Hi Jessica,
I hope you're getting SUPER EXCITED for your incredible vacation this
fall! Before you know it, you'll be at "The Most Magical Place on Earth" and all of your Disney dreams will be coming true!
My family loves to be there for "rope drop," which in Disney-speak simply means official park opening. Not only can we experience multiple attractions with very little waiting first thing in the morning, but we know that we're not missing a
minute of the magic for the day. While opening procedures can definitely change based on crowds, time of year, etc., we've found that at
Epcot, Guests are usually asked to wait outside near the ticketing area until around 15 - 30 minutes before the park is scheduled to open. Until you've scanned your card or MagicBand and entered the actual theme park, there won't be any
Disney PhotoPass photographers available for pictures, but once you've entered Epcot, please feel free to take advantage of any and all photo opportunities! You may still have a little bit of time before Cast Members allow you to have free reign within the park, but you'll be able to
rent a stroller or take care of any business at
Guest Relations if need be. While we're waiting for the entire park to open, I love to pick up a park map and Times Guide and make sure I take note of all of the showtimes for the day. For example, my very
favorite singing group is
Voices of Liberty and they're usually done performing for the day before dinnertime, so I always want to make sure we make it back to
The American Adventure Pavilion in time to see them. By arriving early, you'll be able to take some photos, get excited for your day, and be among the first Guests to experience the magic and fun!
Thanks so much for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel again, Jessica, and please feel free to keep your great questions coming. I hope that you have a truly magical vacation!
Missy