Early Entry Checkpoint Moves at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Toy Story Land Guests

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Posted: Monday May 26, 2025 10:15am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

If you use Early Entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to know about a change affecting how you access Toy Story Land.

Park opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Here’s what’s new:

As before, Cast Members check Early Entry status at several points in the park — along Sunset Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and near the entrance to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
What’s different is the Toy Story Land checkpoint.

Previously, you passed the Early Entry check on the walkway between Walt Disney Presents (formerly One Man’s Dream) and the Toy Story Land marquee. Now, that checkpoint has been moved forward. Early Entry guests heading to Toy Story Land will be stopped at the Hollywood Studios archway entrance to Animation Courtyard — the same area where regular park guests now queue to enter Toy Story Land once the land opens to everyone.

The new checkpoint for Toy Story Land Early Entry is at the Animation Courtyard Arch

If you plan to rope-drop Slinky Dog Dash or other Toy Story Land attractions, build this new checkpoint location into your timing. You’ll need to show your Early Entry eligibility farther back than before, which may slightly change how you plan your approach.

The change is likely related to the new Cool Kids Summer activations in Animation Courtyard, and the opening of the new Little Mermaid show on May 27.

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wdwmagicMay 26, 2025

Early Entry Checkpoint Moves at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Toy Story Land Guests https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disneys-hollywood-studios/news/26may2025-early-entry-checkpoint-moves-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-for-toy-story-land-guests.htm

wdwmagicOct 23, 2024

Yes

doctornickOct 22, 2024

So I'm sorry but still not clear: is Star Tours operating for Early Entry? And, if so, do they check at the ride entrance like they do for MMRR?

wdwmagicOct 22, 2024

Yes they do, details in https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disneys-hollywood-studios/news/21oct2024-disneys-hollywood-studios-adjusts-morning-entry-procedure-what-you-need-to-know.htm MMRR is scanned at the entrance to the ride. MMR and Star tours are not behind a resort checkpoint.

PurduevianOct 22, 2024

Basically 5 check points... I think it's time MK got a second checkpoint

JoeCamelOct 22, 2024

Next time you go wear a plaid vest and see if it works then......

doctornickOct 22, 2024

So in addition to the "rope drop" checkpoints for early entry, they also scan for being a resort guest separately for MMRR? Is Star Tours open early and, if so, do they scan there too (or is the check;point before the ride)?

TrainsOfDisneyOct 22, 2024

Oh yes… I remember which finger I used, let me show you!!! Haha. Also I agree that this benefits both the guests and the company. More guests buying Starbucks, guests are happy cause they are already in the park, and it’s also safer and much more enjoyable to not have a large gathering of guests lined up in front of the entrance.

Chi84Oct 21, 2024

That's because I'm always in front of you with my apparently undetectable fingerprint trying to convince the CM that I remember which finger I used. Next time I'm using my middle finger so I'll be ready when they ask. ;)

ToTBellHopOct 21, 2024

Exactly. You had to be at DHS this early anyway if you had any hope of rope dropping. If I’m already at the park, I’d rather be in the park instead of stressing over whether I’ll be in the entry line that gets stopped for 5 minutes. Feels like I’m always in that line…

Chi84Oct 21, 2024

That's actually a good thing, though. Not everything that benefits the company is a detriment to the guest. I would love the opportunity to get a little breakfast instead of standing outside in the sun waiting for the park to open.

HauntedPirateOct 21, 2024

"We are giving guests more flexibility to be able to enjoy shopping and dining opportunities in the park prior to park open!"

SingleRiderOct 21, 2024

I went in September 2019 and remember being held outside the park since I was offsite. However IIRC this was when they were doing the 3 hour EMH shortly after SWGE opened so maybe procedures were different for that.

ToTBellHopOct 21, 2024

It’s common at DHS and DAK, in particular. MK and Epcot are more likely to do a traditional rope drop at the scheduled time. Although, based upon the statement above mine, perhaps this changed when Tron moved to standby?