FP+ strategies for Epcot

[DisAWin]

Hello, friends!

I have a quick question about Epcot on July 12. DD desperately wants to do Frozen, but the earliest available was 12:10-1:10. We also want to do TT. We do not want to do Soarin'. So, here's what I have planned. Can you give me feedback / suggestions to make the most out of our day? Epcot has previously been a half-day park for us in the past. Kids are 8 and 6 for reference.

Rope drop: Test Track
Spaceship Earth: FP 9-10 am
FEA: 12:10-1:10
Coral Reef ADR: 1:20
Nemo : 2:25 - 3:25

There's a lot of down time between Spaceship Earth and FEA. I figured we would walk our way around WS between FEA and the CR.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Annie

 

[hes122]

It is my understanding that they don't start FPs for FEA until 11 when the World Showcase opens, even though the ride itself is open when the park opens. Could you rope drop FEA instead and FP Test Track?

 

[tobikaye]

You have some time before your trip, occasionally see if you an move FEA up to be closer to SE' time. You might also be able to move Nemo between SE and FEA.

I have gotten lucky and moved times around every so often.

 

[HydroGuy]

It is my understanding that they don't start FPs for FEA until 11 when the World Showcase opens, even though the ride itself is open when the park opens. Could you rope drop FEA instead and FP Test Track?

If FEA is the top priority, I would use FP for that. I think everyone knows it has not been 100% reliable. A FP would let you come back later if it is down during the FP window. With rope drop your only option is to wait it out or lose your spot. It doesn't hurt that TT also has single rider in case it is broken down at RD.

 

[HydroGuy]

You have some time before your trip, occasionally see if you an move FEA up to be closer to SE' time. You might also be able to move Nemo between SE and FEA.

I have gotten lucky and moved times around every so often.

I would try to move Nemo. Then ride FEA at 12:05PM so you can check for a 4th FP. You might be able to get a second FEA FP this way if your party is small. I was able to in March.

 

[DisAWin]

If FEA is the top priority, I would use FP for that. I think everyone knows it has not been 100% reliable. A FP would let you come back later if it is down during the FP window. With rope drop your only option is to wait it out or lose your spot. It doesn't hurt that TT also has single rider in case it is broken down at RD.

I'm currently editing my first reply because i completely misunderstood what you were saying. Long day. Anyway, I guess I was thinking about working our way through the park, starting at TT and then going clockwise.

For every ounce of her desire to ride FEA, DS wants to ride TT. I am scared we will miss both due to breakdowns and etc.

 

[DisAWin]

I was able to move Nemo to 10-11. FEA has a 2:30 as the first available time for a FP. Is the negative to trying to ride TT at rope drop just that it breaks down sometimes?

 

[ChristineOH]

I would definitely FP FEA if that is a priority, but get that booked before it moves even later. If you are set to keep your ADR at Coral Reef, I would move your Nemo to right before your ADR. Do TT, SE, then whatever else you want in FW. I'd probably move your lunch ADR earlier, especially if you're not doing Soarin'. After lunch, you can head to WS for your FEA.

Personally, I'd move my lunch to somewhere in WS if you want to eat around 1:20. That way you can explore WS before your lunch. I wouldn't want to walk from FW to WS, back to FW for lunch, and then back to WS for FEA. And I wouldn't want to feel stuck in FW waiting for my ADR if I'd done everything I wanted to do there. You can certainly fill up that time in FW, but you may not want to.

 

[HydroGuy]

I was able to move Nemo to 10-11. FEA has a 2:30 as the first available time for a FP. Is the negative to trying to ride TT at rope drop just that it breaks down sometimes?

IMO, mostly.

DW and I did TT at RD in March. We arrived at the IG entrance around 8:45AM. They were letting folks in early and walk all the way to TT. We did that. We got in line around 8:55AM. The standby was 40 minutes long at that point. Not sure how common that is but next time I will hit RD more like 8:30AM.

If it was me I still would RD TT and use FP for FEA.

Also, if you are stuck with a 2:30 FP for FEA, take it. Then keep an eye out for anyone who drops their FEA FP and move your FP earlier if you can (and want to).