Well hello there Carrie, and welcome to planDisney!
It looks to me like you're planning to start your journey into
EPCOT with one of my preferred entrances, which is via what is known as
International Gateway found along the waterway between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. With the debut of
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, we've definitely observed many guests joining that early morning rat race to sniff out a spot in line and avoid any of the longer waits that tend to climb during the day as they speedily (but safely)
walk in that direction as early as possible.
Now as it turns out it seems that many guests have definitely attempted to find efficient ways to make their way into EPCOT; entering via International Gateway can certainly cut down on the time it takes to make it to the further lands within World Showcase and many have shared these strategies online. As a result however, it has been increasingly stricter and more difficult for guests to be dropped off at locations around
Disney's BoardWalk unless they have a confirmed dining reservation or are a guest staying at either
Disney's BoardWalk Inn,
Disney's Beach Club Resort or
Disney's Yacht Club Resort to gain access past the security Cast Members who will often ask whether you're checking in or dining. In my personal experience, they have even turned away guests who are just getting dropped off especially during busier times of the year like the holiday season. (In years past, others may have been able to be successful in being dropped off without any issue but at the current time it would appear that security has been instructed by their leadership to deter guests from heading to these Disney Resort Hotels simply for Theme Park entry.)
Instead, I might suggest booking a breakfast at a dining location like
Trattoria al Forno to enjoy your morning at Disney's BoardWalk, and perhaps consider using
Minnie Van service within Walt Disney World Resort as a way to take advantage of having these Cast Members take you to and from destinations and reduce the risk of any hassle. Alternatively, guests have currently been able to be dropped off at the
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel to take a slightly longer route and make their way over through Disney's BoardWalk to International Gateway - bear in mind that this is subject to change without prior notice but may be a better option for your upcoming visit in the near future!
I hope that this helped, Carrie and be sure to check out the final weekend of the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival while you're here - don't hesitate to
come back to planDisney again for any more tips and tricks ahead of your next Disney adventures!
Wishing you all the best beach and boardwalk vibes during your visit next week!
Prince