Each park has something “secret” about their entrances, which we’ll be sharing here and will allow you to head start on having fun.
Please note that the information within this article will be changing constantly as Disney World is an ever evolving vacation destination with massive construction projects.
MAGIC KINGDOM
The secret entrance to the Magic Kingdom is actually found via a walkway from the Contemporary Resort.
Take a bus or an UBER to the Contemporary and then walk across the street and through a separate security line before heading towards the turnstiles at the front of the park.
This is by far my favorite way to head to the Magic Kingdom, because the stress and overall disfunction at the Transit and Ticket Centre (TTC) is unbearable at the best of times, so knowing ahead of time that you should be aiming to be at the Contemporary will help you immensely! In fact, If I’m staying at a Disney Resort or off-property, my first thing I do when I get to the lobby is look at the prices for an UBER to the Contemporary. Knowing that will allow you to make an informed decision without really waiting for already packed buses.
Here’s the update though – Disney is starting to put a stop to this practise, as it continues to adapt to the needs and requirements of it’s guests. But, there is a work around.
On our last trip, Disney security would question our UBER driver and then they would ask us why we were dining and if we had a reservation. As long as you either have a reservation at Steakhouse 71 or have a reason to be at the resort, then you shouldn’t have an issue. Just don’t lead with the reason being that you’d like to walk across the street.
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EPCOT
EPCOT’s secret entrance has become “less secret” with the introduction of the Skyliner Gondola System!
Why?
The Skyliner station is right outside of the International Gateway, the entrance to EPCOT that most people don’t know about! If you’re looking at going to the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Resorts, Swan & Dolphin Resorts or Disney’s Hollywood Studios….it’s your path to more fun (and great views).
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DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AND DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARKS
With this article, my goal is to keep you up to date with the secret entrances at the theme parks.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a “secret” set of turnstiles behind Rainforest Cafe, but that has been overlooked as the park has been seen as less of a draw with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Ratatouille open and nothing new at DAK since Pandora.
Hollywood Studios used to have a side entrance by the Guest Relations window, but with the evolution of the security bag check – it’s become less utilized and more of a strategy of getting to Rise of the Resistance as soon as you get into the park.
Remember how much time & money that you’re investing in your vacation and you’ll reconsider your options;)
I hope that this information was helpful! It’s one of my favorite things to share, as using the secret entrances at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT can be a great start to your day and completely in your control.