EPCOT is one of 4 parks at Walt Disney World® Resort. It’s one of my favorites for food, drinks, rides, and fun. EPCOT is divided into 4 sections: World Discovery, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Showcase. Favorite rides like Soarin’ Around the World, and Frozen Ever After. New rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
What is Rope Drop?
Rope Drop is Disney Lingo for arriving before park opening to ensure that you are through security and at the gate the minute it opens. Some parks are known to open earlier than posted – so recommended arrival times vary. Back in the days of Walt, the parks opened with an actual velvet rope. Hence the term – rope drop.
PRO TIP: Disney Resort guests can get into the parks 30 minutes before the posted park opening time. It doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a big difference – trust me!
Why is Rope Drop Important?
If waiting in lines is not your jam, then getting to the park early will make you happy. You can accomplish more in the first two hours of your day if you rope drop, than in a whole afternoon of peak time.
It’s slower in the morning which means better photos, more opportunities for Photo Pass memories, and a little bit of quiet to sneak in a breakfast snack or coffee.
How to Get to the Park for Rope Drop
Disney resorts provide transportation from your resort to all of the parks. While it’s the most reliable and inexpensive way to get there, it might not always be the quickest. If time is of the essence, you’ll want to avoid the bus. If it’s the only option from your resort – try Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Van. If you’re ready to wake with the singing birds like a real Cinderella – then allow yourself 60 – 90 minutes to get where you want to be.
PRO TIP: Check the bus times in the MyDisneyExperience app and get on the first bus available.
EPCOT is kind of special because it has two entrances. If you are able to enter from the International Gateway location, from the Skyliner or an EPCOT area resort, you’ll save the crowds. The location where you enter may determine which rides to start with.
From the EPCOT resorts you’ll be able to walk to the International Gateway Entrance.
- Beach Club Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Boardwalk Resort
If you’re at a Skyliner resort, you’re in for a treat – a quick ride to the entrance. Find out which resort is best for you – check out this post.
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Riviera Resort
- Pop Century Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
Have a little fun with a Skyliner Bar Crawl.
What to Ride First at EPCOT®
If you want to avoid paying for Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, prioritize rides in this order. Virtual Queues are important at this park!
- Virtual Queue and/or Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. I think it’s worth both. The VQ drops at 7am, 1pm, and 6pm if you’re Deluxe Guest with Extended Hours.
- NEW Virtual Queue (select days beginning October 6-15, all days after October 15) Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This is beautiful, you guys. It’s not a ride, it’s an experience, and if you’re a fan, or if you aren’t and you appreciate beauty – don’t miss it.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Test Track
- Frozen Ever After
- Soarin’ Around the World
You’ll notice that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind isn’t on the list. Currently it’s only available with Individual Lightning Lane purchase or Virtual Queue. You can join the virtual queue using the MyDisneyExperience App at 7am and 1pm.
Rope Drop and Early Mornings Not Your Thing?
If early mornings are not your thing but you still want to get in all the rides, you’ll want to purchase all the Individual Lightning Lanes and Genie+.
PRO TIP: I offer detailed strategy flyers and graphics for Genie+, Lightning Lane, and Rope Drop to clients who book with me at Orange Grove Travel Company.
Find 10 Great Snacks at EPCOT, Drinks Around the World, or the 5 Adult Drinks You’ll Love at EPCOT.
Learn How to Rope Drop other parks:
