You’ve made it! You’re finally on vacation! That cushy resort bed feels fabulous in the morning, but the park beckons. So, jump out of bed and hit the ground running, or hit snooze and relax?

Rope Drop

The early bird gets the worm, but at the Disney Parks, the early bird gets the short wait times, and that’s nothing to sneeze at, especially if you’re visiting in peak season where waits can climb to multiple hours. Here are three reasons to set that alarm early and get out there with the sunrise.

1. Wait Times

I don’t know about you, but no matter how interactive and entertaining Disney makes the queues, it’s not my idea of a good time to spend hours in line for a five minute ride or two minute meet and greet. When you arrive at park opening, you can get at least one attraction under your belt with little to no wait by making a beeline to that must-do as soon as the rope, well, drops. While lines will grow while you’re there, they will be nothing compared to the wait times later in the day when all those who did hit the snooze start rolling into the park.

2. Weather

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, the atmosphere can get downright sweltering as the day goes by. It’s not unheard for temperatures to reach triple digits in the summer afternoons, and that can leave park goers sweaty, cranky and smelly. Hit the park at opening and enjoy some of the morning breeze before the sun climbs into the sky and heats up all that concrete.

• Get Park Wise: Since you’ve gotten so much done in the morning hours, grab lunch then head back to your resort for a little siesta during the hottest part of the day. Grab a swim to refresh yourself before heading back to the parks to enjoy dinner and evening fun.

3. Variety

Starting your day early gives you the option to spend more time in the parks on vacation. If you decide to trudge through those afternoon hours, you can decide to Dumbo or Die in the morning, then saunter to another park for a leisurely lunch then catch some more rides after digesting. If you’re still energized, different park for dinner and fireworks. When you rise with the sun, the parks are your oyster! Just remember to take a little down time throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and even keel.

Snooze Button

Of course, there’s something to be said for getting a few extra minutes of beauty sleep so you don’t turn into a beast. Here are three plusses for sleeping in on your Disney vacation. (Not that anyone really needs reasons to sleep in. I’d do it daily if I could.)

1. Anxiety

It’s true, you’ll get a lot done if you arrive at rope drop. But I’m not gonna lie. Some of the Dumbo or Die crew is craaaay.  Especially if you’re looking to meet the Frozen gals, ride Mine Train or hit Toy Story Mania. If running with a horde of rabid Disney geeks and their spawn is not your idea of a good morning, snooze it.

2. FastPass+

Now, this one will only apply to Walt Disney World travelers, but FastPass+ is a game changer for those who refuse to wake up at the crack of dawn. Disney resort guests can choose three FastPass+ options per ticket day 60 days prior to arrival allowing you to hit those three options with a reduced wait time. This eliminated the need to arrive at rope drop to both snag FastPasses and try to experience shorter standby times.

3. Vacation

All crazy Disney planning aside, you are actually on vacation. Do you risk longer waits for more sleep? Probably. Is it going to make or break your vacation? Doubtful. So, tap snooze, roll over and grab a little extra shut eye. You don’t have to be anywhere…you’re on vacation! Our crew is a mix of both rope drop and snooze button, but it sure does feel good to roll out of bed whenever we feel like it. 😉

What do you do on vacation? Up and at ‘em or maxin’ and relaxin’?

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