Hello and welcome to
planDisney, Patricia. Thanks for dropping by with your question.
A welcome reception at
EPCOT sounds absolutely lovely. That's going to be so much fun. EPCOT is the perfect spot for something like that.
Patricia, will you be staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel? If yes, then
parking is complimentary at all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks for you. If not, standard parking is $25.00 a day (subject to change at any time) but is transferable from park to park. So if you are not staying on property and visit a different Walt Disney World Theme Park before your welcome reception, be sure to ask for a receipt. Then, if the parking booth attendants are still there when you arrive you'll just flash your receipt and off you'll go.
It's hard to answer your question for sure, Patricia. There isn't a set time when the parking attendant booth Cast Members leave and parking is wide open. Now, I've visited the parks many times in the evening and have been able to drive right in, however, it's been inconsistent times. I would plan on paying to park and if it turns out you don't need to, treat yourself to a fun snack or sip around The World Showcase.
I'm sorry I don't have more of a definitive answer for you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me.
Have fun!
Jackie H.