EXTRA MAGIC TIME AT DISNEYLAND PARIS
FULL GUIDE: HOW TO USE EXTRA MAGIC TIME AT DISNEYLAND PARIS
Extra Magic Time at Disneyland Paris: Full Guide, Tips & Strategy
If you’re heading to Disneyland Paris and staying at a Disney hotel, there’s one golden perk you absolutely must take advantage of: Extra Magic Time (EMT). This early access window—a full 60 minutes before official park opening—lets you step into the magic before the crowds arrive. Whether you’re looking to ride big attractions with minimal wait, snap iconic photos in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, or meet beloved Disney characters without long lines, Extra Magic Time can truly transform your day.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about EMT at Disneyland Paris: who gets it, what’s open, and—most importantly—how to use it smartly. We’ve tested these strategies across multiple visits (including character breakfasts that let us in even earlier), and we know exactly where to go and when to help you make the most of your time.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a returning guest looking to maximise every magical moment, this guide is here to help you hit the ground running. Let’s dive in and unlock the quietest—and most powerful—hour of the Disneyland Paris day.
What Is Extra Magic Time at Disneyland Paris?
Extra Magic Time (EMT) is a brilliant perk offered to guests staying at official Disneyland Paris hotels and select annual passholders. It gives you access to the parks a full hour before general admission—and trust us, that hour is gold.
While many Disney parks around the world offer just 15 or 30 minutes of early access, Disneyland Paris offers a full 60 minutes. That extra time can make all the difference between walking straight onto Peter Pan’s Flight… or waiting over an hour later in the day.
When does Extra Magic Time start?
Extra Magic Time typically starts one hour before the official park opening time and is available every day. The time can vary slightly based on the season but this is usually either 8am or 8:30am. We sharethe official Disneyland Paris opening times a few months in advance to help you plan your trip!
Which Parks Offer EMT?
Disneyland Paris has two parks and Extra Magic Time is available in both
- Parc Disneyland (the castle park, where you’ll find Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle)
- Walt Disney Studios Park (home to Crush’s Coaster, Spider-Man, and more)
Who Gets Access to Extra Magic Time
Alright, so who exactly can enjoy this magical early access? It’s good to know who qualifies so you can plan your trip—and maybe even score a hotel stay that unlocks this perk.
Which Disney Hotels gets access to Extra Magic Time
Alright, so who exactly can enjoy this magical early access? It’s good to know who qualifies so you can plan your trip—and maybe even score a hotel stay that unlocks this perk.
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney Hotel New York – Art of Marvel
- Disney Newport Bay Club
- Disney Sequoia Lodge
- Disney Hotel Cheyenne
- Disney Hotel Santa Fe
- Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
- Les Villages Nature Paris
You’re eligible for EMT on every day of your stay—including arrival and departure days. If you’re arriving early, just head to your hotel first to pick up your room key and park tickets, or check in online via the DLP App and use the digital tickets on your phone!
Annual Passholders
Not all passes are created equal here. If you hold the Gold Pass, congratulations—you get access to Extra Magic Time. Other annual passes unfortunately don’t include this perk.
What About Other Guests?
Regular day ticket holders won’t have Extra Magic Time access. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of magic to enjoy during regular park hours too!
Do Annual Passholders get access to Extra Magic Time
Not all passes are created equal here. If you hold the Gold Pass, congratulations—you get access to Extra Magic Time. However, the Bronze and Silver tiers unfortunately don’t include this perk.
Is Extra Magic Time Worth It?
In a word: absolutely.
Extra Magic Time isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a game-changer. Disneyland Paris offers a full 60 minutes of early access, which is significantly more than the 15–30 minutes you’ll get at other Disney resorts. That extra time means real opportunities: near walk-on rides, low-stress character meets, and magical photo moments without the crowds.
And while we’d never say EMT alone justifies the cost of a Disney hotel, it’s certainly a big part of the overall value. You’re not just paying for a bed close to the park—you’re buying a head start on your day, every day of your stay (even on arrival and departure days). It’s peace of mind, smoother mornings, and more magic for your money.
We use Extra Magic Time on every trip, and always will. It’s how we ride more, wait less, and get those picture-perfect castle shots without a sea of people in the background.
So yes, if you’re booking a Disneyland Paris hotel—or debating whether to—consider EMT a core perk. Use it well, and it will absolutely elevate your trip.
What Rides Are Open During Extra Magic Time at Disneyland Paris?
One of the biggest advantages of Extra Magic Time (EMT) is the chance to walk straight onto some of the most popular rides in the parks—without the queues. But knowing what’s actually open during EMT is key to planning your morning strategy effectively.
Extra Magic Time Attractions: Disneyland Park
This is the “castle park” and where most families with younger children (and Disney fans!) spend their time during EMT.
Expect these attractions to be available at the start or shortly after EMT begins:
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Orbitron
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain
Fantasyland Extras: As the morning rolls on, smaller Fantasyland rides like Pinocchio, Snow White, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, and Le Carrousel de Lancelot often open up too. If you’ve got young children, this is an ideal time to experience these with 5-minute queues—compared to 45–60 minutes later in the day.
Extra Magic Time Attractions: Studios Park
If you’re heading to Walt Disney Studios Park during EMT, your main goal should be hitting high-demand thrill rides before queues build up.
These attractions are usually running right at EMT opening:
- Crush’s Coaster (the most in-demand ride in the resort!)
- Spider-Man WEB Adventure
- Ratatouille: The Adventure
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Toy Story Land rides like RC Racer and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop are not always open during EMT, but may come online just before or after official park opening—so keep an eye on queue boards if you’re nearby.
Pro Tips for EMT Ride Planning
- Arrive early. You’ll want to be at the gates of Disneyland Paris at least 30 minutes before EMT starts to make sure you’re one of the first into the parks.
- Characters are available too! If rides aren’t your priority, EMT is a fantastic time to meet characters with shorter lines or get those perfect Sleeping Beauty Castle photos.
- Fantasyland is king for families. We nearly always head here first, enjoying a quiet, crowd-free version of Disneyland.
Extra Magic Time Strategies
Extra Magic Time (EMT) at Disneyland Paris gives you a full hour in the parks before regular guests arrive—and with a bit of planning, you can get more done in that hour than in the next three combined.
Here’s how we recommend making the most of it, based on our own trips, real queue times, and what actually works (not just what looks good on paper).
If You’re Heading to Parc Disneyland…
If you’re heading to Parc Disneyland during Extra Magic Time, having a plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to get the most out of that magical early hour.
- Arrive at the gates at least 30 minutes before EMT starts (the security gates don’t open until 8am, so arriving earlier than than will also mean you’ll be queuing at this location too.
- Go straight to Fantasyland. This is where you’ll find the shortest queues and the biggest wins—Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and Carousel are often 5-minute waits.
- Keep an eye out for ride openings. Smaller rides like Pinocchio and Snow White often open part-way through EMT. Stay nearby and jump on them as soon as they do.
- Head to Discoveryland for Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast or Orbitron
- Want to tick off thrill rides early? Head to Hyperspace Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain, but be aware queues can build quickly, especially if you’re not at the very front of the pack.
If You’re Heading to Walt Disney Studios Park…
This park can be a little trickier, but the reward is big if you time it right.
- Crush’s Coaster is the number one priority. This ride racks up the longest wait times in the entire resort. EMT is your best (and sometimes only) shot at riding it without a long queue.
- After that, go for Spider-Man WEB Adventure or Ratatouille, depending on which direction the crowds are heading.
- If Toy Story Land rides aren’t open at EMT start, hang nearby and be ready to jump in the moment they do. Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop is usually first, then RC Racer.
- After these head for Tower of Terror before the queues start to form.
Pro Tips Extra Magic Time
Extra Magic Time isn’t just about sneaking in early rides—it’s your secret weapon for an unforgettable Disneyland Paris day. Here are some insider tips to get the most out of that magical hour:
Meet Popular Characters Early
Before the crowds arrive, use Extra Magic Time to snap photos with some of your favorite characters. With fewer people around, you’ll get much better chances for those perfect, stress-free shots—especially on Main Street and near Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Fantasyland Is Your Playground
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll find Fantasyland practically to yourself during EMT. This means easy access to classic rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant with wait times as low as 5 minutes. Perfect for families with little ones or anyone wanting to savor those magical moments without the usual crowds.
Walt Disney Studios? Head to Crush’s Coaster First
If you’re starting your day at Walt Disney Studios, crush the lines by heading straight to Crush’s Coaster. This one’s a fan favorite with notoriously long waits later in the day—beating the rush here sets you up for smooth sailing.
Don’t Stress—Be Flexible
Extra Magic Time rides can sometimes open a bit later during the hour. Keep an eye on what’s available and adjust your plan accordingly. The key is to enjoy the quiet, take your time, and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Always Use Extra Magic Time If You Can
Seriously—if you have access, take full advantage of this perk. One hour of early park entry might not sound like much, but it can let you cross off several top attractions, get those iconic photos, and start your day with a big dose of Disney magic.
