Hi Tracey,
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for asking your important question about getting into the theme parks. I’m excited to see you have a special vacation planned to kick off the brand-new year at the
Most Magical Place on Earth!
Early Theme Park Entry is a benefit for Guests staying on property (at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel) where they may enter the parks and enjoy select attractions 30 minutes prior to official park opening. Official park opening for all Guests is aligned with the posted theme park hours for each day, which you’ll find on the home page of the
My Disney Experience App and
on the Walt Disney World website under Calendar and Park Hours. Please also be sure you've made a
theme park reservation for your planned day at EPCOT.
Each theme park operates slightly differently, and I spoke with a friendly Cast Member who confirmed that in-person Cast Members at the entrance will determine final plans each day for entry. For example, in my recent experience at Magic Kingdom Park all Guests were allowed into Main Street, U.S.A. but then resort reservations were confirmed to allow anyone further into the park. The Cast Member today confirmed that it’s not clear whether they will check reservations at the gates (both front entrance and International Gateway) or further inside the park this busy holiday week. I suggest you plan to arrive close to the official park opening time for the smoothest entry into EPCOT on this visit, Tracey.
There are so many wonderful new things to experience at
EPCOT, beginning with the brand-new
Dreamers Point at World Celebration Gardens. This new central plaza features a special commemorative statue of Walt Disney, which is surely an inspiring way to look ahead to great things in 2024 together.
I hope this helps clarify what to expect and when to plan to arrive for a special visit to EPCOT. Since you are staying off property, be sure to check the times for any local hotel shuttles to the parks or plan for your own vehicle at the
expansive parking lot. I’d allow up to an hour to travel from your hotel to the EPCOT gate for entry.
Please let us know what other questions you have as you get ready for this special trip.
Wishing you a magical new year,
Amy