EPCOT Disney 100; new lights; stars; ball
  • On Sep 29, 2025
    Milagros from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We have a one day park hopper and plan to start at Animal Kingdom and end at Epcot. We would like to park at Epcot and the get to Animal Kingdom for their 8am opening. What would be the best way to fo this?

    Welcome to planDisney, Milagros! I'm excited to chat with you about your upcoming day at the Most Magical Place on Earth! Spending a day park hopping between the theme parks is my favorite, so let's dive into the logistics to make sure you can get between the parks efficiently and make the most of your magical day!

    Milagros, I checked the Park Hours & Events Calendar, and it looks like Early Theme Park Entry for EPCOT starts at 8:30 AM, meaning the parking lot will open around 7:30 AM for guests. Once parked, you won't find park-to-park transportation running that early, so you'd have to utilize a rideshare service or the Minnie Van Service powered by Lyft to get to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Alternatively, you could hop on a Disney bus to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and then transfer to an Animal Kingdom Theme Park bus at the resort. Of course, this would take some time, and if you're hoping to be at Animal Kingdom for park opening, it may not be the best choice.

    What I'd recommend is to drive your car to Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the morning and then move your car when you are ready to hop to EPCOT. Keep in mind that you do not have to pay for parking at both theme parks; just hold onto your receipt and show it to a Cast Member once you arrive at EPCOT! Doing this will ensure you get to Animal Kingdom early enough to enjoy the shorter, early morning wait times and will also cut down on time spent getting back and forth from EPCOT.

    Whatever you decide, there's plenty of fun waiting for you at both parks! Be sure to check out my favorites - Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT! 

    If you have any other questions as you finalize your plans, come see us again here at planDisney!

    Magic and Memories,
    Alison
thumbnail image for Alison

Meet the Panelist: Alison, Louisiana

I'm Alison - a wife, mom, and teacher from New Orleans, LA. My first childhood visit to the Walt Disney World Resort sparked a lifelong love of this magical place, and I still find magic in both the new and nostalgic on each visit! I understand the changing dynamics of planning a practically perfect vacation; no matter how large your group is or what your interests are, I look forward to helping you create magical memories and discover unique experiences to make them even more enchanting! Learn More About Alison

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for How MagicBand+ Enhances Your Walt Disney World Visit

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.