Extra Magic Time | Ultimate GUIDE – Everything you need to know

There’s something truly special about stepping into Disneyland Paris while the park is still quiet, the streets are almost empty, and the rides are waiting without long queues. That feeling of being ahead of the crowd is exactly what Extra Magic Time is all about. It’s one of the best perks you can get when visiting the parks, but many people don’t know what it really is, who can enjoy it, and how to make the most of it. As someone who knows Disneyland Paris inside and out, I’ll guide you through every detail so you can decide if this early entry is worth it for you.

Before we dive deep, let’s give you the quick version.

What Extra Magic Time really is

Extra Magic Time, often shortened to EMT, is the official early access program at Disneyland Paris. It gives eligible visitors the chance to enter the parks before everyone else. On most days, EMT begins at 8:30am and lasts until the official opening at 9:30am. During that golden hour, only a select group of people are allowed inside.

Who can get Extra Magic Time

To get Extra Magic Time, you need either:

• A stay in one of the Disney hotels (like Disneyland Hotel, Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, Newport Bay Club, Sequoia Lodge, Cheyenne, Santa Fe, Davy Crockett Ranch)
• Or a qualifying annual pass (Infinity or Magic Plus)

If you don’t have one of these, you won’t be able to access EMT. That exclusivity is exactly why it feels so magical.

Which rides are open during extra magic time

One of the biggest questions people have is: are all rides open? The answer is no. Not every attraction is available during EMT, but Disneyland Paris makes sure some of the most popular ones are.

Disneyland Park (the main castle park)

You can often count on rides such as:

• Peter Pan’s Flight – one of the busiest rides in the park, almost always with long queues later in the day
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – a family favourite that gets crowded quickly
• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – fun for both kids and adults
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – a must for thrill seekers
• Big Thunder Mountain – one of the most iconic coasters at Disneyland Paris

Other rides like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, or Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups sometimes open a little later during EMT.

Walt Disney Studios Park

If you start your day here, you’ll usually find:

• Crush’s Coaster – the number one ride to do during EMT, since it’s notorious for its long queues later
• Ratatouille: The Adventure – another ride that fills up very quickly
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – one of the most thrilling experiences in the resort
• Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure – a newer attraction that gets busy fast

It’s always smart to check the official Disneyland Paris app in the morning, because the list of rides can vary by day.

Who benefits most from extra magic time

Not everyone will use EMT the same way, but some visitors gain more from it than others.

• Families with young children: Fantasyland rides like Peter Pan and Dumbo are much easier to enjoy before the big crowds arrive.
• Thrill seekers: If you want to ride Hyperspace Mountain or Crush’s Coaster without a 60-minute wait, this is your golden ticket.
• Photographers and Disney lovers: Early mornings are quieter and more beautiful. The lighting is perfect, and you can capture magical moments without masses of people in the background.
• Visitors with limited time: If you only have one or two days, EMT can double your ride count and make sure you see the highlights.
• Annual pass holders: If you go often, using EMT over and over again adds up to a lot of saved time and extra rides.

Is Extra Magic Time worth it?

The big question: is it worth waking up earlier, paying for a Disney hotel, or choosing a higher-level pass just for this? Let’s break it down.

The pros

• You save time: Riding the most popular attractions in the morning means you don’t waste hours in line later.
• You feel ahead: Starting your day with a few rides done before others even get in is a huge boost.
• The atmosphere: The park feels more personal and magical when it’s quiet.
• Better photos: You can capture memories without a crowded background.
• Included with your hotel: If you’re already staying at a Disney hotel, it costs nothing extra.

The cons

• Not every ride is open: Some attractions only open at regular hours.
• Early mornings: You need to wake up early, eat quickly, and be ready.
• Still can get busy: On peak days, even EMT rides can get queues after 20–30 minutes.
• Limited access: If you’re not staying on-site or don’t have the right pass, you’re out of luck.

Our opinion

If you are eligible for EMT, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Even if you just ride two or three big attractions, you’ve already gained hours of free time. For many families and first-time visitors, this hour can be the difference between a stressful day and a smooth, magical experience.

Tips to make the most of extra magic time

Getting EMT is one thing. Using it well is another. Here are the ultimate tips to make sure you squeeze every bit of value out of your early hour:

1. Arrive early – aim to be at security at least 30 minutes before EMT begins. That way you can be inside right when it starts.
2. Check the app – see which rides are open that day and plan your route.
3. Go for the busiest rides first – Crush’s Coaster, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Big Thunder Mountain should be top of your list.
4. Have a backup plan – if your first choice ride is down or not open yet, know where to head next.
5. Mix rides with photos – do one or two attractions, then grab your castle photo before Main Street fills up.
6. Use the buddy system – one person checks wait times while others move toward the next attraction.
7. Dress for the morning – mornings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket.
8. Fuel up early – have a quick breakfast before EMT so you don’t waste time during your golden hour.
9. Plan your day around EMT – hit big rides early, then relax during busy midday hours.
10. Enjoy the magic – don’t rush so much that you forget to look around. That early morning Disney atmosphere is part of the magic.

Extra perks you might not think about

Most people focus on rides, but EMT offers a few other hidden gems:

• Meet characters: Sometimes Disney characters are out early for special meet and greets.
• Quieter shopping: Some shops are open, giving you the chance to browse calmly.
• Unique atmosphere: You’ll never forget the calm of Main Street when it’s almost empty, with the music playing just for you.
• Perfect start for kids: Young children often have more energy in the morning, so it’s the best time to enjoy rides before they get tired.

Comparing with not using extra magic time

Here’s what a day can look like with EMT vs without it:

• With EMT: You ride Peter Pan, Crush’s Coaster, and Big Thunder Mountain before 9:30am. By lunch, you’ve done five or six attractions, taken photos, and still feel fresh.
• Without EMT: By 9:30am you’re just entering the park. You line up 60 minutes for Peter Pan, then 70 minutes for Big Thunder. By lunch, you’ve done two rides and are already tired.

The difference is huge, and it can change your whole Disneyland Paris experience.

How to get extra magic time

The easiest way is by staying at a Disney hotel. All official Disney hotels include EMT automatically with your booking. If you’re considering an off-site hotel, calculate carefully—sometimes the extra cost of a Disney hotel pays itself back in saved time and happier memories.

You can also buy or upgrade to an annual pass that includes EMT. The Infinity Pass and Magic Plus Pass both give access, so if you plan to visit more than once, it could be worth the investment.