacket7740]

I remember when the parks were closed, I was taking photos through that gate to DCA, because it wasn't roped off like Disneyland & security told me to back away from the gate. Oops! 😬

[@sandreaanderson3769]

Do you know if you are staying at grand cal can you go through the grand cal entrance for early entry still?

[@disneylandlux]

yes - but it's not good for early entry. They are very slow to process people there and you don't enter the park in the best place. It's great for later in the day

[@blancayvonneaguirre6036]

That sucks all those rope droppers going to Space Mountain. They should’ve announced to them right before rope drop that it was closed.

[@timothywolleck7628]

Question do the hotel keys have a date on them now or do they get scanned?

[@FreshBakedDisney]

not on the card itself, no.

[@GLJosh]

I have reservations for the Princess Breakfast at Napa Rose at 8:20am. Would I be able to (7:30am hotel guest-Paradise Pier) rope drop, hit two rides (Peter and Toad) and make it to Napa Rose with some time to spare? This will be my family's first (maybe only?) trip to Disneyland and would love to be able to experience a DL actual Rope Drop.

[@disneylandlux]

If it's your first and only -- then I would not do Princess breakfast. The only good time to go on rides is the morning. The parks are great until about 10 ish and you can get on a lot of rides. After that, even lightening lanes can be really spaced out. You can hit so many kids rides in the morning quickly and it could take horrific hours of lines later. You can meet princesses later at the Princess hall in Disneyland - and do Tinkerbell in her area. The lines at Disneyland are so painful. We never wait in lines.

[@GLJosh]

@@disneylandlux We have a scheduled trip with DL/DCA on a Saturday night, Sunday, and Tuesday. DL for Sunday morning magic time and DCA for Tuesday morning magic time. My daughter really enjoyed the Princess Dinners at WDW and this is a "must" do in her mind. She is normally ok with line waits (did 45 minutes for 7 Dwarfs with zero issue and close to 1 hour for Peter Pan-each while wearing CoViD Masks in line), thanks to the Disney Play app and other Disney.

[@barbararosenthal1442]

Barbie here! Hi!

[@ladyinhotpink0575]

Sophia is like “nope”

[@geofferypmeyers]

Sucks that they don’t make an announcement when something is closed at rope drop :( they run over so happy just to get disappointed

[@marieclark1710]

Sophia is so precious

[@Driptonkin]

What’s with all the blue shirts?

[@michaelsullivan3581]

A Get Away Today team build!

[@ladyinhotpink0575]

Ilove me some fresh baked

[@thedisneylandsolotraveler9367]

You 3 on dumbo gave me the giggles!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

sofia is beginning to become quite enamored with disneyland :)

[@thedisneylandsolotraveler9367]

@@FreshBakedDisney I don't blame her!

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Aren't we all!

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Surprised they open the park at 8 am this late into the summer season. Why is the turnstiles still and they removed them at WDW?

[@KrauseMouseAdventures]

Yeah much more efficient entry at WDW

[@michaelsullivan3581]

No magic bands yet. The rumor is that once magic bands are at D-Land the new style of entry will be installed. Then... byebye turnstiles!