Hi Andrea and welcome to planDisney!
What a fun way to celebrate a graduation! Walt Disney World has the best private events, so I have no doubt it will be a party to remember. Congratulations to the graduate!
I have hosted many special events for reunions and my own Fairytale Wedding at
EPCOT and other parks, so I'm quite familiar with the ins and outs, but I would suggest that you reach out to your friend to see if admission to EPCOT is included for their event. Typically admission tickets are not included and a Cast Member Guide escorts the group from the park entrance to the location of the event and then back out of the park at the conclusion of the event. If park admission is not included and you would like to spend some time playing in the park prior to the event, you will need to purchase park admission for yourselves. Currently there are no ticket options for a half or partial day, so a full day ticket is your only option.
If you decide to
purchase tickets, you will need to make
theme park reservations for EPCOT on the day of the event, if they aren't already made for you as a Guest attending the graduation event. I suggest purchasing tickets and making park reservations (if needed) as soon as you can, as theme park availability is limited and I see you will be visiting at the start of summer vacation for many families.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will still be in full swing during your visit. There are so many beautiful things to see and do like discovering your favorite
characters as topiaries, taste your way around the world with the delicious
Outdoor Kitchens and attend a
Garden Rocks concert in the American Adventure Pavilion. We got to see Daughtry (shout out to American Idol fans!) earlier this month and he was amazing live!
Please reach out if you have any additional vacation planning questions.
Have a magical day!
Leslie