Animal Kingdom Changes Morning Early Entry Checkpoints
Published September 6, 2026 · Updated October 19, 2026
According to reports, Walt Disney World changed the Early Entry arrival procedures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as of Sunday, September 6, 2026. The update either eliminates secondary morning hold locations or moves resort eligibility checkpoints deeper into the park.
This adjustment aligns Animal Kingdom with the morning operations currently used at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Under the old system, Cast Members verified Early Entry eligibility just inside the park entrance, and guests were held again on the bridge leading into Pandora – The World of Avatar.
The modified morning flow applies to the four attractions currently participating in Animal Kingdom’s Early Entry following the closure of DinoLand U.S.A. Guests utilizing the 30-minute head start can access Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
What we know
- The adjustment — Early Entry checkpoints have been pushed deeper into the park or secondary holds have been eliminated.
- Participating attractions — Early Entry is currently limited to Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
- Morning timing — Turnstiles have been observed opening before 7:20 AM for a typical 8:00 AM park opening, allowing guests to enter before the official 7:30 AM Early Entry start.
What’s not confirmed
The specific locations of the new Cast Member checkpoints and the exact morning routing for guests heading into Pandora were not included in the coverage available.
What it means for your trip
- Scan later — With checkpoints pushed deeper into Animal Kingdom, you will walk further into the park before needing to prove your resort eligibility. Keep your MagicBand, MagicMobile pass, or room key accessible.
- The crowd still goes left — Because Avatar Flight of Passage remains the park’s top priority, expect the vast majority of Early Entry guests to still rush toward Pandora.
- Arrive early — Arriving at the tap points 45 to 60 minutes before the official Early Entry start time gives you the best advantage, regardless of where the internal park holds are located. You can use SupaPark’s park-day builder to schedule your exact morning transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change the Early Entry start time?
No, Early Entry still officially begins 30 minutes before the standard park opening time.
Which attractions are open during Early Entry at Animal Kingdom?
Guests can currently ride Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
Go deeper — the full guides: Jaleo Before Cirque: How to Time the Reservation · Avatar Flight of Passage Height Requirement & Ride Tips · The Smart Guest’s Guide to Weekend Brunch at Jaleo in Disney Springs
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