There’s so much to do and see when you visit the parks at Walt Disney World. Many guests find “rope dropping” to be an essential tactic for their Disney vacations. Rope dropping a park means to arrive just before the park opens so you can be one of the first in the gates. This gives guests advantages when it comes to stepping in line for popular attractions and riding other rides with little to no wait at all. Each park has its own unique benefits when it comes to rope dropping. If you plan on visiting EPCOT first thing in the morning during your next Disney trip then check out our rope drop guide.
Popular Attractions to Get in Line For
EPCOT is home to several popular attractions that can develop long wait times throughout the day. Test Track, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After are all great attractions to head toward first thing in the morning. Test Track is located in World Discovery, while Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are located within World Showcase. Which attraction you choose to visit first might depend on which entrance you use to enter EPCOT. Guests entering through International Gateway will be much closer to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, while those entering through the main entrance might want to head toward Test Track. Getting one of these popular attractions done early can save you quite a bit of time later in the day.
Breakfast Locations
If you arrive at EPCOT hungry then there are a few places where you can grab some breakfast. Connections Café in World Celebration serves Starbucks coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. This is a great option for guests who want to grab something quickly before heading off to their next attraction.
If you prefer a sit-down breakfast then head over to Garden Grill Restaurant in World Nature. Garden Grill serves a family-style breakfast featuring Mickey-shaped waffles, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and more. Guests can also meet Chip, Dale, Mickey Mouse, and other Disney friends while they eat. Garden Grill is a great way to combine breakfast with character meet and greets!
Popular Photo Spots
EPCOT is full of unique photo opportunities, and the morning can be a great time to get some of these photos out of the way. Spaceship Earth is one of the most iconic photo spots in all of Disney World. Guests can take photos directly in front of Spaceship Earth or find different angles throughout World Celebration.
World Showcase is another great area for morning photos once it opens. Each pavilion has its own unique architecture, landscaping, and details that make for some beautiful pictures. The France pavilion, Japan pavilion, and gardens throughout the United Kingdom pavilion are just a few great places to stop for photos. Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana is another beautiful area where guests can take photos and enjoy the scenery.
Popular Character Meet and Greets
EPCOT is a great park for guests who love meeting characters. Several Disney characters meet throughout World Showcase, making it easy to add a few meet and greets to your morning as you explore. Guests can meet characters like Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion and other Disney favorites throughout the different countries.
If meeting characters is a priority for your family, be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for appearance times. Character meet and greets typically don’t begin right at rope drop, so spending the first part of your morning riding attractions and then moving on to characters can be a great way to structure your day.
Other Morning Activities
You don’t have to spend your entire morning rushing from one popular attraction to another. EPCOT is a great park for slowing down and exploring, especially before the park becomes busier later in the day. Attractions like Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Spaceship Earth, and Journey Into Imagination With Figment can be great additions to your morning.
Guests can also spend some time exploring Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana or visiting the aquarium at The Seas. If World Showcase is open, walking through the pavilions in the morning can be especially relaxing before the crowds arrive. Getting a few attractions done early and then slowing down is a great way to start your EPCOT day.
What do you like to do first thing in the morning at EPCOT? Are you a rope drop family or do you prefer to sleep in? We want to hear from you in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her family. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
