Potted plants
  • On Apr 23, 2024
    Nicole from CT Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi! I am staying at the Dolphin Resort on May 4th. Check in is not until 4pm. My plan is to head straight to Epcot until check in time. My question is how does the front gate know to allow us in for early entry? Will there be an issue at the gate?

    Hello, Nicole. Welcome to planDisney. 

    The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is in such a great location. Yes, you can walk or take a boat to both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but you are also near some great restaurants. There's Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney's Beach Club Resort, Trattoria al Forno on Disney's BoardWalk, and some pretty great restaurants in the Swan and Dolphin hotels themselves! And since you are within walking distance of EPCOT, you have access to so many great dining options at that park, especially when a festival is going on. And it looks like you'll be there for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs until May 27th this year.

    As long as both your hotel and theme park tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience account, you should be able to scan in for Early Theme Park Entry on the day of check-in, the day of check-out, and each day in between (valid theme park admission required). You can simply go to the linking page of the website and follow the prompts to make sure it's all connected. It really is Disney magic!

    Did you know that you'll also have access to Extended Evening Theme Park Entry? This is a perk that is offered on select nights at select parks, so you'll want to check the Hours & Events Calendar to see if it's being offered when you are there. I find crowds to be much lower during this time as it is currently limited to Deluxe Resort Hotels and Deluxe Villa Resorts, as well as Guests staying in other select hotels, including the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. And don't forget that on the days this perk is offered, there's usually an additional chance to join the Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, exclusively for these Guests.

    Nicole, enjoy the extra perks of staying at your hotel. If you have any other questions, I'm here for you.

    You've got no strings to hold you down,
    Matt

    P.S. My sister Nicole is also from CT, so if this is my sister, just know that you are in big trouble for not telling me you're going to the Walt Disney World Resort soon. And you're in even bigger trouble for not inviting me. Otherwise, carry on and enjoy your vacation!
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Meet the Panelist: Matt, New Jersey

Well hello there! I'm Matt and I'm a Disney-loving husband, teacher, and uncle from New Jersey. You can often find me tasting my way around an EPCOT festival, rope-dropping Magic Kingdom Park, or conquering all of the Disney Mountains. I can't wait to help you reach out and find your happily ever after on your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Learn More About Matt

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