For families and Disney enthusiasts planning a stay at the Toy Story Hotel, one of the most enticing perks is the coveted early park admission. Guests are granted a precious one-hour head start before the general public floods the gates, allowing for shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. But how does it actually work? Here’s a firsthand account of navigating the early entry system, from the hotel to the rides.

The Morning Rush: Timing Is Everything

Disney’s early entry benefit sounds straightforward, but maximizing it requires strategy. On the day of our visit, the official park opening was set for 9:00 AM, meaning hotel guests could enter at 8:00 AM. To make the most of this, we set our alarms for 6:30 AM. By 7:15 AM, we were already in line for the shuttle—a decision that paid off. While the hotel’s transportation starts running well before the early entry time, queues begin forming early, and the first shuttles fill up fast.

The shuttle ride itself was quick, taking no more than 10 minutes. Upon arrival, a separate entrance was designated for resort guests, marked by clear signage and cast members directing traffic. The line moved swiftly, and by 7:50 AM, we were through security and waiting at the turnstiles. The key here is to arrive at the shuttle stop early; even a 10-minute delay can mean significantly longer waits later.

Inside the Park: Where to Go First

Once inside, the park feels almost eerily empty—a rare sight for any Disney veteran. Not all attractions are open during the early hour, but the ones that are operational tend to have minimal wait times. Head straight for the high-demand rides that typically accumulate long queues later in the day. For Toy Story Land, that means Slinky Dog Dash or Alien Swirling Saucers. On our visit, we walked straight onto Slinky Dog Dash with no wait, a ride that later in the day had a 90-minute standby time.

Another pro tip: Use this time for character meet-and-greets. Characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear often appear early, and the lines are much shorter than they’ll be by midday. We managed to snap photos with Jessie and Bullseye without a single person ahead of us—a near-impossible feat during regular hours.

The Crowd Shift: When the Gates Open to All

As the clock ticks closer to the official opening time, the dynamic changes. Around 8:45 AM, we noticed a steady influx of day guests entering the park. This is when the early entry advantage starts to fade. By 9:15 AM, the walkways were noticeably busier, and wait times for popular attractions began to climb. If you’ve hit your must-do rides early, this is a good time to grab breakfast or explore less crowded areas like Animation Courtyard.

One thing to keep in mind: Not all dining locations open early. While some quick-service spots are available, table-service restaurants typically don’t start seating until later. We made the mistake of assuming we could sit down for a full breakfast right at 8:00 AM, only to find most options closed. Plan accordingly—either eat a light snack before heading out or wait until after the initial ride rush.

Is It Worth It? The Verdict

Without a doubt, the early entry benefit is a game-changer for Toy Story Hotel guests. That one-hour window allowed us to experience three major attractions with minimal waits, something that would have been impossible later in the day. For families with young children or those looking to maximize their time, it’s an invaluable perk. However, it does require discipline—sleeping in just an extra 30 minutes can mean missing out on the biggest advantages.

The key takeaways? Be early, have a plan, and prioritize. Know which rides you want to hit first and head straight there. Use the quieter moments for character interactions or photos in front of iconic landmarks. And most importantly, enjoy the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Disney with a little more space and a lot less stress.