Rise and Shine! The Benefits of Getting Up Early on a Disney Vacation

There are two types of vacationers: the early risers and the night owls! I fall into the early riser category and am usually so excited to be at the parks that I cannot wait to get started.

There is no right or wrong way to vacation, but I have to say there’s something truly magical about waking up early at Walt Disney World. An early start at the parks opens up a world of unique opportunities.

So… should you set that alarm and get up early? Yes!

Here are the perks of waking up early on your Disney vacation.

1. Cool, Calm, and Quiet

Disney World can be crowded and overwhelming at times, but one of the biggest advantages of an early start is avoiding some of the chaos. Getting to the parks early gives you the chance to explore in a cooler and quieter environment.

Mornings in Florida (especially in the warmer months) offer a refreshing start to the day before the sun and heat reach their peak.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Visit any of the parks early is great, but nothing beats walking down Main Street, U.S.A., in the morning while it’s still quiet.

Grab a Starbucks or a delicious treat and take your time exploring. With fewer people and milder temperatures, you can fully take in the magic around you.

Disney

MickeyBlog Tip: Check park opening times and aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early to take advantage of “rope drop,” the official opening time. It is often the best time to experience Disney’s quieter side.

2. Experience Shorter Wait Times

Early birds get to go on more rides! Disney fans know that mornings are prime time to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.

Credit: Disney

By heading straight to those popular rides first thing in the morning, you can often breeze through attractions like Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Avatar Flight of Passage.

At the very least, it will be shorter than those long midday waits.

Early Theme Park Entry

MickeyBlog Tip: If you stay at a Walt Disney Resort Hotel, you can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry.

Every morning, guests of these Resort Hotels can enter the Theme Parks 30 minutes before their opening time and get a head start on the fun.

3. Photo Ops With Less Crowds

Mornings are the perfect time to capture a great photo! If you love photography or simply want to capture a great moment, early in the day offers beautiful morning light and fewer crowds.

Photo: Disney PhotoPass

You have way more opportunities to snap those iconic shots without background distractions.

MickeyBlog Tip: Make a photo plan before you get to the parks. There are plenty of amazing backdrops for your perfect picture, including Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Tree of Life, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

4. Indulge in Tasty Breakfast Options

You will want to fuel up for the day, and early risers get the best breakfast options! Whether you need a light bite or a whole breakfast experience, early mornings offer shorter lines at popular spots.

Photo: Disney

MickeyBlog Tip: Consider booking a character breakfast to start your day. This is a great way to indulge in delicious breakfast favorites and meet beloved Disney characters—all before stepping foot inside a park!

5. Park-Hopping and Afternoon Breaks

Starting early lets you pace yourself throughout the day, allowing for breaks and a change of pace or location if needed.

Fantasyland

By the time the midday crowds arrive, you have already enjoyed several attractions and experiences, allowing you to explore at your own pace, check out another park, or even take a midday break.

Photo: Disney

MickeyBlog Tip: Schedule an afternoon break! Go back to your hotel to unwind, swim in the pool, or have lunch, then head back to the parks for the nighttime fun when you are feeling refreshed.

Rise and Shine

Though getting up early on vacation might seem like a challenge, it is well worth it! Mornings are a special time at Walt Disney World, and being an early riser lets you maximize the fun.