Rope Drop at Epcot from Yacht Club

[Keyser]

We're (currently) booked at the Yacht Club for our trip this summer. We like to be at rope drop at parks, and when we go to Epcot, I'm wondering how that will work (we would probably go to Soarin' first, or maybe Test Track). I understand we can walk to the International Gateway, and presumably enter from there. But, if I remember the distances, that'll put us 10-15 minutes behind the initial crowd, for most attractions - is that right? From experience, that initial 15 minutes can end up costing a net of an hour or more in subsequent delays the rest of the day, so we'd like to avoid it.

I'm wondering how others handle this. The thought of driving to Epcot seems like a waste considering we could walk in, but that might be the best option if we really want to be there near the front at opening. I guess when it's time for an afternoon break, my family could leave through the IG and then I could go get the car and drive it back.

Another question: in the event that the Frozen Ever After ride is open at park opening, would we actually be closer from International Gateway than those entering from the front? If so, maybe we make that our first destination instead of Soarin or Test Track...

 

[BLLB]

We stay at BWV yearly. Every time we have entered the IG, we arrived at the same "holding" spot, by the fountains, the same time as those coming in the front gate. Hope this helps.

 

[Robo]

in the event that the Frozen Ever After ride is open at park opening,

would we actually be closer from International Gateway than those entering from the front?

Not by much... if at all.
(It might even be farther away.)

It would depend on where the front-entrance guests are held for "rope-drop."

 

[AllieBoo]

If the Frozen Ever After ride is open, you would definitely be closer to it coming in from the IG, than guests entering through the front gate.

 

[Robo]

If the Frozen Ever After ride is open, you would definitely be closer to it coming in from the IG, than guests entering through the front gate.

Not necessarily.
It would depend on where the front-entrance guests are held for "rope-drop."

And, even then, Norway is a long walk from the IG.

 

[Dan Murphy]

As said above, the front and back entrances put you where you want to be at the same time.

 

[AllieBoo]

Looking at Robo's map, they do seem to be fairly equal in distance. I think the difference will be that the crowds coming though the front gates will most likely be much larger than the ones at the IG (at least according to my experience), so that could give you an edge in getting there quicker.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We love entering from IG. The crowds are minimal compared to the FW crowd. We've done RD from IG and walked quickly to Soarin. We were the second family in line. I think they are pretty fair in opening the front and back entrances so no one has too much of an unfair advantage.

 

[Linleedo]

Our experience was that we arrived at the fountains at the same time others arrived from the front gates. The guests are held there until rope drop and cast members walked the crowds to the busy ride areas. Very orderly. We have stayed at the Yacht Club three previous years. It was never an issue and just a short walk to get on Soarin.

 

[Linleedo]

If the Frozen Ever After ride is open, you would definitely be closer to it coming in from the IG, than guests entering through the front gate.

Usually the World Showcase opens 2 hours later(11am) than Future World(9am).

 

[soniam]

Usually the World Showcase opens 2 hours later(11am) than Future World(9am).

Just like some things in WS open early, like Les Halles, it's rumored, or makes just logical sense, that Froway will open early. Otherwise, they will have a line starting to form at park opening for the normal 11am WS opening.

 

[Linleedo]

Thanks Soniam. That would make sense. I appreciate your input.

 

[tinkerbella16]

Just like some things in WS open early, like Les Halles, it's rumored, or makes just logical sense, that Froway will open early. Otherwise, they will have a line starting to form at park opening for the normal 11am WS opening.

I am hoping this ends up being true. We have a prepark opening at Akershus one morning of our Sept trip. Totally forgot about Frozen Ever After! If they open it earlier than World Showcase, it will be great, already being in the Norway pavilion by 9am.

 

[soniam]

I am hoping this ends up being true. We have a prepark opening at Akershus one morning of our Sept trip. Totally forgot about Frozen Ever After! If they open it earlier than World Showcase, it will be great, already being in the Norway pavilion by 9am.

There's another rumor that it will be only be accessible via FP+ for some time. This is only a rumor due to it possible being a low capacity ride and being very popular. So, keep your eye out, just in case.

 

[mesaboy2]

Just like some things in WS open early, like Les Halles, it's rumored, or makes just logical sense, that Froway will open early. Otherwise, they will have a line starting to form at park opening for the normal 11am WS opening.

I think I should get a nickel every time someone uses this.

 

[tinkerbella16]

There's another rumor that it will be only be accessible via FP+ for some time. This is only a rumor due to it possible being a low capacity ride and being very popular. So, keep your eye out, just in case.

Thanks for the heads up. That wouldn't surprise me either. I am also assuming this is going to be a tier 1 for FP.

 

[soniam]

I think I should get a nickel every time someone uses this.

Or maybe you like OROT (Olaf's River of Tears) better