Photo of the exterios of the France Pavillion in Epcot
  • On Apr 14, 2023
    Dabrowka from ON Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Epcot on Jan 4/23! trying to avoid front entry. Staying at all star and would like to Uber/Lyft to maximize entry at Gateway an hour before early entry - can be dropped off at Swan? Or at AOA skyliner? At boardwalk ride share not allowed? Earliest arrival

    Hey there, hi there, Dabrowka! Welcome to planDisney and thanks for stopping by with such a great planning question!

    You are someone after my own Disney planning heart, Dabrowka! Rope-dropping the theme parks and arriving early for Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests is my favorite way to enjoy my favorite attractions with little to no wait time. More time in the magic of The Most Magical Place on Earth and less time waiting in line is always the way, so let's chat about getting you there, my fellow early bird!

    Since Resort Hotel amenities and perks, such as the walking paths to the theme parks, are reserved for Resort Guests and Day Guests with dining reservations at the Resorts, I don't suggest being dropped off at other Resorts to get to the theme parks. But Hakuna Matata! It means "no worries!" There is an easy way for you to get to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT using complimentary Disney Resort Transportation!

    I recommend taking the complimentary Walt Disney World Bus Service or a rideshare service (the Minnie Van Service is so fast and fabulous!) from your Disney's All-Star Resort to Disney's Hollywood Studios and then hopping the Disney Skyliner over to EPCOT. While the theme park hours for January have not been released yet, recently, Hollywood Studios has been opening earlier than EPCOT, and while the hours are subject to change depending on when you visit, on my trip this week, the Skyliner to and from Hollywood Studios began running 30 minutes earlier than the Skyliner to EPCOT. If the schedule is similar during your vacation, this will give you plenty of time to make it to the International Gateway before the early magic begins!

    Once the theme park hours are released (usually around 60 days in advance) for your vacation, keep an eye on when Hollywood Studios and EPCOT open and remember that Early Entry begins 30 minutes before that. On my vacation this week, the bus service and Skyliner began running one hour before Early Entry began, but be sure to check with a Cast Member about the Skyliner hours when you arrive. Rise and shine! It's magic time!

    I hope this helps, Dabrowka, and I hope you have the most magical and memorable visit! I can't imagine a better way to ring in the new year. Let the countdown begin! Please stop by any time with any questions you may have along the way. You've got a friend in me!

    See ya real soon,

    Mandy
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Meet the Panelist: Mandy, Louisiana

I'm Mandy - Louisiana girl, wife, Mommy and lover of all things Disney. Walt Disney World Resort is my family's happy place, and our vacations are equal parts rope-drop thrilling and poolside chilling. For us, the best things in life aren't things at all, and we believe in investing in experiences and making magical memories together. Our Disney Vacation Club Membership has been our investment into a lifetime of unforgettable family fun. It's our key to the magic, and I can't wait to help you unlock yours! Learn More About Mandy

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