Soarin at EM Rope Drop

[DaisyNY]

First time staying at BWV...entering Epcot from the gateway near France. Do they allow you into the park before rope drop to Future World and then hold you there? It's an EM day and I used our FP for FEA...how long a wait do you suppose we'll have at rope drop?

Thanks for the help!

 

[WEDWDW]

"Theoretically" the International Gateway should open at the same time as the maingate-YMMV.

Epcot seems to "vary" their open procedure quite often-they will sometimes open before 9:00 AM,but for AM EMH they most likely won't open until right at 8:00 AM.

I would be at the International Gateway at 7:30 AM to be toward the front of the line and BOOK it on over to Soarin' via the Imagination Walkway at 8:00 AM.

You shouldn't have over a 20 minute wait depending on how fast you make it over there.

 

[iheartbelle87]

Great plan! We're staying at the Beach Club, and if I can get DH up and out of bed by 7 that's our plan too!

 

[DaisyNY]

Thanks for the help! It's just me and my daughter so we should be able to get going early. Do they distribute fast passes during EMH...I imagine if they don't we should see a lighter stand-by line?

 

[Robo]

Thanks for the help! It's just me and my daughter so we should be able to get going early.
1. Do they distribute fast passes during EMH...I imagine if they don't
2. we should see a lighter stand-by line?

1. Nope.
2. Yup.

 

[Cinderella94]

Thanks for the help! It's just me and my daughter so we should be able to get going early. Do they distribute fast passes during EMH...I imagine if they don't we should see a lighter stand-by line?

No FPs during EMH

 

[gap2368]

since soarning has 3 theater it is not that bad if you get there with in 15 maybe longer minutes after RD, I have gone on then got off and got on it again and then when I got off it the line was just 20-25 minutes and this was about 30 minutes after RD

 

[tee11]

"Theoretically" the International Gateway should open at the same time as the maingate-YMMV.

Epcot seems to "vary" their open procedure quite often-they will sometimes open before 9:00 AM,but for AM EMH they most likely won't open until right at 8:00 AM.

I would be at the International Gateway at 7:30 AM to be toward the front of the line and BOOK it on over to Soarin' via the Imagination Walkway at 8:00 AM.

You shouldn't have over a 20 minute wait depending on how fast you make it over there.

I have a follow up question on this topic:

We will be entering Epcot from the International Gateway for the first time as well, on our upcoming trip. Does the following sound like a good plan, or do I need to make changes?

We have a breakfast reservation at the BoardWalk at 7:50 am, trying to RD to Soarin (it is a 9am opening day) - is this realistic? We have young kids, and strollers. Will we get to Soarin by 9:15 am? (no FP).
Also if anyone can enlighten me about entering via the Gateway in general, I'm confused, because I read World Showcase is "closed" before 11am, but it obviously can't be closed, or nobody could enter that way?!
Are just the insides of the Pavillions closed?? But then I read about ropes between Future World and World Showcase, so how can we even get to Soarin from the Gateway at RD? What should I expect?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Robo]

We have a breakfast reservation at the BoardWalk at 7:50 am, trying to RD to Soarin (it is a 9am opening day)
1- is this realistic? We have young kids, and strollers. Will we get to Soarin by 9:15 am? (no FP).
2. Also if anyone can enlighten me about entering via the Gateway in general, I'm confused, because I read World Showcase is "closed" before 11am, but it obviously can't be closed, or nobody could enter that way?!
3. Are just the insides of the Pavillions closed??
4. But then I read about ropes between Future World and World Showcase, so how can we even get to Soarin from the Gateway at RD?
5. What should I expect?

1- I'd say, no.
But, if you don't mind the very real possibility of you not getting into Epcot at rope drop, that's OK.
(I, myself, would not do the breakfast. I can "eat" anytime.)
2. Guests can walk past the empty UK and Canada pavilions on the way to the open Future World.
3. Also, the bakery in WS' France IS open for breakfast even though WS is closed until 11AM.
And, of course, Norway (Frozen) is OPEN at 9AM, which is in WS, too.
4. Ignore that info. It doesn't affect what you want to do.
5. Arrive at the International Gateway before 8:50-ish, and when they open the gates,
head to your first ride in Epcot.

 

[tee11]

1- I'd say, no.
But, if you don't mind the very real possibility of you not getting into Epcot at rope drop, that's OK.
(I, myself, would not do the breakfast. I can "eat" anytime.)
2. Guests can walk past the empty UK and Canada pavilions on the way to the open Future World.
3. Also, the bakery in WS' France IS open for breakfast even though WS is closed until 11AM.
And, of course, Norway (Frozen) is OPEN at 9AM, which is in WS, too.
4. Ignore that info. It doesn't affect what you want to do.
5. Arrive at the International Gateway before 8:50-ish, and when they open the gates,
head to your first ride in Epcot.

Thanks so much!
1- no, it is the new Adventure Breakfast - at the Boardwalk.
Does that change things?
Do you think it's not realistic because it'll take longer to eat, or because it takes longer to walk? Would you suggest an earlier reservation (or we might have to skip it!)?

 

[Robo]

Thanks so much!
1- no, it is the new Adventure Breakfast - at the Boardwalk.
Does that change things?

2- Do you think it's not realistic because it'll take longer to eat, or because it takes longer to walk? Would you suggest an earlier reservation (or we might have to skip it!)?

1- "Worse," actually.

2- Longer to experience all that the "meal" has to offer.
You can try for a different time.
I can't say as to which of the many options at WDW will best suit your group.

 

[Cinderella94]

=
We have a breakfast reservation at the BoardWalk at 7:50 am, trying to RD to Soarin (it is a 9am opening day) - is this realistic? We have young kids, and strollers. Will we get to Soarin by 9:15 am? (no FP).

I just think there isn't enough time. You'll want to wait for the characters to circulate, I'm sure (I will when we're there in July), which could take who knows how long. I wouldn't want to rush through breakfast.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would never rush a character meal. Take your time and enjoy it. Maybe make it later and walk over after you do RD.

 

[AngelDisney]

To have a great start with rope drop, you need to be at rope drop 30 min before park opening as the gates may open before opening time. With kids in tow, you may need at least 20 min walking time to the gates.

8:30 at the gate
8:10 leave restaurant

Sorry, I don't think you would have enough time to enjoy a character breakfast even if you plan to arrive at the gate by 8:45.

Just forget about rope drop and get FPs. Enjoy your breakfast!

 

[tee11]

1- "Worse," actually.

2- Longer to experience all that the "meal" has to offer.
You can try for a different time.
I can't say as to which of the many options at WDW will best suit your group.

I just think there isn't enough time. You'll want to wait for the characters to circulate, I'm sure (I will when we're there in July), which could take who knows how long. I wouldn't want to rush through breakfast.

I would never rush a character meal. Take your time and enjoy it. Maybe make it later and walk over after you do RD.

Thanks to all of you!
I'm glad I asked!
Of course, it is completely booked up now (tried to look for an earlier time). It's in a few weeks already!!!
The options are I guess;
1) continue trying for an earlier time (?), or canceling it and make RD to Soarin ... (but the kids love character meals, and I think, especially this one will be a hit! Adults and oldest love Soarin...)
2) enjoying it at the current time, and not worrying about RD, real possibility to not experience Soarin (we have a FP for FEA mid-afternoon, I don't think I could try for another tier 1 FP until that one is used, right? And the chances for a same day FP are probably slim? -it's 5/10 attendance day, baby won't last through a very long line and baby swap)
3) moving the breakfast to departure day, if there is a chance - but might be too stressful? And what time? I anticipate having to be back at the hotel before 11am for ME pick up to the airport. (if pick up is 3 hrs in advance).

 

[tee11]

To have a great start with rope drop, you need to be at rope drop 30 min before park opening as the gates may open before opening time. With kids in tow, you may need at least 20 min walking time to the gates.

8:30 at the gate
8:10 leave restaurant

Sorry, I don't think you would have enough time to enjoy a character breakfast even if you plan to arrive at the gate by 8:45.

Just forget about rope drop and get FPs. Enjoy your breakfast!

Thank you for this! This is so helpful!!
I was not aware of the full 30 min but it makes total sense. Question: Is the walking time of 20 minutes from the restaurant to the gates of Epcot WS? Wow! Thanks! I thought it was more like 10 minutes!

 

[AngelDisney]

Thank you for this! This is so helpful!!
I was not aware of the full 30 min but it makes total sense. Question: Is the walking time of 20 minutes from the restaurant to the gates of Epcot WS? Wow! Thanks! I thought it was more like 10 minutes!

It depends on how fast you walk. Adults can walk briskly in 10 min. I am thinking it may take longer to walk with kids unless they are in strollers and you push them along. Also, kids always have that last minute need to use the washroom.

 

[Robo]

Add the time it takes to go through security before the gates.