Hi Anthony,
I just love it when I hear that a guest at Walt Disney World Resort is looking to maximize every minute of their stay. There's so much to see and do at the Disney theme parks that you'll definitely want to accomplish as much as you can between "rope drop" and the last few notes of
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
I have good news regarding
lockers at Epcot. There are single-use, coin-operated lockers available to guests outside Epcot. You'll find them along the walkway between the resort bus stop and the park's entrance. You'll need quarters to use these lockers as there is no attendant present to give change. However, you can put your belongings in these lockers before the park opens so you can be all lined up and ready to enter Epcot with the first guests of the day. If you happen to be entering Epcot through the International Gateway instead, there are lockers there, too.
At present, Epcot's "rope drop" occurs at the touch points guests use to enter the park. Once you are through those magical gates, you are free to go anywhere in Future World. (The pavilions throughout World Showcase typically open a few hours later. Check your Times Guide as you enter the park for a specific opening time for World Showcase. On a normal day, all the shops and attractions in World Showcase are open at 11 a.m.)
Wishing you an exceptionally fun day at Epcot!
Jill