Does Epcot still open 30 min earlier than posted?

[hart6066]

Tomorrow is a 9am day—do they still open at around 8:30 for Soarin, TT?

Also, how does park opening work if you are entering from Skyliner?
Thanks!

 

[winnieofpooh]

I don't think Epcot has traditionally opened early. When you come in from the Skyliner, you'll be held at International Gateway. They'll start letting you through 30ish minutes before park opening and then hold you at the bridge between France and the UK pavilions.

 

[brockash]

Out of all the parks; Epcot has always been the park that's opened closest to 9. I don't recall a time we've ever been able to move past the ropes before 855ish

 

[Leigh L]

In August, they held the crowd at the rope until 9 on the button

 

[subtchr]

When did they ever open Epcot early? It has always been right on time, in my experience.

 

[Robo]

When did they ever open Epcot early? It has always been right on time, in my experience.

They HAVE done so on many days over the years.
On those days, selected popular attractions were opened to guests well before the posted opening time. (Typically, 30 min. early, give or take.)
But, it is far from a “common procedure.”
I don’t think I’ve seen it happen for quite some time.

 

[hart6066]

We always go during Christmas week and they usually open the park about 20 min early just for Soarin and TT. With so much change at Epcot, I wasnt sure if this was going to continue

 

[WEDWDW]

When did they ever open Epcot early?

Probably the most "famous" times were years ago when they were doing Surprise Mornings.

What are these "Surprise Mornings?" Simply put, starting from next Monday (December 22, 2014) and through the end of the year, Cast Members will allow a limited number of Guests to enter The Land pavilion OR Test Track one hour earlier than park opening (with the exception of Tuesday, December 30, as the park will already open at 7 a.m. as part of the Extra Magic Hours) to experience Soarin' OR Test Track before the rest of the Guests. The only caveat is that once Guests enter either pavilion, they may NOT exit the building until park opening. In addition to that, remember to note that both Living with the Land and the Circle of Life will NOT be available during Soarin' Surprise Mornings.

 

[_19disnA]

Also remember that the countries around the lake at World Showcase typically don't open until 2 hrs after the front part (Future World) opens. You can walk around the lake, but food carts, shops, restaurants, etc. aren't yet open.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also remember that the countries around the lake at World Showcase typically don't open until 2 hrs after the front part (Future World) opens. You can walk around the lake, but food carts, shops, restaurants, etc. aren't yet open.

Just a minor clarification, you can’t walk all the way around World Showcase prior to 11am (when World Showcase opens). Only a roughly half circle from Norway to France is accessible prior to 11am.

 

[_19disnA]

Could be. We were at Mexico and walked part way around from there. Didn't try to walk the entire circle at that time, since most things were still closed.

 

[g-dad66]

On November 19, we rode the Skyliner and got through security at the International Gateway entrance at 8:15.

They held us on the bridge between France and UK until 8:50, and then they let us go.

There were not all that many people behind us, so next time I think we'll aim to arrive about 8:40.

 

[Hopefully]

Could be. We were at Mexico and walked part way around from there. Didn't try to walk the entire circle at that time, since most things were still closed.

Yes
Norway is past Mexico. You can walk to Norway for breakfast, but no further. Certainly all around World Showcase as you stated.

 

[gharter]

Until 11, you can walk to France for breakfast, but no further and you can go the other side up to Norway for breakfast and the FEA ride in Norway.
From the main entrance, you may be let into the park before the official opening, but will be held before you get to Spaceship Earth until opening (not sure how the renovation has changed this).
From the IG, we have always been held at the UK/France bridge until the park opens.