Hey there Ryan, I'd like to wish you a very royal welcome to planDisney!
It's great to hear from a fellow rope-dropper eager to get a head start on your day at
EPCOT; since you're staying at
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort it'll be extra handy that you'll be able to take advantage of
Early Theme Park Entry designated for Disney Resort Hotel Guests. I always like starting off any early-morning adventure with a good strategy, so here are some of my personal
Princely Picks, Tips and Tricks that you may find useful:
- You'll be happy to hear that some guests have successfully been dropped off at Disney Resort Hotels close to International Gateway for an easier entry point to World Showcase to beat the crowds heading for Remy's Ratatouille Adventure for a shorter wait.
- However, Security Cast Members may prevent guests from parking or even being admitted to be dropped off during especially busy times of the year; some strictly only allow vehicles through with guests who are staying at that particular Disney Resort Hotel or have a Dining Reservation at that location, while denying those who let them know they're only coming to access EPCOT. The official policy for complimentary access to Resort Parking allows day guests to take advantage of parking as long as they're enjoying onsite dining, recreation or entertainment. (Previously, guests have been able to show a Mobile Order in order to gain entry, but the success of this method may vary if the Cast Members have been instructed otherwise - snagging a reservation at a location like Cape May Cafe or Trattoria al Forno may help!)
- Alternatively, you may avoid this altogether by setting your drop-off location to a neighboring location like the nearby Walt Disney World Swan Hotel or the gas station nearest to Disney's BoardWalk if you don't mind an additional walk.
One of the methods that I have personally found successful was taking advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry hours at
Disney's Hollywood Studios (which are currently even earlier than that of EPCOT), as complimentary transportation tends to begin running earlier as a result. Getting dropped off here may mean a swift ride on the
Disney Skyliner or complimentary boat transportation that will take you right to International Gateway. (This may be an option to consider during busier times of the year when Parking or Security Cast Members may be stricter at enforcing policies.)
I hope that this was helpful Ryan, please don't hesitate to come back to planDisney to ask me anything else ahead of your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort adventure this summer!
All the best on your early-morning, rope-dropping quest!
Prince