What's Early Entry Like at Animal Kingdom? Our Best Tips for a Wild Morning in Walt Disney World

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World resort or participating partner hotel, you get 30 extra minutes in all the parks each and every day of your stay. Watch our series of videos taking you through early entry at each park so you'll know when to arrive and what to expect when you get there. From the first bus of the morning to the first ride of the day, we've got you covered so you'll feel like a pro on your first early entry adventure.
Check Out ALL the Videos in our Early Entry Series!
Magic Kingdom: • Early Park Entry Tips ...
Epcot: • Early Entry at the Epc...
Hollywood Studios: • Early Entry Strategy a...
WHAT WE USE TO FILM OUR VIDEOS
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DJI OM 5
This is like a steadicam for your phone. It keeps all your shots smooth and level, even while you are walking. Do not use on fast rides like roller coasters. Also note that this can convert to a selfie stick, but selfie sticks are not allowed in Disney Parks. This item is allowed because it is primarily a gimbal but you are not allowed to extend it.
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RODE VIDEO MICRO
This little microphone is a great, affordable way to cut down on the noise around you so people can hear your voice. Just be sure to point it at the sound you want and unplug it when you want to hear all the sound around you.
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COLD SHOE MOUNT ADAPTER
If you want to use the DJI Om 5 and the microphone at the same time, you need one of these.
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[@lampwick-lounge]

Disney 5:30 am wake up calls are a staple for any crazy Disney fan! Myself included!!!😊😊😊

[@EarScouts]

Yup. I’m definitely NOT a morning person, but I make an exception for Disney World. 😂

[@kamhardee8558]

You and AJ over at DFB have a special place in my heart! Thank you for your amazing content!

[@queenoasis]

Make sure you eat breakfast because when we did Rope Drop at Animal Kingdom this past August, we had a hard time finding an open kiosk that serves breakfast. We had to settle for crappy coffee and a pretzel near Dino Land because we were so hungry. Most of the restaurants open around 10 or 11 am.

[@EarScouts]

Yes - the best spots open later, which is odd for a park that opens so early. I think Joffrey’s opens with the park and I heartily recommend a coffee and a cronut if they have them. They always have the coffee (obviously) but the cronut is hit or miss. Thanks for watching and sharing this suggestion! 😃

[@Molbyone]

Yes!! Rob, you are doing the good work for us! What a productive morning. Well done!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much for watching, Michael. Glad you found it helpful. It was a fun morning (even though I’m not typically a morning person 😂).

[@SummerDawn]

This was THE BEST early entry video I've ever seen! You are so fun to watch!! I'm going to Disney for the 1st time by myself and this was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@heatherbeehappy72]

Thank you for this and all of your videos! You are my favorite Disney KZbinr.

[@EarScouts]

Awww - thanks so much for this sweet comment. 😃❤️

[@EdwardNygma1980]

Animal Kingdom is so beautiful. Just a great place to be. This series has been fun and very informative! As someone who, most of the time, goes out of their way to not stand out in a crowd (and I'm 6,6" 😉), I can really admire the way you just talk into the camera with so many peope around you. I would be incredibly self aware. I could never do what you do, but I really appreciate the videos!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Erwin! We had fun making this series so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed watching them. As for the self awareness thing, it definitely took some time to get comfortable. I was so embarrassed making our first videos. 😂

[@amtoat486]

Just returned from my family’s Disney trip. Thanks to your tips we were able to ride everything we wanted without genie + or lightening lanes. We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter the busing was amazing. Again thank you for our video at the parks without genie+; extremely helpful!! 💜

[@KeevaElise111]

Your videos are gold! Thank you for helping me plan my own trip 😊

[@audreybryk-lee163]

I love your videos so much! You really give the insight and information I need to know balanced with fun. Thank you! Keep up the good work.

[@ioannistrifonos6450]

Another wonderful video Rob. Thank you!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU for watching! 😃

[@leslieg5276]

So glad this video is here in time for our trip!! Thank you!!!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Leslie! Hopefully you won’t need to get up quite as early as we did. 😂 Have a great trip! 😃

[@robertlint2670]

Thanks so much for this it was very helpful.

[@jenniferdarragh264]

Another awesome video! Thank you ❤

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Jennifer! 😊

[@MelissaH1977]

Building my week after Thanksgiving strategy with your help! Thanks Rob!

[@EarScouts]

That’s such a lovely time to be in the parks. I can’t wait to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations again next month. 😃 Hope you have an amazing trip!

[@GoldenMan641]

great plan! definitely using this, thanks!

[@EarScouts]

Hope you have a wild morning! 🦍🦒🦓 Thanks for watching! 😃

[@remembertosmile6256]

I love all your videos, I get so excited when I see you post!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much. 😊 We couldn’t keep making these videos without the support of folks like you. We really appreciate it!

[@kaki4645]

Wow that was massively effectiv EE strategy! Thanks for those precious tips! ✨💖🙏🏻

[@timeabarna6882]

Really like your videos, very informative, learning a lot about bus times, arrival, timing and such. Thank you so much :)

[@EarScouts]

Thanks, Timea! We always try to find the right balance of information and fun. Thanks for watching and leaving this lovely comment! 😃

[@julierhan]

Unbelievably helpful. Thank you!!!!!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. 😃

[@dianabadger2493]

Pandora is such an amazing area, we love how it looks at night! Thank you for another wonderful video. We can't wait to try these tips on our next Disney trip!!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Diana! Yes, it really is. It always blows my mind when people say they are skipping Animal Kingdom or hopping to another park mid-day - they are missing one of the most amazing parts of World! Thanks for watching! 😃

[@laurenm7929]

Thank you so much for these videos!! Both informative and fun! Happy to be a new subscriber!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Lauren! Welcome aboard. 🥳 Hope you enjoy the new videos we have in the works.

[@miriamvaldivia2612]

Thank you for this amazing video! I have my next trip for Christmas and I am so ready to watch all your recommendations for the parks during the holidays, as this will be our first time going during that season!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thank you so much, Miriam. You have been such a wonderful supporter of our channel and we appreciate it very much. Hope we run into you while you’re here!

[@tiannam117]

Best Disney strategy videos EVER!! 🎉

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much. 😊 We really appreciate your support.

[@irmamargaritaramirezjuarez7100]

We just visit the parks last month and was amazing, thanks to your videos we had an extraordinary experience! thanks a lot for all your videos! we love it. cheers from Mexico!!

[@EarScouts]

Cheers! We’re actually headed to Mexico next week. Can’t wait to be back in Mexico City. 😃❤️ So glad to hear you had a great trip to Disney World - thanks for making our videos part of your planning process.

[@michaelbrebner2730]

Thank you for this! I'm staying on disney property from this saturday and our 1st day is at animal kingdom! Perfect timing with this video.

[@EarScouts]

Nice! We hope you have an amazing vacation. Maybe we’ll bump into each other in the parks. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@silviaar1585]

¡Gracias!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU, Silvia! We really appreciate all your support for our channel. 😊

[@travelingterrezzas313]

Thank you so much! I was looking for information on how they determine early entry vs non resort guests and where we should go. Your video had exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for going into the nitty gritty of the details. I now feel more prepared thanks to you.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks, Terezzas! Hope you have an amazing vacation. 😃

[@WastelandH]

I'm only going to AK 1 day and this is exactly what I needed to make the most of that day!! Thank you a lot!

[@EarScouts]

Nice! This is another fun one for Animal Kingdom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2GblGWAlJqFmdk Thanks so much for watching! 😃

[@artemismoon7655]

This is such good info! We have a Kidani resort stay coming up in January. It will be painful getting up that early, but seems like it may be worth it to have an otherwise leisurely day.

[@EarScouts]

Yup - you have to be REALLY early at Animal Kingdom. 😂🤣 But it does pay off and allows you to really take your time with the various nature trails and shows. Hope you have a great day at DAK! 😃

[@saraaceves6642]

That’s the way to do Animal Kingdom :)) Another great video :))

[@EarScouts]

Thanks, Sara! It was a very fun morning. 😃

[@leeleon9578]

I'm in the animal kingdom right now! Great timing!

[@EarScouts]

Wow - hope you have an amazing Animal Kingdom day! 🦒🦍🦓

[@domenicopalumbo5778]

Rob your channel is the best for people to prepare for a Disney Trip! I have really enjoyed all your videos! Thank you so much!! Question? I rented a car to drive to parks while staying at a Disney resort to do early entry without dealing with the unknowns of buses and skyliner start times. Do you know when the monorail or boat starts a TTP in MK?

[@kimmy2168]

Great Video guys....530 AM start 😴 ☕️? I told the hubby these are our training videos 😁💪. Sweet Geeezus....its taking furrrrevA! I'm at 346 more days. I'm dy'n here...😣 Thanks for making it worth the wait Rob!!

[@EarScouts]

Hey Kim! 5:30 might be a little earlier than is absolutely necessary. 😂 Animal Kingdom is definitely the worst for early entry because it already opens so darned early. Also, those 346 days are going to fly by! Thanks for watching! 😃

[@william2635]

Thank you for the great videos! You have become our go to Disney park planning source. What time would you arrive if you were using early entry trying to get FOP without much wait on Dec 29th?

[@rachelcawson312]

Thanks for all these great tips! These are great tips. We are going later in August so would you recommend starting with these rides even if early entry is 8:30 vs 7:30?

[@Meeshwell]

Great video! Once again I watched a video that is totally irrelevant to me (we won’t have early entry) just because it’s fun to watch your videos! Can’t wait for more!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much. 😊 We need to do a series of rope drop videos without using early entry, as well.

[@Meeshwell]

@@EarScouts That’d be great!

[@dahawaiiancouple8530]

Love the videos and great info! Would love to see a video utilizing ALL options for parks 😬😯 Early Entry, a ride booked with Genie+ and the purchase of an ILL ride at 7am && for Epcot, the Queue. We want to get the most done utilizing all possibilities and would love to see how that would look 👀 😁

[@EarScouts]

That sounds like a maxed out day! 😅 I definitely don’t think you need an all of the above strategy for Animal Kingdom unless you just really want to do some things multiple times. That said, it does make sense to use this maxed out strategy for your Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios days as they are tougher if you really want to do everything. We’ll consider doing a video like this at some point in the future. Thanks for the suggestion! 👍

[@dahawaiiancouple8530]

@@EarScouts LOL! Yes, MK for Sure 😁👌👍

[@coles5243]

Wow! Crazy!

[@EarScouts]

Early entry is always a little bit crazy. 🤪

[@coles5243]

@@EarScouts I’d be one of those people if I stayed at a resort! Lol I’ll have to do a staycation one day to get dips like that! I it’s just crazy to see the rush even with early entrance - I guess I thought it would be more relaxed! Lol

[@HeidiJeanTwin]

I am so excited to visit AK. Thanks for the great video! I think my strategy is more enjoy the surroundings in the morn and take pics and pay for FOP later 😉. I do want to be first in line for KS when it opens though! Love the thought of early morning animal watching!

[@EarScouts]

This is a great idea. Truth be told, there are not a lot of rides with massively long wait times at Animal Kingdom, so it’s really smart to use that early morning time to get shots of the park without a lot of people. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@ainsleyhudson9344]

Hey rob! We appreciate your videos so much!! Do you by chance know what level the crowd was estimated to be at for this day? We’re going on an estimated orange day. Our first trip and we’re so excited!!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Ainsley! I would say that this was a pretty average day. Not dead, but also certainly not super busy. Hope your first trip is amazing! 😃

[@LauraB.335]

We did not get Genie+ when we went in January, and stayed at Jambo House, but we did not get there early enough at all. We waited in line for FoP for an hour and a half, despite being there for early entry. Then, we waited an additional hour and a half for the safari (I can’t believe you had a five minute wait), as Genie+ people streamed by us. By that time, we were done waiting in line, went to the kite show and left the park. It was absolutely miserable and the worst time we have ever had at AK and Disney, in general. When we go January 2024, we will definitely be getting Genie+, and reconsider what we do at Disney, including whether we go to Disney every year.

[@EarScouts]

Wow - sorry to hear you had such a rough day at Animal Kingdom. Sounds like you were there on a very busy day. Please know that your experience wasn’t typical. In the future, if you find yourself in crowds like that, I’d definitely recommend Genie Plus. I really hope your next visit is way better than your last. Animal Kingdom is our favorite park, so we are always sad to hear when people don’t have a great time there. Thanks for taking the time to let us know how it went, though. We really appreciate it.

[@LauraB.335]

@@EarScouts - Yep, Genie+ is definitely the plan in 2023! Really appreciate your videos and positive take on all things Disney!

[@JonShepherdWork]

Please do an Early Entry Playlist :)

[@KM-nb6jk]

If we do Na’vi for early entry and the park hasn’t officially open after we finish the ride is there a good place to wait for Safari to so that we are in front of the non early entry guests? Thank you for all your informative and cheerful videos

[@Laura-beau6]

Hi Rob & Erick, just tought of something while rewatching this video , we’re FINALLY going in 2weeks!! As I see you walk pretty quickly into the queue , what if we need to use rider switch?? We just stand to the side to see a cast member and rejoin the line once done? Is there a chance to do it while the line isn’t moving or only at the queue entrance? TIA

[@matthewwells6044]

What is your favourite Disney park, excluding the water parks ? Great video been absolutely smashing it at all the parks this week using all the tips with genie thanks again

[@EarScouts]

Hi Matthew! That’s such a tough one to answer because I love all the parks so much, but it definitely is between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Probably Animal Kingdom because it has my favorite ride (Everest) and my favorite park restaurants (Satu’li Canteen and Nomad Lounge). Plus it’s so peaceful. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@matthewwells6044]

@@EarScouts Thanks the food at animal kingdom was amazing and riding Everest on Friday can’t wait. I think Hollywood studios has the best rides overall

[@lindakuhns7513]

Hi Rob! Just wondering can you still use Genie+ and ILL for early entry? Was curious why you didn't mention that? Of course you would most likely be enroute to the park by 7:00 am but couldn't you book the LL and ILL while on the bus?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Linda! You can’t use Genie Plus or Individual Attraction Lightning Lanes during the early entry period, but I definitely recommend taking advantage of all of the above if you can. You might be booking that first Genie Plus Lightning Lane while you’re on Disney transportation your early entry park, but that’s a perfect place to do it. Hope you have a great trip!

[@TinaMaritato]

Hi I love all your videos but I have a question about Animal Kingdom. would it be worth to get a Genie+ for that park? I noticed in this video, you were not using Genie+

[@EarScouts]

Hello again! Honestly, I don’t think you “need” Genie Plus for Animal Kingdom or Epcot. It’s always a “nice to have” (who doesn’t love skipping lines), but you can usually do most everything without it. Especially in January. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@chaseklingele657]

Where can I find the Ears you where in this video?

[@lisablondell2349]

Do you have any videos that show how you combine early entry with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Lisa! We haven’t done a video like that yet, but we might consider doing one like that next year. My best advice would be to focus on the rides that you can’t get a Genie Plus Lightning Lane for during early entry. Rides like Mine Train, Rise of the Resistance, Flight of Passage, etc. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@Nursejustinreviews]

Wow you did it so early 😂. Thanks

[@EarScouts]

We’re dedicated. 😂 Thanks - as always - for watching!

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts it seemed like you waited the least for the is one.

[@EarScouts]

It felt like a slow morning, honestly. Being there as early as we were certainly helped, too.

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts yea that is awfully early for us that’s for sure.

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts just made all my dinner reservations for my Disney trip hit the magical 60 day mark today.

[@dwhorses4261]

I'm wondering if I'll get nauseous on flight of passage , can't ride star tours in Disneyland 🤔

[@karengilb8512]

Do your disney pins on the backpack set off the metal detectors?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Karen - great question. Erick has a smaller backpack where the pins are more concentrated and I think the pins cause him to get searched sometimes. Mine have never been a problem.

[@stratfordplacebrownstown]

Interested to know if mid-June would have the same level of people for early entry.

[@EarScouts]

Hello! We filmed this in mid-August, so I would say somewhat similar crowd levels. Maybe just a tad busier in June, depending on the day. Hope you have a great time and thanks for watching! 😃

[@Creeporeon]

Did you feel that you "needed" to be there early? I'm trying to decide if "early" entry is worth it if I'm going to be there from open to close! But would definitely like to get everything done. How were the crowds? Im going to be there next week.

[@EarScouts]

Hello! It was kinda dead for a little bit, but today is crazy busy. You definitely don’t “need” to be there that early - certainly not as early as we were in this video. 😂 It is a great perk if you’re staying on site, though, so I’d say it’s worth considering. If you’re not in that first wave of people entering though, I’d pick a ride other than Flight of Passage. Hope you have a great trip!

[@meganv6751]

Q- what time do you suggest to get to animal kingdom to be one of the first? Thank u for ur videos ❤

[@meganv6751]

Hahah ignore didn't get far enough

[@EarScouts]

No worries - thanks for watching! 😃

[@silviaar1585]

I’ll try to go to Everest before it closes for weather 😅. I’ll try to do Pandora with LL and Genie plus 🤞🏼. By the way, what are your ears about today? 🤔

[@EarScouts]

Hey Silvia! Sounds like a solid plan. 🙌 My ears in this video are from the Enchanted Tiki Room. Thanks so much for all your support!

[@chaseklingele657]

@@EarScouts can you get these online anywhere?

[@christophertrabulsie360]

We paid for flight of passage later in the day and rope dropped the Safari. The animals are being fed then, you get to see more

[@EarScouts]

We love a morning safari! Glad to hear you had a good one. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@elainegilmartin7103]

When does Jeffrey's open?

[@dmschneider8487]

Those early entry days are hard on west coast people 🤣

[@EarScouts]

I can’t imagine doing Early Entry with jet lag. It’s hard enough as it is in your own time zone. 😂 Thanks for watching! 😃

[@JasonValentin210]

Going to animal kingdom tomorrow. Do you recommend genie +? We are also getting in for eary entry.

[@EarScouts]

I definitely don’t think you would “need” Genie Plus tomorrow if you’re only doing Animal Kingdom. It can certainly be a “nice to have” if it is inexpensive (around $16 or so) and you would like to avoid spending a lot of time in line and more time exploring the animal trails and/or Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Some of the queues are also mostly outdoor (Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, Navi River Journey), which can get miserable when it is crazy hot.

[@JasonValentin210]

@@EarScouts thank you so much for the quick reply. I made an itinerary for tomorrow, getting the genie +. Will be watching your other early entry videos. We are doing animal kingdom tomorrow, HS on Tuesday, MK on Wednesday and Epcot Thursday. This is our first time doing Disney and your videos have been veey helpful!

[@EarScouts]

@@JasonValentin210 I’ll be in MK on Wednesday as well. Maybe our paths will cross at some point. Hope you have a great visit!

[@JasonValentin210]

@@EarScouts Hey Robert- hope you get this message. My family was at Disney World this week. Today is our last day at Animation of Art. Just want to thank you for all your videos! They really helped our family have a great experience at all the parks. We did AK on Monday, HS on Tuesday, MK on Wednesday and Epcot yesterday. We went on all the rides at each park using Genie +, early entry to the biggest rides at each park. It was a magical experience thanks to you! I felt like a pro, a few times the rides broke down during our LL time slot, so we got an extra experience that we use later in the day on some big rides without having to book a time. It was amazing. I managed to get Tron and Guardians of galaxy virtual queues as well! Hopefully one day, we can bump into you at one of the parks so we can personally thank you in person!

[@nicolescardina6850]

Can you only do early entry if you’re staying on property?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Nicole! Yes, early entry is reserved for guests of Disney hotels and select partner hotels (the ones that are physically on Disney World property, typically). Thanks for watching! 😃

[@WonderlandRiots]

Can you arrive this early if you're driving to the park?

[@EarScouts]

Entry to parking lots typically starts 1 hour before early entry. If you arrive earlier than that, they may make you turn around (which can be a big pain) so aim for 1 hour before and not earlier. Hope you have a great time!

[@WonderlandRiots]

@@EarScouts thank you so much for alway providing great advice!

[@kirstenandrade3823]

Hey Rob! I shot you an email and a FB message about partnering for our Genie+ FB group. Would love to touch base with you about it ❤️

[@EarScouts]

Hi Kristin! Sorry for the delay. I’ll respond to your message via FB. Thanks!