Earl Breakfast at Chip & Dale's, Epcot

[sbdis]

I just booked an early breakfast at Chip & Dales, in the Land at 8:30 a.m. However, Epcot does not open until 9:00 a.m. that day. I have 2 questions:

1. Where would we enter Epcot? The front entrance or the International Gateway by the resorts? Is it a hassle to get in early before the park opening? Are any of the walkways blocked off, say, if we entered at the International Gateway? I know we will probably have to hire a ride to get to Epcot that early, so if we have to enter Epcot at the front entrance, where would the car hire transportation drop us off? If we can enter Epcot at IG, I would just request to be dropped off at Beach Club. What are your thoughts?

2. We have a fast pass for Soarin' for 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Does this give us enough time to have breakfast at 8:30 and make the fast pass. I realize Soarin' is next to the restaurant so the proximity is not a problem, just wondering how long this breakfast lasts. We have not eaten breakfast, lunch or dinner at this restaurant before. I am not sure how long it takes for the characters to make their rounds.

Thank you!

 

[sponica]

If you're onsite, just get on the Epcot bus at 730 (depending on where you're staying). It will drop you off at the main gate, there should be a sign for guests with restaurant reservations to enter.

It's plenty of time to do breakfast there. Granted my breakfast at that time was during EMH, so it might have been a lower crowd time. I think we were in and out in about 45 minutes or so, maybe an hour and that was because we took our time. Saw all the characters at least once, if not twice. If you're really in a rush, ask for the check to be closed out when you're seated.

 

[sbdis]

Thanks so much for the reply. Have a great day!

 

[BrianL]

I just booked an early breakfast at Chip & Dales, in the Land at 8:30 a.m. However, Epcot does not open until 9:00 a.m. that day. I have 2 questions:

1. Where would we enter Epcot? The front entrance or the International Gateway by the resorts? Is it a hassle to get in early before the park opening? Are any of the walkways blocked off, say, if we entered at the International Gateway? I know we will probably have to hire a ride to get to Epcot that early, so if we have to enter Epcot at the front entrance, where would the car hire transportation drop us off? If we can enter Epcot at IG, I would just request to be dropped off at Beach Club. What are your thoughts?

2. We have a fast pass for Soarin' for 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Does this give us enough time to have breakfast at 8:30 and make the fast pass. I realize Soarin' is next to the restaurant so the proximity is not a problem, just wondering how long this breakfast lasts. We have not eaten breakfast, lunch or dinner at this restaurant before. I am not sure how long it takes for the characters to make their rounds.

Thank you!

As sponica mentioned, you're all good. The buses will start rolling at 6:30 AM regardless of what Disney says (this is true for all parks buses at all resorts - they start early). They may be less frequent at the earlier times, but they will be coming. Just get on an early one and make your way to the gates. Once at the gates, look for the signs for those with dining reservations. They should be all the way at the left of the entry, but that could change. There may be a little bit of construction around, but if in doubt, ask a cast member and they will direct you.

Once you check in at the gate, they will verify that you are on the list and let you pass right in. You can head to Garden Grill on your own and enjoy your breakfast. I have only had lunch there, but it was delicious! I hear good things about breakfast too. Enjoy!

 

[epcotobsessed]

If you want to ride Soarin twice in a row, you definitely can. That's a major bonus of a GG ADR. You can get to the restaurant as early as 8am, even with an 8:30 ADR, and have plenty of time to ride Soarin' once, even twice, before your FP.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you want to ride Soarin twice in a row, you definitely can. That's a major bonus of a GG ADR. You can get to the restaurant as early as 8am, even with an 8:30 ADR, and have plenty of time to ride Soarin' once, even twice, before your FP.

True story! We always arrive at the gate by 7:30 no matter what tiem our PPO meal is. Once you are thru the gate you can go check in and are generally seated in teh order of arrival, not ADR.

GG is one of the most efficient PPO meals I have ever had, with food arriving in a timely fashion, and characters strolling around multiple times.

 

[sbdis]

Thanks everyone for the great information. We do have a fast pass for Soarin, the window is 9:15 - 10:15, so getting on twice would be a bonus.

 

[sponica]

@sbdis My husband loves the breakfast at Garden Grill. You won't be disappointed. I found it to be super low key and relaxing, which seems like an odd thing to say about a character meal.