Hey there, World Traveler! There is no better way to fuel your trip around the world than a tasty breakfast at
EPCOT. Ann, I am so glad you stopped by planDisney to get to your dining reservation without feeling like the White Rabbit, rushing off and exclaiming, "I'm late! I'm late for a very important date!"
On
Sunday, April 6, EPCOT opens at 10 a.m. The park will open at 9:30 for
Early Theme Park Entry for Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel. With this, you can get into EPCOT before the official opening time. Typically, everyone is allowed through security and the ticket gates and into the park. You will see signs directing Guests with Early Entry access to one location and those without to another, around
Spaceship Earth. If you are in EPCOT before the park opens, you should be able to get to your restaurant in time.
There are a few special things to note when planning your early arrival.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has recently gone from a virtual to a standby queue. The early morning rush has gotten a bit more intense as people are "Rope Dropping" this experience. Do not be surprised to find large crowds of people trying to get in line to jump through time and space.
This upcoming weekend is
runDisney Springtime Surprise. Sunday is the 10-Miler. The run starts at 5 a.m., and most runners should complete the course before the park opens. But the parking lots will be open earlier than usual for athletes and spectators. You may also find more people up and at EPCOT by 9:30 a.m. than on a typical weekend.
In my experience, skipping through the park to avoid being too late for a dining reservation, restaurants may allow a 15-minute grace period. I always try to be early. It's my personality, and I don't like the stress of running late. But it is helpful to know they may be able to accommodate your group if things happen that keep you from being punctual.
Ann, I hope your day touring the world is practically perfect. I'll be there with some of my
planDisney friends for the 10-miler. Hopefully, we'll be the ones running and you will get to EPCOT in time to casually stroll to your breakfast. We'll be cheering for you!
See 'Ya Real Soon!
Jana