Animal Kingdom Updates Early Entry Process

Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom has undergone changes to its Early Entry process, bringing it in line with other parks. The new system allows both resort guests and off-site visitors with Early Entry access to proceed down either path of the Oasis area.

The guest holding areas have moved onto Discovery Island itself, providing more breathing room for those waiting to enter the park. Off-site guests can now wander around Discovery Island while they wait, although none of the attractions or shops are open during this time.

There are two Early Entry checkpoints: one in front of Island Mercantile, leading to Pandora, and another near Zootopia: Better Zoogether, which accesses Asia and Expedition Everest. The checkpoint in front of Island Mercantile blocks access not just to Avatar but also Africa, giving on-site guests an advantage for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

However, some argue that this checkpoint is unnecessary, as it restricts Early Entry guests from accessing other areas. A potential solution would be to move the checkpoint up to the Tiffins or Pizzafari location, allowing guests to wander deeper into Africa and increasing revenue for Disney through sales of food and beverages.