Early Entry Loses Its Magic at EPCOT

We don't know how we feel about this new change for early entry at EPCOT. Find out how this new change can actually benefit non-resort guests.

Early Entry

Beware: Should You Visit EPCOT On These Days? — Photo Credit: Donna

There is so much to learn when planning for a trip to the Disney Parks. First, is that the posted opening times are not technically when guests are allowed into the parks.

First introduced in 2021, Early Theme Park Entry allows guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts to enter all 4 Theme Parks 30 minutes early. Originally, all other guests were held at the park entrance.

Early Entry has changed a bit over the years. Now guests at Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios can enjoy part of the park with Early Entry guests. Read more about this change HERE.

Early Entry at EPCOT

Breaking: Disney World Virtual Queues Receive a Big Change — Credit: Donna

This past week, Disney made a big announcement that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will no longer offer a virtual queue starting on February 25th. The attraction will then be offered during Early Entry and this may be the reason for the changes at EPCOT.

All guests can enter EPCOT early, Walt Disney World Resort guests will want to head to the right of Spaceship Earth with Early Entry signage. These guests will be able to enter the park 30 minutes before Early Entry begins and then will wait at designated ropes throughout the park.

Previously, guests who are not using Early Entry will be held at Spaceship Earth near the large fountain. This weekend, Disney is trying out a new rope drop strategy for these guests.

Rope Dropping EPCOT

A New Manatee Has Arrived In EPCOT — Credit: Kate

Now guests without access to Early Entry get a better advantage than previously. All guests are now allowed to enter to the left of Spaceship Earth and wait near Guest Relations.

All guests can now enter into EPCOT near Guest Relations before the park opening.

The best part of this is that the Cosmic Rewind attraction is on the other side of this building. It will be interesting to see how the crowds affect the EPCOT opening this week when Cosmic Rewind offers a standby queue. It appears Disney is already preparing for big crowds.

What do you think of this change? Will this affect your touring plan for Early Theme Park Entry? Would you consider staying off-property because of this change? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.