Park hours - opening times

[UKDEB]

Going back a few years, when we used to arrive at park opening, they invariably opened around half an hour before the official opening time. Is that still the case?

 

[wayneg]

Yes they do. We went into MGM(or whatever it is now ) early at Easter, got round to the Tower of Terror street and had to wait until 9am(park opening time) for rope drop, there were about 200 of us waiting. Got TofT fastpasses and rode RnR coaster. Done them both buy around 9:20am

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Sometimes though you can get in the park but then have to stop and queue once inside, at Magic Kingdom for example you get so far then there is a rope which isn't lifted till 9am.

 

[UKDEB]

OK, thanks both - that sounds like the way it's always been. Does anyone know what time the International Gateway entrance of Epcot opens? I know when we've entered prior to opening via the main turnstiles, you're held at Spaceship Earth for the opening ceremony.

 

[wilma-bride]

Deb, you are now held the other side of Spaceship Earth (in front of Innoventions). As far as I remember, we have been in to Epcot as early as 8:30 but then held until 9 for rope drop/opening ceremony.