Let's assemble the Avengers, Michael Ann! You've got one day in
EPCOT, so we're in the
endgame now. After all, sometimes you gotta run before you can walk!
If you're going to do something, do it right. Consider this your mission briefing. And the mission actually starts 3 days before your ticket date. When staying at a non-Disney-owned hotel, your window for booking
Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass will open at 7 a.m. EST, 3 days before your theme park ticket date. Prioritize the Multi Pass for
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure as it sells out quickly. If it's not available, you can book another attraction and check back in the days leading up to your visit (and even on the actual day) to see if availability opens up. After that's secure, purchase your Single Pass for
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Then, the day of your mission begins. Avengers, assemble! It's important to note that Guests of the
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista are currently eligible for
Early Theme Park Entry, which means they can enter any of the theme parks 30 minutes before other Guests. So if the
theme park hours for EPCOT on the day of your visit are 9 a.m., you and any registered Guests in your hotel room will be able to enter at 8:30 a.m. And that's a huge advantage! So, aim to arrive at the gate no later than 8 a.m. so that you can go through security and be ready to enter the park at exactly 8:30 a.m. This early entry window is your superhero moment because it typically turns a great day into a legendary one. And once let in, follow the signs to Test Track, which looks great after its awesome refresh. Maybe even study the map on the My Disney Experience mobile app beforehand so you know exactly the right path. This is what heroes do.
And if you'd rather skip the rope-drop strategy and let the day unfold a bit more freely, you do have the option to look into Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Think of it as your ultimate backup when you want the mission to run on autopilot. If available, you would be able to purchase it at 7 a.m. EST, 3 days before the date of your theme park ticket. It allows you to enter the Lightning Lanes of eligible Single Pass and Multi Pass attractions in that park whenever the mood strikes (one entry per person, per day).
One last thing. You're going to be visiting during the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which runs from January 16th to February 23rd, 2026. It's key that, in between attractions, you make this part of your mission. The Food Studios, art booths, merchandise, and performances bring the park to life in a very special way. Just like any great hero, this festival proves that big magic often comes in unexpected packages.
Michael Ann, you may have one day and one mission, but with the right plan, you'll conquer it. And just by planning and asking this question, you're already on the right track.
Be sure to come back and ask any other questions that may pop up!
You know what you have to do,
Matt