Hi there Ellen and welcome back to planDisney!
For many folks and families plotting the perfect rope drop plan, the entrance to
EPCOT World Showcase is one of those strategic spots that can definitely give you an edge ahead of the crowds when you've got
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in your sights. However, it may currently prove a little tricky for folks not necessarily staying at the Disney Resort Hotels in the vicinity to be able to access
Disney's BoardWalk early in the morning, so I'm happy to shed some light on this and share some of my research:
- As a way to deter guests from utilizing Disney's BoardWalk Inn or Disney's Beach Club Resort as a way to access EPCOT, Disney Parking and Security Cast Members have been known to turn away guests even if they're just arriving to be dropped off and not take advantage of the parking lot, which I've personally experienced being much more strictly enforced at busier times of the year including the holiday season. (Though certain so-called "hacks" similar to this have floated around online, they're definitely aware of them and unfortunately folks are far less likely to be able to visit Disney's BoardWalk Resort Hotels the same way they've been able to in previous years without a room or dining reservations to show as they arrive at the security gate.)
- I recently experienced what it's like to be dropped off at the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotels who welcomed guests arriving to their locations to explore and enjoy their restaurants, even currently offering parking validation at a few select restaurants. This may be a good location to be dropped off for a slightly longer walk to EPCOT, but bear in mind that policies are always subject to change without prior notice and hopefully this continues to be a safe and welcoming option by the time of your visit.
- Alternatively, the proximity of the International Gateway to the Disney Skyliner makes this a handy option if you're coming from one of the Resort Hotels along its route; when we chose to take the Disney Skyliner early in the morning we encountered what appeared to be a lengthy line of early birds but was effectively managed very quickly in our experience.
I hope that this helps, Ellen; so much has certainly changed within the realm of guest access to the Disney Resort Hotels within the past few years and I'm hoping that this strategy may serve you well on your upcoming visit! Don't hesitate to
come back again to planDisney for any other advice, tips or tricks before you head back down to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
I wish you all the best on your early-morning quest!
Prince