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  • On Mar 20, 2024
    Xavier from Estado de Mexico Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I have a reservation at Akershus for breakfast at 8:30 am on April 21st. That day there is a runDisney event. I would like to know your recommendation for accessing Epcot considering this? What time do you recommend I go to the park and what entrance?

    Hola, Xavier, and welcome to planDisney! I was hoping you might be running runDisney Springtime Surprise with me next month, but, I know, no one turns down a royal invitation to dine with Elsa and Anna at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

    runDisney events are very early in the morning and the runners should be out of the parks before you head to EPCOT. That said, I am a person who is fine arriving at the airport as they are calling for boarding, but I hate to keep royals waiting and I give myself plenty of time to get to my dining location. The park hours calendar for your trip is not yet available, but the current park hours have EPCOT opening at 9 am and Early Entry Hours for resort guests at 8:30 am. With an 8:30 am breakfast reservation, you will be arriving during theme park "rush hour." 

    If you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel on Disney's BoardWalk, you can walk to the EPCOT International Gateway entrance. And if your resort connects to the Disney Skyliner, you can swing like Tarzan to the same entrance. I would plan for 20 to 30 minutes from your resort to arrive at EPCOT close to 8 am so you have time to go through security, scan your ticket for entry, and walk to Norway.  

    If your Disney resort uses bus transportation, you may have additional traffic with the extra buses taking runners and spectators back to their resorts after the race. You can check the My Disney Experience App under "Hotel Reservation" to see when the bus to EPCOT will leave your resort. I would allow an hour or maybe even an hour and fifteen minutes to be safe.

    Given your reservation may be before the park opens, there are usually Cast Members with a sign for Guests with a restaurant reservation. Look for them - or ask a Cast Member upon arrival - so you can enter the park in time for your dining reservation. The park may not open until 8:30, and it will have a line of people hoping to be among the first in the park to run to their favorite attractions. The Cast Members are important to make sure you can enter the park early to make it to Akershus by 8:30 am.

    It's a beautiful time to be at Walt Disney World Resort with EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. I was there last week and tried some delicious treats with the Garden Graze menu. The Seasonal Fruit Parfait with Sweet Chili Sauce and Mango DOLE Whip® is not to be missed!

    I hope you have a magical vacation! Please come back to planDisney with any other questions. 

    See 'Ya Real Soon!
    Jana



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Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

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