Hello Matthew!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It is a pleasure to answer your first question, and I hope we can help you plan magical memories for your upcoming visit.
I have just returned from a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort, and one of the highlights of our visit was having lunch at
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot. My 6-year-old daughter’s jaw dropped when she saw that Belle was at the entrance greeting Guests, and was so excited to parade around the restaurant with Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel. We made memories that will be cherish forever.
Matthew, Disney advises Guests to arrive at their dining destination 15 minutes prior to their reservation time, so it would be better to arrive at the restaurant at around 7:50 a.m. I have seen the monorail to Epcot start operating as early as 7:30 a.m. on mornings Extra Magic Hours are offered at this theme park. If this is the case on the day you have your reservation, then you could try taking the resort monorail from Disney's Contemporary Resort to the Transportation and Ticket Center at 7:10 a.m., and then taking the monorail to Epcot at 7:30 a.m. If Extra Magic Hours are not offered, then I suggest taking a taxi to Epcot at 7:30 a.m.
Moms Panel tip: a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be right there at the entrance of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall to take a picture of your family with Belle. Don’t forget authograph books, and make sure you purchase
Memory Maker to enjoy unlimited downloads of all digital content captured during your vist.
I hope this helps you while planning. Please stop by real soon with more questions. We are delighted to help!
Best magical wishes,
Thiana