Hey Greg! Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney!
Want to know three of my favorite things? April in
EPCOT at
Walt Disney World Resort. You've won my perfect Disney trip lottery! You and your family must be so excited to arrive. My family and I often stay at one of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels in the EPCOT Resort Area because we love being able to walk or take a relaxing Friendship Boat ride to both EPCOT and
Disney's Hollywood Studios. We find that this area has so much to do and such easy access to most places that we always end up coming back to our favorite Resorts. Even if you stay at a Resort like Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Riviera Resort, you're still only minutes away from both parks by riding the
Disney Skyliner!
When staying at any of these, or a few other Disney Resorts, you're steps away from the magic when you head to the International Gateway. Using this entrance always makes me feel like some type of celebrity who gets special access to the "back entrance" of the Park. While this certainly is a full-service entrance, complete with Guest Services, security checkpoints and plenty of ticket turnstiles, to me it just feels like an extra-special way to enter my favorite Park.
As a Resort Guest, you and your party will find that you are welcome to arrive at EPCOT through the International Gateway anytime during park hours, even during
Early Theme Park Entry. Once you have verified that you are indeed a Resort Guest you will enter the Park and be able to choose between "rope-dropping" right toward the France Pavilion, and hence,
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, or left, towards the United Kingdom Pavilion.
The last time I arrived at EPCOT before its scheduled opening time was a few months before Remy's Ratatouille Adventure opened, but I did notice that the crowds outside were minimal compared to what is usually seen at the Front Entrance to the Park. I think your idea to "rope drop" Remy's Ratatouille Adventure as early as possible is a great way to start your day and perhaps save an
Individual Lightning Lane purchase for another attraction.
I would highly suggest leaving your Resort about an hour before Early Theme Park Entry so that you're close to the front of the line when you arrive at the Park's entry point. Who knows, you may end up first in line and even have time for a delicious chocolate croissant from
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie before continuing on with your magical day!
Have a fantastic trip and come see us again if you have any other questions!
Ashley M