Big changes are coming to Disney World in May 2026, and they’re bound to shake up your morning routine! Early Entry, the coveted 30-minute head start for Disney resort guests and select hotel visitors, is getting a magical makeover. But here's where it gets controversial: instead of just rushing to the most popular rides, guests will now have the chance to meet beloved Disney characters before the parks officially open. Yes, you heard that right—characters are joining the Early Entry lineup!
For years, Early Entry has been a game-changer for Disney fans, offering a precious window to tackle long lines at top attractions. However, during the Cool Kids Summer promotion (May 26th to September 8th), Disney is adding a twist. A rotating cast of characters will be available for meet-and-greets at each park, giving guests a unique opportunity to interact with their favorites in a less crowded setting. And this is the part most people miss: these character appearances are in addition to the regular meet-and-greets scheduled throughout the day, so you’re not losing anything—just gaining more magic!
Here’s the catch: Disney hasn’t released a list of which characters will appear where, so it’s a bit of a surprise. This move is clearly designed to encourage guests to visit multiple parks during their stay, maximizing their Early Entry perks. But will this shift the focus from rides to character interactions? That’s the million-dollar question.
Speaking of rides, don’t worry—they’re still a major part of Early Entry. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available at each park:
Magic Kingdom:
it’s a small world, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, The Barnstormer, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Tomorrowland Speedway, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
EPCOT:
Frozen Ever After, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Mission: SPACE, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Alien Swirling Saucers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!
Animal Kingdom:
Avatar Flight of Passage, DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Na’vi River Journey, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
With characters now in the mix, Early Entry is more valuable than ever for hotel guests. But here’s the real question: Will you prioritize meeting your favorite characters or stick to the tried-and-true strategy of hitting the rides first? Let’s debate it—are you team character meet-and-greet or team ride rush? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned to AllEars for more updates on Disney’s 2026 offerings, and don’t forget to check out our guide on The Perks of an Adults-Only Trip to WDW for even more inspiration!
