Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning at Disneyland Resort

Updated September 4, 2022

***Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning are now called Early Entry. This post details everything you need to know about the new option.

Lots of guests get confused with the details regarding Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning.

In short, Extra Magic Hour is for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests and allows entrance into whichever park is hosting the early admission that day. Those guests will be allowed to enter the park one hour prior to official park opening.

Magic Morning is for guests who buy a 3+ day park ticket (in advance) or a Southern California City Pass. Those guests will be allowed to enter Disneyland (only) one hour prior to official park opening. Those guests will only be allowed to enter Disneyland one morning during their visit.

Let’s discuss Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning in more detail. Follow me!

Definitions of Each

Extra Magic Hour (EMH) is open to all Disneyland Resort Hotel guests with a valid room key. California Adventure typically hosts EMH on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Disneyland typically hosts EMH on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Hotel guests may use EMH each morning during their stay, as long as their hotel room key is active. Disneyland Resort Hotels include The Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel.

Magic Morning (MM) is open to guests with a 3+ day park ticket or guests with a Southern California City Pass. Disneyland typically hosts MM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. California Adventure does not host MM.

Guests must choose one day to use their MM during the duration of their stay.

Both Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning allow qualifying guests to enter the park one hour prior to official park opening.

Here is the link where Disney elaborates:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/g…/early-admission-options/

Notes

+The Military Salute 3 day ticket does not qualify for Magic Morning.

+Guests who buy a 3+ day park ticket from a 3rd party source (like Get Away Today) qualify for Magic Morning.

+The 3+ day park ticket that qualifies for Magic Morning may be a one-park-per-day ticket or a hopper ticket.

+The 3+ day park ticket that qualifies for Magic Morning must be purchased in advance.

+The Grand Californian Hotel entrance should be accessible to all Disneyland Resort Hotel guests for EMH. However, I have heard recently of guests not being allowed to use this option. I have also heard rumors of the park transitioning to this entrance being used only by Grand Californian Hotel guests. (I get inconsistent answers when I ask cast members about this. I’ll continue to inquire and let you know more as I learn more.)

+Occasionally, the park will change days for MM and EMH. For example, on 4.28.2017 – a Friday – Disneyland hosted Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour. The days before and after fall within the usual schedule. But, this day is different. Because of that, you should always check the schedule to confirm each day you visit.

How to Use the Disneyland App to Confirm EMH and MM on the Schedule

Take a look at the images, below, to see how to use the free Disneyland app to confirm the schedule for your dates.

To download the free Disneyland app, visit this link:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/…/download-disneyland-mob…/

Pull up the app and find this image first.

When it lands on you, pull up your profile and click on “Park Hours”.

Today’s date will arrive first. Click on the date you wish to learn more about.

For that day, you’ll find the park hours and then also which park is hosting Extra Magic Hour and/or Magic Morning.

As mentioned above, occasionally, you’ll find an exception. Most Fridays are slated for EMH at California Adventure. This Friday includes EMH and MM at Disneyland.

How to Start Your Day With or Without EMH or MM

Before arriving at the Disneyland Resort, know how to most effectively use your morning at each park. Visit each of the links, below, to find out lots of tips.

 

Disneyland

California Adventure

Note: 

If you have EMH or MM, arrive 30 minutes prior to your entry time. Meaning, if official park opening is at 9:00am, EMH and MM will be at 8:00am. Arrive at 7:30am to get a good place in line. 

If you do not have EMH or MM, arrive an hour prior to official park opening. Every day of the week. Most days, cast members will allow all park guests (even without EMH or MM) into the park 30 minutes prior to official park opening. Don’t miss this opportunity to get into the park and set up at the land you wish to start in. 

Open Attractions and Available FASTPASSES 

The parks vary regarding which attractions and lands are open during EMH. They also vary on which attractions distibute FASTPASSES.

Although none of this is guaranteed, you can typically find the following attractions at each park distributing FASTPASSES:

Disneyland – Space Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, Matterhorn

California Adventure – Guardians, RSR, Toy Story Midway Mania

As always, let me know what questions you have.

When to Use Your Magic Morning

If you have Magic Morning, remember, you can only use it at Disneyland.

I recommend using your one Magic Morning on the last day eligible during your visit.

By the last day, you’ll be more familiar with the parks and you’ll have a better understanding of where things are. You’ll also have in mind what you want to enjoy or revisit based on how your previous days played out.

Which Gate to Enter & How It Works

Cast members will scan your ticket for proof of Magic Morning eligibility. They’ll also look for a valid Disneyland Resort room key for Extra Magic Hour.

If you have Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning, look for these gates to enter the park:

Take a look at how Get Away Today can help with your vacation

58 thoughts on “Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning at Disneyland Resort

  1. Hello, Casey! With Extra Magic Hour (or half hour, really) coming back to DLR on August 8, I’m wondering how that will work with park reservations. We’re going in December (staying at Disneyland Hotel), and I can start making park reservations in August. However, how will I know I’m making a reservation to start in the park that will be the designated EMH park for that day? It doesn’t give that info on the Disneyland website (from what I can tell anyway). Have you heard this question yet? Obviously, when EMH was a thing before Covid, reservations weren’t required, so this wasn’t an issue. Thanks so much for any advice/direction you can give.

  2. Hi! My sister had the 3 day SoCal pass last year and when she tried to use her one magic morning pass, they stopped her with everyone at the ropes in front of the castle and said the only people who could go by were people with a hotel room key. Granted she was there about 30 minutes after they opened but she said they wouldn’t let them past the ropes even with their magic morning from their 3 day tickets. Have you ever heard of that happening? I’m going in a few weeks and now I’m worried this will happen to us!
    Thanks for your help. 🙂

    1. Hi, Heather.

      I have never heard of this happening. I’m so sorry that it did with your sister!

      Disneyland Park hosts both Extra Magic Hour (hotel room keys) and Magic Morning (you qualify with your 3 day ticket). You shouldn’t have any issues.

      Enjoy it!

  3. Hi Casey,
    Love your website, it is so helpful. I think I am understanding most of it (loads of info to remember) but would just would like to get confirmation/recommendation for our trip in April 2020 (2 adults, 2 kids 11yrs & 15yrs)
    We will be there Wed 15, Thu 16 and Fri 17 April. We are not staying in a Disney Hotel so would assume we would only be entitled to Magic Morning (MM) on 1 day during our visit. Most likely 3 day ticket, 1 park per day.
    My Trip itinerary going off your plans would be:
    Wed 15th April – DCA normal entry time I believe this will also be Food Wine Festival on.
    Thurs 16th April – Disneyland (with early entry with MM) I was also going to book a Character Breakfast this day at the at Plaza Inn but book for latest session 10.30am (this way get in early with a few rides before Character Breakfast) or would you recommend waiting until the next day Friday to do the Character Breakfast. and just enjoy the park first day with early entry.
    Friday 17th April – Disneyland Normal enter time (maybe late booking Character Breakfast if you think second day would be better instead of day before)

    We are from Australia.
    I last visited Disneyland in 1993 when no DCA. This will be my Wife and Kids first trip to Disney.

    Your confirmation or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
    Also big Star Wars Fan so am eagerly awaiting your thought of including Rise of the Resistance Ride and Galaxy edge into your plans.

    Keep up the great work, the internet is a better place because of people like you. Cheers

  4. If we are using the military promotion tickets & staying st the grand Californian, would we qualify for EMH? I think yes but want to be sure. Thanks!

  5. You recommend going to whichever park is not doing magic morning if you don’t have that option. What would you recommend doing for January 17 when the new Star Wars ride opens? It is DCA EMH that day but do you think DL will be crowded because of the new ride, so still go to DCA even if not doing EMH?

  6. You have posted that any Disneyland hotel guests can use the Grand California entrances
    “ but have heard recently of guests not being allowed to use this option. I have also heard rumors of the park transitioning to this entrance being used only by Grand Californian Hotel guests. (I get inconsistent answers when I ask cast members about this. I’ll continue to inquire and let you know more as I learn more.)” Do you have an update for that or a strategy on when to use those entrances or exits?

    1. Hi, Lindsay.

      This is still a grey area and seems to be up to cast members on duty. I would avoid using this entrance in the morning just to be safe. Sorry I don’t have clearer info for you!

  7. Hi. We’re planning a trip to DL from Dec. 23 to 28th. Your site has been incredibly helpful!! However, I am confused about one thing–Magic Mornings. We purchased 5-day park hopper tickets (from Costco Travel along with our stay at Hilton Anaheim) with Magic Mornings. As of today, Disney’s calendar says DL with have MM every day during our stay. We will have to select ONE day to use our MM or do we have it during our 5 days? Thank you so much for your time!!

  8. My daughter has a 8 am appt at BBB on our first day. The park schedule hasn’t been released for that day yet, but if her appt is before the park opens will that count as our EMH for our trip or can we use it a couple days later?

    1. It absolutely does not count as your Magic Morning, which I think is what you have if you just have one. Your reservation confirmation will allow you in approximately 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment. Look for a gate labeled like the one in this link and take your confirmation to it to be let in.

      https://disneylanddaily.com/a-complete-guide-to-character-meals-at-disneyland-resort/#Where_to_Go_if_Your_Reservation_is_Prior_to_Official_Park_Opening

      Enjoy your Magic Morning another day!

  9. What if you have MM or EMH and your able to get into the park but you get stopped at the ropes? What should you do?

  10. I have both apparently as I bought a three day ticket and am staying on premises. If I am there tues, Wednesday and Thursday, is it safe to assume I can get in an hour early on each day? I realize Disneyland would be Tuesday and Thursday and California on Wednesday.

  11. Hi Casey! For Disneyland , is there a specific gate for people who has MM? How do I know which gate to wait in line for MM? Thank you.

  12. Hi Casey,
    I still hanev’t figured it out yet: If I stay for example one night at the Disneyland resort, can I use the Magic Hour on the day of arrival, or on the morning after?
    Thanks so much,
    Ariel

  13. Hi Casey. We have an upcoming stay at Grand Californian for a couple days. Could we attend EMH at DCA on our arrival day (a Wednesday) if we arrive early enough since we are likely too early to get a room key? Or would the front desk give us something to enter the park early before getting assigned a room?

    1. Hi, Ben. I haven’t done it personally, but readers have told me they were given access to EMH when they arrived early day 1.

      The front desk will give you a room key that allows you in the park for EMH, but that is not assigned to a room yet. Have fun!

  14. Hi Casey,
    I am heading on a last minute Disneyland trip in Oct 18 and am wondering if it is best to avoid the parks that have MM or EMH on those days? Also, on Sat 6th Oct there is a Halloween Party (that I have missed getting tickets for! :(). This is our arrival day. Should we use a days ticket to go into DL for 4-5hrs before the party starts and they make us leave or should we go to DCA which is opened for a couple more hours? If we went to DL on that day and leave at 8pm, would we see any of the Halloween party stuff?
    PS I’ve been following you since the start and this is my first visit to DL so super excited!

    1. Hi, Katie.

      You’ll actually be escorted out at party time, which is 7:00pm on Saturdays. You won’t likely see any of the party stuff before you go.

      It is ideal to avoid EMH/MM if possible, but it’s not a deal breaker. Be sure to use my strategies, arrive an hour prior to park opening, and use FASTPASSES in order to get in the most rides possible. This post has all of my plans:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort/

      Have fun!

  15. Hi Casey, What strategy would you use for special events. We will be going to the Halloween party Tuesday Oct 9. Won’t be able to get into the park until 3 pm. Then party begins at 6 pm. Not sure where we should be going first to maximize the park during this event. We then only have 2 day Park hopper which we were going to use Thursday and Friday. Was going to have pool day the Wed since we will be late at the park on Tuesday. Will be my husband and I and our 6 year old son whom has anxiety and at times sensory sensitive. Any tips or recommendations on this.

  16. hello! Headed to my happy place very soon & I use your site/FB page like a bible 🙂 Just to confirm – the only rides open during EMH in DL are the 4 listed above? Nothing else? So head straight for one of them? Thank you!

  17. Hello-
    Thanks so much for all of your research, it has been so helpful. We are looking at going in the next couple of weeks and I just wanted to clarify: our ALL the rides open during EHM? Or just the ones that they have listed on the Disneyland website? I am tweaking your “How to start” plans and thinking of hitting Toy Story during EHM and grabbing a MaxPass for RSR. Not sure if that is a good way to start the day, but trying to accommodate a 4 and 9 year old with varying tastes is tricky ;). Thank you.

  18. I was wondering what info you had on Fantasmic and World of Color? We are going to be at the parks next week Monday – Friday. I was wondering if there were days that were better or worse to see them also wondering if getting a fastpass earlier gets you better reserved sections of if it really matters?

  19. We are going April 15 – 21 and will be in the parks 16-20 (Monday – Friday, no weekends). We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel and my daughter’s birthday is the first day we will be in the parks, so I want to go to Disneyland that day and not DCA.

    My original plan was:
    Monday DL
    Tuesday DCA
    Wednesday DL
    Thursday DCA
    Friday DL

    I realize that this is the exact opposite of the EMH that is included in our resort stay. Am I making a mistake by planning it this way, or should I change it up? I do want to be in DL on day 1 but not so concerned about the other days, prefer DL on day 5 (last day) because we planned to stay that night just for fireworks (assuming that fireworks are back by then anyway). We do not have park hoppers since we have 5 full days in the parks I didn’t think it was worth it.

    1. Hi, there.

      Fireworks should be playing when you visit.

      I recommend changing your schedule to include extra magic hour as much as possible. . It will give you a great advantage to have that hour each morning.

      Hoppers aren’t an absolute must. You’ll be in great shape!

  20. Hi! I so appreciate all of your posts to help me get a grasp on how DLR works. Because we wanted to spend our last day at DL, we were planning on Thurs at DCA and Fri at DL… but MM is Thurs at DL. Would it be a waste to start the morning there for MM and then head over to DCA after the first hour or so?

    1. No. Don’t miss the chance to use your magic morning. Get a lot done there and then head to DCA.

      Use this plan for Disneyland:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-disneyland/#The_New_Disneyland_Strategy_if_you_have_Extra_Magic_Hour

      Get as much done as possible until you’re ready for DCA.

      And then this for DCA:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-california-adventure/#Your_Strategy_WithGuardians_of_the_Galaxy_8211_Mission_BREAKOUT

  21. Hi Casey-this is our first time staying on property and having MM/EMH privileges in general, is there a MM rope drop inside the park (it seemed like from the article you implied yes) or is it just the entry gates open at the MM stated start time and you’ll still have to make your way through the turnstiles and down Main?

  22. We stayed at Paradaise Pier for 3 days. Each day we tried to cross the street to enter through GCA. The security guards at the light wouldn’t let us pass, even when we showed them our room key. I was livid. We’ve always used the GCA enterance. They would however let us use it when we left the park.

    1. Security checkpoints went into affect December 2016. No more cutting through from Paradise Pier or off site hotels. It’s all part of securing Downtown Disney. I love how it’s all encompassed now, but guests staying at Paradise Pier and nearby off site options haven’t been happy with the change. 🙁

  23. Hi Casey-
    Any word on the Grand Californian entrance? Is it only for the Grand Californian guests?

    Mahalo-

    Myra

  24. For extra magic hour how do they check that your room key is valid? Do you need a key for each person?

  25. Hi Casey! Love your website! We’re coming to Anaheim for a convention. Do the Disneyland convention rate tickets include Magic Morning?

      1. Thanks Casey! I called the Disney ticket line. Multi-day single park and park hopper tickets are available. However, Magic Morning is not included.

  26. Hi Casey! I looked up all the park hours for our visit. It looks like CA opens an hour earlier on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (The same day DL hosts MM & EMH) We’re feeling like the best strategy is to visit CA on those days (Tuesday or Thursday) because of this. Would that be your strategy too? I like the idea of doing the opposite of what most people will be doing those days. Haha…. as always, thank you for your insight!

  27. Is the monorail open prior to Extra Magic Hour, and if so, do you recommend going that way or Main Street?

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