In this article will discuss various Walt Disney World Resort facts and how they can influence your choice of theme parks.

Should I Go With the Flow, or No?
Disney's Extra Magic Hour
Similar to the former “Surprise Morning” or “Early Entry” program the Extra Magic Hour will allow Walt Disney World Resort guests, Swan and Dolphin resort guests, and guests of the Hilton at Lake Buena Vista to gain entrance to one of Disney’s major theme parks an hour before the general public.
Each day one of the four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Disney-Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Animal Kingdom) will open an hour early on an alternating schedule.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to this bonus hour offered by Walt Disney World Resort. One camp advocates joining in this early morning ritual and taking advantage of Disney’s generous offer to open the flood gates to one its four major theme parks an hour early and gain a leg up on all the other guests who dared to sleep in on their vacations. On the other side of the coin some people insist that what appears on the surface to be the smartest thing to do is actually the wrong thing to do. They would have you to believe that your best bet is to head in the opposite direction to one of the three remaining theme parks not offering the early entry, where in theory you will be laughing all the way to Space Mountain or Mission Space.

So where should the “Extra Magic Hour” weigh in on your decision concerning which park to visit? You are probably well served to take advantage of this opportunity. Now, if you stumble, stop to tie your kid’s shoes, refill your coffee or for any reason find yourself arriving after or near the end of this golden window then by all means select another park.

All Who Enter this “The Most Magical Place on Earth”
Depending on your ticket media you may or may not be able to park hop. That is, you may not be able to exit one theme park and enter a different theme park on the same day. Know your ticket media description and any restrictions that it may carry. If your ticket does not afford you park hopping privileges make certain the first park you enter is the one that everyone wishes to spend their entire day at.

We Just Got Here
The Walt Disney World Resort has a tendency to tinker with their park operation hours. The parks will often open and close at varying times depending upon such factors as the time of year and the day of the week. If you are getting a late start or planning on a late afternoon or evening visit make sure that the park you selected will be worthy of the effort. A near constant in this ever changing constellation is Epcot. Guests will see the Future World section of this theme park open at 9:00am and the World Showcase follow with it’s opening at 11:00am. Now during the slower times of the year Future World may close as early as 7:00pm, but World Showcase will stay open until at least 9:00pm and conclude with a presentation of Illumination.

Father Knows Best
If you are traveling with young children and are limited to just one or two of the Walt Disney World theme parks, then you should consider making the Magic Kingdom® park a must. Resist the logic found in the argument that they have been to the Magic Kingdom already and wouldn’t they want to see something else? Forget it. To kids the Magic Kingdom is Disney and any attempt to by pass this, the Center of Gravity in Orlando, would be a mistake.

When planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort some careful thought and planning will serve you well. Take some time to evaluate your travel plans and consider those traveling with you.