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Walt Disney World just locked in two major perks through 2027. The company confirmed Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours will stay put for resort guests. Plus, a reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is launching this May at Hollywood Studios.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Early Entry Confirmed: 30-minute early access to all 4 parks, available through 2027 for resort guests
- Rolling Through May: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens May 26, 2026, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Extended Hours Back: Deluxe resort guests get exclusive evening access on select nights through 2027
- Major Attractions Open: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more during early entry
Disney Extends Popular Hotel Perks Through 2027
Disney announced today that Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours will continue through 2027. Both benefits launched in 2021 as part of the resort’s 50th anniversary celebrations. They replaced the previous Extra Magic Hours program, which gave guests up to 3 hours of extended evening access.
The 30-minute early entry is available to all guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select partner hotels. That includes Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, plus Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Shades of Green and Signia by Hilton also qualify.
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Which Attractions Open First for Early Entry Guests
Early entry benefits unlock access to dozens of attractions every single day. At Magic Kingdom, guests can ride Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Dumbo. EPCOT features Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, and Test Track.
Hollywood Studios opens Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and the brand-new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets during early entry. Animal Kingdom gives guests access to Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest before regular park hours.
Early Entry and Extended Hours Attraction Schedule
| Park | Key Early Entry Rides |
| Magic Kingdom | Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Dumbo |
| EPCOT | Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen Ever After, Test Track, Spaceship Earth |
| Hollywood Studios | Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Muppets |
| Animal Kingdom | Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Na’vi River Journey |
“Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can take advantage of a 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks every day of their stay.”
— Disney Parks, Official Statement
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Goes Muppet-Crazy This May
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens on May 26, 2026, replacing the Aerosmith version. The ride still launches from G-Force Records, now owned by Scooter’s uncle J.P. Grosse. Guests board souped-up limousines to help The Electric Mayhem reach a concert across town.
The giant guitar facade gets a vibrant repaint, and MuppetVision 3D props fill the queue. Disney closed the Aerosmith pre-show in late 2025 to speed up the transformation. The ride track itself stays mostly unchanged, allowing for a fast turnaround before the summer season.
Why These Benefits Matter for Your 2027 Vacation Planning
Confirming these perks through 2027 gives resort guests certainty for planning. Early Theme Park Entry remains one of the most valuable benefits, delivering guaranteed early access every day. Extended Evening Hours for deluze resort guests adds up to 3 extra hours on select nights.
With 2027 Disney World packages now available for booking, families can plan with confidence. The new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster version will be open and running during all early entry sessions by summer 2026, giving guests another guaranteed fast-pass option.
Sources
- WDW Magic – Walt Disney World Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours Confirmed Through 2027
- WDW News Today – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opening Date Announced
- Disney Parks Official – Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours Details
