Hiya Susan! Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for visiting with your question today. You're magical vacation is just a few days away... woo hoo!
Garden Grill in EPCOT is truly a hidden gem. Of all the character dining experiences we've enjoyed over the years, none have left my two kids doubled over in laughter quite like our visits to
Garden Grill with the hilarious antics of Chip and Dale! The food is delicious, and offers enough options for even picky eaters to find something appealing. Add in the ambiance of a rotating restaurant with views of the delightful attraction
Living with the Land, and you've got just an incredible Disney dining experience.
Susan, grab that advance dining reservation at Garden Grill because I definitely think your plan will work. As you mentioned, with your
Disney After Hours at EPCOT tickets, you'll be allowed to enter the park at 7:00 pm. I would give yourself plenty of travel time if using Disney Transportation, and plan to be ready to tap in promptly at 7:00. This should leave you enough time to capture a quick photo in front of Spaceship Earth, and then navigate to The Land pavilion in time to check in to your dining reservation at 7:30 pm.
Did you know you can actually enjoy other EPCOT attractions prior to 10:00 pm? When the event officially starts is when the pixie-dusted perks begin, like complementary popcorn, ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages at food carts and shorter wait times on attractions. But you'll have full access to the park as soon as you enter.
I strongly recommend wrapping up your Garden Grill dining in time to head outside and enjoy the nighttime fireworks,
Luminous The Symphony of Us. It's a spectacular show that's scheduled for 9:00 pm that evening. The exciting thing about your special event tickets, is that you'll start to see most of the crowds leave after the fireworks, as it's official park closing time. But then YOUR adventure is just beginning!
Promise me you'll ride
Soarin' Around the World for me. Maybe even twice?! It's my all time favorite attraction, filled with sensations and views unlike anything else. A close second on my must-do list is the exhilarating Guardians of the Galaxy ride - a thrilling adventure that’s sure to leave your heart pounding and a grin on your face.
Can you tell that talking about your practically perfect plan for EPCOT is getting me vicariously excited for you? Please send me at
message at planDisney if I can help with any other questions. I'll be sending pixie-dust your way to have a wonderful vacation at Walt Disney World!
See ya' real soon!
Tami