They let you in anytime after 8:00, but if you do plan on using EE, I'd recommend getting there on time. The lines for the headliners get long pretty quickly, even for EE. We got to EPCOT one time at 8:15. We did one ride before Test Track and by the time we did Test Track, probably about 8:30, the boys waited for 1 1/2 hours at which time we left the park, went to TL and started ON TIME at Epcot another day!!! I usually get there about 30 to 45 minutes before 8:00. That wait has saved me hours of lines in any given day.