What is the difference between Extra Magic Hours and Magic Morning at the Disneyland resort? Here’s an explanation with tips and strategies. Guests often have questions about these two offerings at the parks. Who can take advantage of this perk? How does it affect me if I don’t have it? In this post I’ll share the benefits plus tips if you don’t have this option. UPDATE: This program was available before the parks closed in March of 2020. When they reopened in April of 2021 there was no mention of this option. It appears that this extra hours benefit is not coming back. Disney announced a new perk for Disneyland resort hotel guests called Early Entry. Find out more here.
What is the difference between Extra Magic Hours and Magic Morning? Who can go?
Extra Magic Hour (EMH) is early admission ONLY for registered hotel guests at any of the 3 Disney properties, into the parks. During EVERY day of hotel stay you get admission to select attractions in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure for 1 full hour before the parks open to the public on select days. The schedule is normally as follows…
Disneyland hosts: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,
Disney California Adventure hosts: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Magic Morning (MM) is early admission to Disneyland ONLY for those with a valid 3+ day ticket. You can enjoy ONE early admission to select attractions in Disneyland park for one full hour before the park opens to the general public on select days. The MM benefit is included on ALL Get Away Today 3-Day or longer Disneyland Hopper AND One Park Per Day Tickets. If you want to purchase tickets go here! I make a small commission and I appreciate your support.
Magic Mornings at Disneyland are available during these select days: Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. There are a few exceptions around Christmas and special event days. So be sure to check the Disneyland calendar for your visit.
Annual Passholders don’t get MM or EMH unless they stay at a Disney property or purchase a valid ticket with Magic Morning.
What rides are open during Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hours?
Not all the rides are open during the 1 hour early entry (MM and EMH). The following is a list of rides that should be open for Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hours. This is not a guarantee but gives you a good idea!
Attractions open during Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hours at Disneyland.
- Alice in Wonderland
- Astro Orbitor
- Buzz Lightyear
- Dumbo
- Finding Nemo
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pinocchio
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Snow White
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours
Attractions open during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s California Adventure.
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Incredicoaster
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Soarin’ Around the World
- The Little Mermaid
- Toy Story Midway Mania
Tip: If you have EMH or MM take advantage of the short lines. If the park opens for EMH/MM at 7:00 a.m. arrive by 6:45 a.m. to take advantage of your time with little to no wait on rides. Go on attractions multiple times if desired.
Plus Magic Morning is the perfect opportunity to snag a photo in front of the castle with very few people in the background!
How does it affect me if I don’t have MM or EMH?
If you don’t have EMH or MM take note of which park does so you know the park will already have guests in it riding attractions. If you can avoid these days and go to the opposite park that is not hosting EMH or MM that would be my recommendation! But that’s not always an option so here’s a tip!
If you’re going to Disneyland on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday keep in mind that on those days the park hosts Magic Morning. This means some guests get in one hour earlier and are already riding on select rides.
The following rides are open early.
- Alice in Wonderland
- Astro Orbitor
- Buzz Lightyear
- Disneyland Monorail
- Dumbo
- Finding Nemo
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pinocchio
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Snow White
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours
I point this out because I always tell people a good strategy is to be at the park when it opens. But on these days since the park opens early, if you don’t have Magic Morning then head to the rides that won’t already have a line. The rides mentioned above will have lines. So head to the other side of the park for no lines. In the photo below you can see where I suggest to go.
I would suggest heading to either Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain or Galaxy’s Edge first since Space Mountain will have a line already with Magic Morning guests! Everyone has their own strategy this is what I’ve found works best for us.
Make sure you’re following along on Instagram too. I share more tips and information there daily that will help make your visit more magical.
Pin these tips and strategies for your next Disneyland vacation.
