Early Entry at the Epcot International Gateway! Our Best Tips for Timing & Strategy

This is the second video in our Early Entry series:
EARLY ENTRY AT MAGIC KINGDOM:
• Early Park Entry Tips ...
Also, don't forget to prep for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind:
VIRTUAL BOARDING GROUP INSTRUCTIONS FOR GUARDIANS: • How to Join a Disney W...
Guests at Disney World Resorts and select partner hotels get early park entry. For 30 minutes, only these guests are allowed to enter the theme parks. That's still a LOT of people - and not all of the park is open. Join us as we show you what Early Park Entry is really like at Epcot and see how we beat the early morning crowds to rope drop the best rides in the park! Want to cross Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After off your list first thing in the morning? Pull up a chair and we'll show you what it takes to get a jump on your Disney World day.
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DJI OM 5
This is like a steadicam for your phone. It keeps all your shots smooth and level, even while you are walking. Do not use on fast rides like roller coasters. Also note that this can convert to a selfie stick, but selfie sticks are not allowed in Disney Parks. This item is allowed because it is primarily a gimbal but you are not allowed to extend it.
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RODE VIDEO MICRO
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COLD SHOE MOUNT ADAPTER
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[@leslieg5276]

I need to tell you that of all of the videos I have watched from all the Disney channels that I follow, although they are all beloved in their own way, your videos are hands down, without contest, the absolute BEST for the help that is needed. Your videos are the easiest to understand, comprehensive, joy-filled, to-the-point videos I have come across - and I have watched a LOT of videos. Congratulations. Seriously. There is no way that you will not continue to be successful with such incredible content. I have been absolutely feeling overwhelmed and needing a friend to really give me literally the EXACT content you have given. Your Disney Genie intro video, how to use it best in each park, as well as the early entry videos for each park (in case we decide to forego the Genie cost) are the gifts you have given me. I wish I could hug you and thank you so much for the help you have given and the relief I now feel. You are amazing my friend. Nothing but happiness and best wishes for your channel as you continue on. ❤🖤 I can't wait to continue to support you for a long time!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Leslie - thank you so much for this incredibly kind and thoughtful comment. We really love making these videos and comments like yours make it even better. We love and respect so many of the great Disney creators out there and to be thought of in a similar light to them is very flattering. Thank you! 😊

[@laurenm7929]

Probably the most impressive thing about your videos is how you can talk while briskly walking 😂 Truly a talent

[@EarScouts]

Lol - I’m glad it seems that way. 😂 I feel out of breath a lot these days. 🤣

[@gwynnerohnerdilbeck849]

We can’t thank you enough for these early entry videos - for first timers, just knowing what to expect with early entry was so great. But we followed your advice and it was perfect! On our trip we got to ride Remy, Frozen, and Guardians one morning; 7 Dwarfs and Peter Pan another; and Rise of the Resistance (which was lucky because it was temp closed most of the rest of the day), Smugglers Run twice, and M&M Railway! Your advice worked so perfectly! Our Epcot day we were the second family at the gate! It really made our vacation and we were singing your praises every day. Thank you so so much!!

[@rebeccaodom6241]

Rob, I want to say THANK YOU! I was so overloaded with trying to tackle our first DW visit! I was ELATED when I found your videos! You are such a joy to watch and really make it clear and are to the point! Your videos with the closeup step by step Genie + walk throughs are amazing!!! I ran into you at EPCOT and I am so sorry I was literally a rambling Mom trying to say THANK YOU! I was star struck and so want you to know that what you do made a 10 year olds DREAM Vacation an amazing one! Please keep doing what you do and know that your infectious smile, LOVE for Disney and true Joy is so appreciated and you make a difference in ways you will never know. We would have all been overloaded, confused and frustrated without you! YOU ARE OUR GENIE + BATTLE BUDDY!

[@EarScouts]

Thank you so, so much for this very sweet comment. It’s been a rough day and this note really brought a smile to my face. Were you the person I met in the UK pavilion? Thanks again for the lovely note. 😃❤️

[@rebeccaodom6241]

@Ear Scouts Yes that was me the crazy rambling lady! I was so excited to see you that I got my daughter in line to meet Alice and ran back to meet you! I watched your videos so many times before we went and then the night before we visited the next park I re-watched them to make sure I got it all!!!I was freaking out when I saw you and my husband thought I was nuts and said well go meet him before you have a heart attack!! You literally made our vacation the best. I felt like an idiot after I left! I felt bad I interrupted you working etc...you are just an Angel!!! God Bless you and Eric for handing me the Ear Scouts button to break my rambling and shock of meeting you so you could escape my jabbering!🤣 Rob, please know this for every tough day you may have or whatever may weigh you down just pause and know that YOU make the world a better place and everyone is beyond blessed that you are in it!!! God Bless you! May all of your Days be as wonderful as you are!!!

[@Mr-Platt]

One thing to note for Test Track. If your party is willing to split up, then the single rider line can save you the hour wait later in the day. We rope dropped for Remy & Frozen before park open, and then easily knocked out everything else with the help of the single rider line in one day.

[@rnguyen2516]

That is a really good tip! Thank you!

[@adampolicz1489]

It’s so awesome seeing how big your channel is getting 😊

[@EarScouts]

Thanks Adam - we owe it all to people like you who have been supporting our channel since we were small. 😃 Thank you!

[@dominiquebilodeau24]

Hi! This is the most helpful video to rope drop from international gateway for an anxious person. All the visuals greatly helped! :) it was great meeting you in Canada on Jan 15th!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks for saying hello! Glad to hear this one was helpful for your vacation. 😊

[@MagnumSpoon]

I think this was the day my wife and I ran into you. It was nice being able to say hello to you and show our appreciation. We told you in person that your videos really helped us plan our trip but I also wanted to throw that out here too.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much! We love meeting folks in the parks, so thanks for saying hello. 😃

[@Aisha.The.Traveler]

Just found your channel! As a Disney adult, who watches sooo many Disney vloggers, you are clearly the best! So detailed yet clear and concise! Just subscribed! Keep up the good work! 😀

[@jenniferromatowski-mercer3947]

Your videos are informative and I appreciate your energy and expert delivery of the information! A new favourite of mine for Disney planning! Thank you for these videos!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for watching and leaving this lovely comment. We really appreciate it. 😃

[@uik99]

Great editing skills, I’ve been following these Disney bloggers for a while and I have to say your channels will grow exponentially if you keep up the great knowledgeable work 💪 keep it up !!!

[@EarScouts]

Thank you! Editing is definitely our least favorite part, but it is nice to hear that people like what we come up with. And now I have to get back to editing our video for Monday. 😂 Thanks for watching and leaving this encouraging comment!

[@jljl24]

Yes. He is one of my favorite right there with disney food blog.

[@SlothFang]

I genuinely LOVE the videos you create. They are to the point, informative, and fun!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much - we genuinely love this comment! ❤️

[@lampwick-lounge]

Thank you Ear Scouts! Your videos are so good! I’m sure this is a part time gig but I think you missed your calling!!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks. That's very sweet of you. I wish I could spend all day at Disney World making videos - that would be a dream job. 😃

[@EdwardNygma1980]

I totally agree! And I can tell you really enjoy what you do! Who knows, it seems you guys add a 1000 subs every week. I hope it's in the cards for you! It would be well deserved.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much. 😊 Maybe some day!

[@saraaceves6642]

Wow! You killed it with the early morning entrance :)) the walk on for Frozen was definitely “magical”

[@EarScouts]

Thanks - it was a really fun morning. I was on a high after walking on to Frozen. 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@mimi_meems]

Rob, just found your channel this week and absolutely love how informative your videos are! The level of detail you show and all the hands on practical tips was exactly what I was looking for, and you’re such a fantastic and clear presenter! Looking forward to more videos to come! 😊❤️✨

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much for this lovely comment. 😊

[@adamsmith-xk1sh]

Wow you def become my favorite ytube disney go to. Keep making more vid and keep up great work. When you actually ride rides maybe video them so we can see them a little longer. Thanks

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Adam! We usually film the whole ride but then cut it down to be shorter for the video. We can try making the ride segments a little longer. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@yeidycacho9736]

Watching you is a joy! Gearing up for our 2024 Disney vacations!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much. Hope you have an amazing vacation! Epcot is going to be fabulous next year with all those new additions. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@Crystalite23]

Thanks for your very informative video! As a parent taking my kiddo for the first time, I really appreciated you tips! We walked onto Frozen and my kiddo was thrilled!

[@christinanewman1542]

Success!! I got up early this morning (my Epcot day) and watched this video again to make my rope drop plan. Did exactly what you did and it was beautiful! Only we also were able to do test track too…only a 30min standby AND we also had a test track lightening lane. Thank you!! 😘

[@EarScouts]

Nicely done, Christina! 🙌 Sounds like an epic Epcot day. 😃

[@MatthewBruno-ur6tm]

Just to confirm you rope dropped Remy and did Frozen standby right after and then had a LL setup for test track after that? That is what I am planning and wondered if it really is possible to get Remy and Frozen without an LL right off the bat.

[@peterbiscardi3727]

Just came back from a week at Disney all 4 parks in 4 days.... We did every ride with 9 people except Slinky Dog had a Lightning Lane for 3:50 started to rain at 3:20 and thunder and lightning and ride never came back up.... Your tips truly helped, btw I got boarding group 14 for Guardians.... Thanks again....

[@EarScouts]

Nicely done! That’s a bummer about Slinky, but now you’ll have something to look forward to on your next trip! 😂 Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to let us know how your trip went!

[@seanmurphy7101]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We used your guidance to perfection. Stayed at the Swan last week. Sept 18, rope-dropped and rode Remy and Frozen before 9. We all then single-rider-rode test track by 9:07. Now if I only had figured out the evening Virtual Que for extended hours . . . . Thanks again!

[@Nursejustinreviews]

Last time I went to Disney I didn’t do early entry this way I wasn’t early enough. Getting a big family and a 5 yr out the door early is a task and a half 😂. I’m going to try and pull of one early entry this way. I would love to see your strategy for animal kingdom when you get the chance. (I know those Disney hotel stays aren’t cheap) I appreciate the effort you guys put into this.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks - and yes, Animal Kingdom is definitely on our list. You just have to get up SO early for that one. It’s like before sunrise early. 🤪

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts I know that’s a rough one.

[@Xenious]

Your videos have been the best for me as a WDW veteran that hasn't been back since the pandemic changes (or even since paper fast-passes ended). Thank you!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave us this lovely comment - we really appreciate it. 😃

[@Yesenia_Ramirez]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I’ve been watching for the past 6 months or so to prepare for my first Disney World trip. Your videos have been so helpful. The security tip is so helpful, I’ve only ever visiting Disneyland and their security is so different so the tip about holding items out in front of you will really come in handy.

[@amandaberofsky]

This was so helpful! We were debating whether to do Remy or Frozen first. I thought we would book Remy on Genie+ and head to Frozen first to avoid the crowd at Remy. Now that I've actually seen all the rope-drops, I see how riding Remy first isn't as bad as I thought. So glad we booked one night at BC.

[@EarScouts]

We absolutely loved staying in the Epcot resort area. We were at Swan, but all those resorts connect together and it is such a lovely and convenient place to be. Make sure you visit the Boardwalk. We had a very good (and reasonably priced by Disney standards) breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno. They have my new favorite iced coffee in Disney World and the eggs with tomato sauce were surprisingly delicious. Thanks for watching!

[@VeggieCecilia]

You are the best! I watched all your early entry videos and they where super helpful. I don't have enough words to thank you!!! I'm from Argentina and we'll be travelling for the firt time on sept 17th, 2024. My daughter (8 years old) is in the autistic spectrum, so we expect to be able to apply for DAS. Besides, due to I'm a CM here in ARG, we booked in a Disney hotel discounted so early entry, I think, will be an absolutelly must. I really hope to can avoid anxiety issues by this way 😌. You give us joy, hope and super smiling energy. Thanks a lot, from the heart , Cecilia.

[@susanfagan7400]

I think your Genie Plus videos are the best! You truly make me feel better about tackling Genie Plus on my November trip and optimistic about getting on more than 3 rides! Thank You

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much. You got this! 🙌 Hope you have amazing luck with the Genie Slots. 🤞🍀🧞‍♂️🎰

[@folkrescue]

Your videos are fun and engaging and really helpful in planning. Interesting tip about Frozen being good as a second ride for early entry. It makes sense!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much! It honestly didn't occur to me that it would work out that way until I did it in the video. 😂 I was so shocked to see Frozen with no line and then when I thought about it, it made perfect sense. Thanks for watching!

[@Christine99H]

Thank you so much for your videos! They are very informative even for us who've been lucky enough to go a few times but it does seem like there's always something new to learn before we head to WDW! If we see you in the parks this week for our trip we will for sure come over and say hello! Take care.

[@Nursejustinreviews]

To get 3 rides before 9 am is great. You did great showing us how to do this. Thank you.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks - it felt like a pretty good morning. I think if Remy had boarded on time (or ideally a little early) we could maybe have squeezed in Test Track. Something to strive for next time. 😂

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts also it was weird that your boarding group was called before park open. Do you think that they might shuffle around boarding groups once they are booked to have the ability to call guests with early entry during early entry? Do that maybe you got bumped to to an even earlier time because you have had early entry.

[@EarScouts]

@@Nursejustinreviews It happened to me again when I didn’t have early entry access, so it doesn’t seem to take that into account. It was weird to be called and not be able to enter the park yet. 😂

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts well there goes that idea 😂

[@Nursejustinreviews]

@@EarScouts now that you say that I saw that happen in another channels video and they did not have early entry either.

[@Magicalsnaps]

Awesome videos! I love how you’re casually strolling versus in a rush and still make good times on early entry.

[@laurenm5245]

I get so happy every time I see you have posted a new video! I truly appreciate all of your insight and tips, thank you!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much, Lauren! Your comment makes us so happy, too. 😃

[@linziholdsworth7752]

Am I visiting Disney next year and staying offsite… yes! Do I qualify for early entry…. No! Did I watch this entire video…. Yes! 🤣 love your videos Rob ❤️

[@agnesepuppo4838]

Just another small tip about security, also glasses cases should be held in front of you when you pass through, otherwise they'll check your bags. BTW we went to the parks two weeks ago for the first time and thanks to your videos we did it like a pro! 🥰

[@EarScouts]

Yes - thank you for mentioning that. Glasses cases get LOTS of people stopped. We invested in some inexpensive non-metal glasses cases for this very reason. So glad you had a great trip - it makes us so happy to hear when people find our videos helpful. 😊

[@rebeccastafford7887]

Just found your channel looking for rope drop. Love them I have subscribed.

[@miriamvaldivia2612]

Another great video! Everytime I watch any of your videos I get so excited and start looking at dates for my next Disney trip!

[@EarScouts]

That’s so nice to hear because I used to do the same when I would watch Molly on AllEars before I moved to Orlando. 😃 It’s really cool to hear that the videos we make get other people excited like that, too.

[@Hannah-gm7ez]

So glad I found your channel. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you for using details as little as saying "go right for the Remy ride in France"...this will help so much considering I literally have no sense of direction 🤣

[@EarScouts]

Hi Hannah - I am the same! I have the worst sense of direction of anyone I know. 🤣 Maybe that’s why I think to put details like that in the videos? Thanks so much for watching - we’re so glad you found us. 😃

[@terrip22]

Thank you for your video! We followed it to the T and we were done with all the rides by 2 PM.

[@EarScouts]

Wow! Nicely done! 🙌 Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to let us know how your trip went - we really appreciate it! 😃

[@LisaQuinlan01]

Hey! I love your videos, we are heading to Disney next month! And will be heading to Epcot via the skyliner as staying at pop.. we want to do Frozen or Test Track… (not worried about Remus) which one would you do first?

[@anitamarshall9943]

Thanks for the tips on walking through security with the umbrella! Another helpful video 👏

[@EarScouts]

Thank you! Those lines for bag check can get pretty long, so any chance to avoid them is good. 😂

[@alphaxxiii2]

Hi Ear Scouts! We agree with so many people here: your content is fantastic. You always seem to answer the questions we have in mind. Sorry if this is answered elsewhere already, but will you be doing these Early Entry videos for Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios? We need the rope drop strategies for those parks too please!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Todd - thanks so much! Yes, we have actually already filmed both of these. Now comes the hard part - editing. 😂 Hope to have them up in the next few weeks or so. Thanks for watching!

[@silviaar1585]

Thank you for sharing!!!! Really, I’m planing all my Disney days based on your videos 🥰

[@EarScouts]

We're honored! Fingers crossed for an amazing vacation. 🤞

[@thetomorrowlandtraveler]

Great Video. Really getting some great information and tips for future trips from all your videos...

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much! We had so much fun making this series of videos when we were staying at the Swan. Epcot resort area is my new favorite place to stay. 😃

[@charliedurham4248]

Love your videos. One thing that would be helpful for us viewers - when doing some sort of "rope drop" type video is to recap the date, day of week, any circumstances that could affect crowd sizes, etc. We see the date the video was published, but we don't know what actual day you were there. Like was this a weekend? A Wednesday? You mentioned it was the day after late hours the day before.

[@EarScouts]

Hi Charlie! We always include that when we upload the video (KZbin asks for recording date as a field in the form) but I’m not sure where that info shows up. We can try to start including it in the description. Thanks for the suggestion. 😃

[@TresChicMama]

I’m just loving all of your content!!!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much for watching and leaving this lovely comment. 😃

[@Christine99H]

Thanks!

[@EarScouts]

Hello Christine! Thank YOU so much for this very generous super thanks! That was really sweet of you. Hope you keep finding out the videos helpful, we really appreciate you watching. ☺️

[@rae-annecoleman4444]

I appreciate your videos and awesome personality. There needs to be a ❤️ button for the videos instead of just the "like"!!

[@EarScouts]

Aww - thanks so much, Rae-Anne! ☺️

[@lindsaygutierrezcubero538]

excellent ! One more to share with my friends.

[@EarScouts]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate you sharing our videos. ❤️

[@tingwang6879]

Love your channel! Just in time for our visit this week! Thank you!!

[@EarScouts]

So glad you have enjoyed the videos! Hope you have an amazing trip. 😃

[@taylorhardman2415]

I love watching your videos! We have our first Disney trip coming up and your tips will be very helpful!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Taylor - I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed watching them. Hope you have an amazing trip! 😃

[@Aesir5]

Great run through

[@byjustincook]

Rob. Always great stuff. Hope you see this. For that back entrance is there a customer service place? When we get Florida resident tickets we have to check in there first- if first park of the trip. Want to make sure that we can do that back there. TY!

[@EarScouts]

Hello! Yes, all the entrances to the parks (including the International Gateway at the back of Epcot) will have a Guest Relations office. You’ll be able to handle any ticketing issues there. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@jenniferhalter7072]

Thank you for the great videos. I really like how you explain things!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for watching! 😀

[@brandonrondon8490]

Man just found you, great videos! Super informative, we usually stick to DFB but this is a totally new perspective

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much! We love DFB. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@alexandrabenoit9364]

These are the most helpful videos! Thanks!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for watching! 😃

[@indiehippie]

Thanks - such a great informative video!!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for the generous Super Thanks - that was very kind of you. 😃

[@juliecook4431]

You have become our favorite! Hope to meet you one day! ❤️

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Julie! I’m honored. 😊 Hopefully our paths will cross in the parks one day soon. 🤞

[@tatianakim1013]

Thank you! Love ❤️! Information is great 👍

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for watching! 😃

[@CatMurray]

Great video, as always.

[@larryherring445]

Just subbed. WOW. What information.

[@user-gg5np5ck8r]

Awesome tips! 🖖

[@cody4725]

I just found your channel today! I’m so excited as we are headed to Disney World this coming weekend! How have the crowds been?! Awesome source of super helpful information.

[@EarScouts]

Hi Cody! The crowds seem marginally better than they were earlier in the summer. This year has been so bizarre. It seemed July 4 was the peak this year and it has been slowly calming down since then. Hope you have an amazing trip and thanks for watching!

[@traceyhill7784]

We have booked for Beach Club next year (from UK) so super to see how much we can get done with that early/late entry - thanks again and keep them coming :)

[@EarScouts]

Wow - that is such a fabulous hotel. We just stayed at the Swan and I can't wait to stay in all of the hotels in that Epcot resort area. You can't beat that location and the pool at Yacht & Beach Club is the best of all the Disney World hotels. Thanks for watching!

[@loismtl1]

Thank you so much! I hope your move wasn’t too traumatic!!

[@EarScouts]

😂 - moving the week before you leave to visit family for Thanksgiving turns out to not be the best idea. We’re almost settled in now. 😅

[@michaelcoglianese4292]

Thanks for the tip about umbrellas. We found out the hard way with ours in the back pack 🙁

[@EarScouts]

Yup. And that security line can get brutally long sometimes. Thanks for watching!

[@carolineduarteschaeffer8644]

your videos are so helpful! thank you so much!!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU so much for watching! 😃

[@doronalperin9480]

Your videos are just awesome. We are planing our trip in a few months and we can’t stop watching all of them. I do have a question and I hope you can answer. If we are about to stay at Hilton Buena Vista Palace, is there a way we can enter Epcot from the international gateway? We have small kids so we can’t really walk so much. I hope you can help us out. Waiting for your next video… 😄

[@danwatson1014]

Terrific Video. Great hints.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks Dan! And thanks for your support for our channel.

[@ricardorivera8565]

I’m staying at a Disney resort. Quick question: where can I park to go through the IG entrance?

[@kimkusek6506]

Love this video! Thanks Rob

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU for watching! 😃

[@diginot8590]

Great video.Is it possible to get to frozen on EE days through World Showcase at rope drop? I see you went through World Showcase after Remi.Have heard only through Canada rope drop. Conflicting information. Love all your videos!

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

Great vid 🥰👍🏻 new sub here! 😉 O.O.K 👌🏼💙

[@karencolglazier8427]

Omg yay! I’m so glad you did this thank you!

[@EarScouts]

I actually thought about you as I recorded this one because I knew you were waiting on it and we were supposed to do it on July 4 weekend. Unfortunately, I got Covid and had to move the hotel stay. We had so many big plans for that weekend! Thankfully my quarantine ended on July 4 itself so I was able to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Glad the video was done in time for your trip!

[@karencolglazier8427]

You are too kind! I’m sorry you got Covid! My husband did around that time too! But glad you are feeling better! Our next trip isn’t until OCT 23 so plenty of time for us! We are doing this same plan so I’m glad to see it works well! Watched this once by myself, will watch again with husband so he knows what we are doing/the plan and then I’ll rewatch again in October! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to see your Halloween party videos soon!

[@clsy147]

Just discovered your channel and I’ve binge watched every single video - they are SO helpful! The demonstrations make it super clear on what to expect, where to go and what to do. Thank you! Would you recommend rope dropping early entry if we also will have extended evening hours in MK and Epcot? Or would you recommend just doing one or the other and still be able to knock off most experiences? We’re going in October for the very first time and we are SO EXCITED!!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Cindy - thanks so much for watching our videos! While I have been known to do early entry rope drop to extended evening hours, I can’t say that I would recommend it. 😂 We did early entry at Animal Kingdom yesterday and then did Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom last night. That meant waking up at 5:30 am and getting home at 2 am. It would be a lot less extreme at a park like Epcot where it opens a little later and closes a little earlier. I would suggest doing Extended Evening hours and sleeping in that day so you can enjoy it without being exhausted. Alternatively, you could do both but take a nice long nap at your hotel in the middle of the day. Whenever we do early entry, we can usually knock out two rides before the first crowds arrive. When we do extended evening hours, we can do anywhere from 3-6 rides depending on which rides we choose. If you are using Genie Plus, you would likely be able to ride most things by playing the slots anyway, so your evening hours would be for re-riding your favorites or experiencing the outdoor rides that have a different vibe at night. Long story short, I’d recommend picking one or the other, but I’d probably pick Extended Evening hours because it is a more unique perk that you are paying for by staying at a deluxe resort. Every resort guest can do early entry.

[@clsy147]

@@EarScouts Amazing - thank you so much! I guess we’ll enjoy our lovely sleep in then. 😝 Looking forward to your new videos!

[@kerrierenshaw4246]

Fantastic vlog

[@EarScouts]

Thanks Kerrie! So glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@pjgonzalez40]

I was there last week and did Test track it was a fun ride. And I enjoyed designing a car.

[@EarScouts]

It’s actually the fastest ride in Disney World. I was surprised when I learned that because it doesn’t “feel” like the fastest. Thanks for watching!

[@pjgonzalez40]

@@EarScouts I did not know that it was the fastest but that is awesome. It may explain why I enjoyed it. I even got one of the little die cast cars they sell at the gift shop cause Iike collecting small cars. Also in epcot I got to ride the Remy attraction and it was fun, also rode Frozen Ever after that was fun too. I put some videos on my channel of my visit to the park last week, though none of the rides ( except for the one where I was riding Dumbo). My parents got to ride the Skyliner since they stayed at a Disney Hotel.

[@EarScouts]

That sounds like a lovely day in Epcot!

[@MatthewBruno-ur6tm]

Is it really that easy to get Remy and Frozen in just like you did in the video? Love your videos btw....great detail!

[@JoseMartinez-yn2nt]

Great video again!! I'm trying to plan my late august trip and the only thing I miss from your videos is a strategy not only for Genie+, Rope Drope or Virtual Queue (individually) but for all these together. I mean, your best strategy park by park for a 4 day trip combining Rope drope, virtual queue and Genie+ everyday. Love your videos!!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Jose! So glad you are enjoying the videos. If you are referring to regular rope drop, that is what we do in all of our Genie Plus videos that are specific to each park. Also, the only Virtual Queue currently is for Guardians and we do include that in the Epcot Genie video. If you mean early entry and Genie in the same video, that we haven’t done. It sounds like a fun idea to explore, thanks for the suggestion. I love any excuse to book a staycation at a Disney resort. 😂 That said, it would likely be a strategy you would use if you intended to park hop, ride some big rides multiple times and/or do something else with part of your day.

[@JoseMartinez-yn2nt]

@@EarScouts Hi again! If I'm not wrong, some videos are more about rope drope at a specific park, others about genie+ strategy, other about the Guardians virtual queue but... (maybe my fault) at the time of planning for example my day at Epcot... I don't know what strategy would be better.: Focus on Guardians, focus on rope drope and Remy,. I know there's no a unique good strategy but... being my first time after Covid... I'm quite lost, lol. Thanks so much for your videos. :)

[@EarScouts]

@@JoseMartinez-yn2nt Hey Jose! Epcot is kind of a special case right now because there are potentially three things you might want to do right at 7am. The best case scenario is that you have multiple people helping using their own devices (either signed into the same account or into different accounts that are all linked) and one would focus on getting the Virtual Boarding Group while another tried for the Genie Plus LL while the third grabbed an Individual Attraction LL. If there is only one of you, do them in that order - virtual boarding group, then Genie LL, then Individual Attraction Lightning Lane because that is the order in which they are most competitive. Hope that helps!

[@amnerisgisellecisneros1911]

@@EarScouts sería muy interesante una estrategia con early hours y genie plus.

[@EarScouts]

Muchas gracias por la sugerencia!

[@Nursejustinreviews]

Classic Mickey ears today. 👍🏻

[@EarScouts]

Gotta break out the classics every now and again. 😃

[@laurieritchel]

HUGE FAN!!! Thanks so much for all the great content - I feel (almost) ready for my first trip back after the pandemic and there was a LOT to learn from you! I see you suggest Uber to Yacht or Beach Club resorts for this entrance rope drop from offsite, I was concerned that security would not let us do that at the resorts without a dining reservation? I actually have a 7:30am reservation at the Yacht Club breakfast, but I think I'll need to cancel it with early entry starting at 8:30 after watching your timeline here being at security by 7:45?

[@valerieashton7424]

This video is so informative and I just love your friendly disposition! I was wondering if you knew of a way to get to IG if not staying at one of those hotels? I do intend to stay on property to have early entry but do you know if we can Uber to that area instead of taking transportation to the front? Thank you!

[@martiskateramperti6827]

Hello! Great video! Though I didn’t quite understand if you Can get to the back entrance from the bus stop or only from the skyliner? Thank you!

[@tobinjc1]

Which hotel did you stay at for Epcot early park entry? Love the content!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Jen! We stayed at the Swan to do a review. It was a lot of fun. Should have the review up soon. I think it is the best value in Disney World. Thanks for watching!

[@tobinjc1]

@@EarScouts oh my goodness.how exciting - we are staying at Disney Swan (not reserve) next week! Travelling from Sydney Australia and have 8 days in Disney. I am unbelievably excited. We have thrill loving adults and a couple toddlers and a 9 year old so will be doing a mix of tips and tricks I've gotten between you, all ears and DFB. This holiday really has taken so much planning and I would not have had the first idea without the YT Disney Vloggers! Hopefully we bump into you so can say thanks in person!

[@EarScouts]

You will love it! Make sure to spend some time at the Boardwalk resort. Trattoria Al Forno at Boardwalk had a surprisingly great breakfast (try the iced coffee and eggs Al Forno).

[@maryannallen6199]

Fantastic video. This was exactly the plan that I was formulating in my head so glad to see that it actually works. How early before opening of early entry to you recommend arriving? We'll be coming on the Skyliner from the Pop so I'm anticipating about a 20 minute travel time there. Also would you recommend maybe trying to book a Lightning Lane for Test Track?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Mary Ann - thank you! If you are planning to take the Skyliner and you want to arrive when we did in the video, you’ll need to be on one of the first gondolas in the morning. They officially open at 7, but they usually start boarding by about 10 till. Keep in mind you have to transfer at Caribbean Beach, so it takes a bit longer than it seems like it would. Hope you have an amazing day at Epcot! 🚠

[@EarScouts]

And yes - I definitely recommend making Test Track your first Lightning Lane. You’ll be done with all the rides before lunch if you follow that strategy and you can enjoy the festival, ride things again or park hop.

[@neenay-wo6yt]

You should put a disclaimer up that your entry puts you at the longest possible walking distance

[@robyncreasy3438]

Loving all your informative content. What would your recommendations be for early entry if you’re coming in the main entrance?

[@EarScouts]

Hi Robyn - great question. I would do Test Track and then head to Frozen. If Test Track is closed (which happens a lot, it goes down a fair amount) I would do Soarin’ and then head over to Frozen. I really think the key is to make Frozen your number two and get there before regular park hours begin. Thanks for watching!

[@disneydeefan7510]

frozen often has a delayed opening..at least in my experience. Now that it has been added to genie plus I will book that cause it is usually a 50% chance it wont be open early in morning

[@EarScouts]

Hello! Sorry for the lengthy delay in responding. We have been at D23 Expo and it has been a crazy week. 😂 Yes - that’s a great strategy. I sometimes grab a Lightning Lane that I expect to become a “bonus” Lightning Lane because it gives you more flexibility. Of course, it’s luck of the draw, but either you get to ride or get the bonus, so it’s a win-win. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@IslanderinNS]

Thank you for your amazing videos. We are going in 2 weeks and are watching all your videos. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside - can we take an Uber/Lyft somewhere to walk in via the boardwalk? We would like to rope drop Remy as well! You’re the best! Thanks

[@bruceeigsti5274]

heard u can show up late for virtual queue just not early

[@robyncro]

This was so helpful! I’ll be staying at AKL next month. Since it’s so far away, What would you suggest for transportation in order to rope drop through the international gateway?

[@EarScouts]

Hello! My guess is that your best bet would be to take the bus to Hollywood Studios and then walk to Epcot. There is a walking path and it only takes about ten minutes if you walk briskly. You could also take the Skyliner or boat from Hollywood Studios, but those both take a LOT longer to get you there and you would probably not make it in time to have a good spot for Early Entry. You could also drive and park at the Swan & Dolphin - the other Disney hotels require that you have a hotel or restaurant reservation to park there, but Swan and Dolphin have paid parking (though it is expensive). If you do the bus to Hollywood Studios option, you will definitely want to get on the first bus of the day to get a good spot. Thanks for watching!

[@robyncro]

Thank you so much!

[@diannawebb9260]

We've been passholders for years but never needed to worry about early entry until now that we are going with friends from out of state. You're videos are amazing, helpful and entertaining to watch. Questions though; 1) do you recommend arriving 1 hour prior to early entry for all 4 parks? 2) do you know if the monorail from ttc to epcot starts moving that early? We're staying at the poly for the first time. Thank you!

[@EarScouts]

Hi Dianna! Thanks so much for watching out videos - we’re so glad you’ve found them helpful. I always recommend arriving at least 45 minutes early on busy days. If you’re here on a Tuesday in September, you’ll be fine showing up 30 minutes before. If you’re here at Christmas, make it an hour. This is assuming you want to be near the front of the line for that first big attraction (Mine Train, Slinky Dog, Rise of the Resistance, Remy, Flight of Passage are all good examples). If you don’t care so much about being on one of those rides or being near the front of the queue, you can definitely arrive later. The monorail will typically start running at least an hour and 15 minutes before early entry at MK, but they will typically advertise that it starts at 1 hour before. Hope you have an amazing vacation! 😃

[@diannawebb9260]

@Ear Scouts thanks for your reply! I usually "rope drop" sleepy hallow for a strawberry waffle 😂😂😂 but our friends are coming for the rides, so we've got to plan a bit more. Your videos are a godsend!

[@mandieg6318]

This might sound crazy but would you consider doing each park without early entry & genie plus? I'm wondering if there is a method so you can get everything done in a timely manner without either of those ? 🤔 LOVE your videos! They are so therapeutic 😌☺️

[@EarScouts]

Absolutely. I actually don’t do either most days when I visit the parks. But I also don’t typically try to do everything in the park in a day. The absolute best way to do Disney World in my opinion is to pick what matters most to you and create a simple plan to make sure you get those things done and then everything else is gravy. It is easy to do most everything in Animal Kingdom and Epcot in one day without Genie or extra park time. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are much more challenging. They can also get tiring if you want to do a lot because there are so many long lines in both of those parks. I think the best compromise is to just do Genie Plus on your MK and DHS days. Mainly so you don’t get worn out by all the lines and you can enjoy more of your day. We’ll be making more videos in the future showing how to manage park time without the genie or perks like early entry. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Its_Eliza508]

Thank you for the tips! I am going in July and would like to try this but we aren’t willing to travel via skyliner (heights), and the friendship boat seems like a hike. I’m staying at a value resort and planned to just take a Minnie Van to the boardwalk and walk from there. But today I read that those without breakfast reservations are routinely turned away by security at Yacht & Beach Club and BoardWalk. Have you ever seen access denied to the gateway by security on the boardwalk?

[@monicamchugh8409]

This is super helpful - just found your page, and glad I did! I'm planning to do ETPE for Epcot on a Saturday of a three day weekend...do you think this guidance still holds? Our plan was actually to go to Frozen first as we aren't planning to do Remy at all and we are staying in BW so coming from Int'l Gateway. We weren't planning to get there quite as early (not before ETPE actually opens - but more like right when it does).

[@EarScouts]

Hi Monica! Based on my experience, I would say plan to hit frozen right around 5 minutes before regular park opening time. If you get to Epcot right at the beginning of early entry, by the time you get through the line for the park and walk to Frozen, you should be right on time. Thanks for watching!

[@JJTruth]

General question- do u have to have purchased genie + first in order to then purchase ILL’s or can u just purchase ILL’s by themselves- thanks

[@EarScouts]

You do not need Genie Plus to purchase the Individual Attraction Lightning Lanes. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@stephaniemillar8223]

Hi! I have watch pretty much all your videos, this will be our family first time at disney (I have always wanted to go!) Our bus will bring us to the main entrance... my daughter(2yesrs old) is crazy about Frozen, so I thought I would use genie + to book that ride first, I really don't want to miss it. Is it a good strategies to try to walk to Remi first thing? Those are the only two main ride we want. And meeting Elsa and Anna. We will try to get there for 7:45 Let me know if you have a better idea on how to get both rides from the main entrance. I just feel like the back entrance people will already all be at remi...

[@jordynlee1333]

Great video! Very helpful for planning. I’m staying at the Coronado-what’s the best way to arrive at the back of the park to start at Remy’s, or will we have to book it there from the front?

[@EarScouts]

Hello! We are actually going to show this in a video we just filmed. Your best bet is to take the Disney transportation to Hollywood Studios and then use the walking path to Epcot. It’s near the buses. You could also use the Skyliner or boat at Hollywood Studios, but walking is faster. It’s about a 20 minute walk to the International Gateway from the beginning of the walking path. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@robertmartino4770]

Question about the Int’l Gateway. Any advice on accessing it if NOT staying at one of the Epcot resorts? I know Ubers can have issues with security letting them drop off at these resorts. And skyliner access can be quite a long path to take.

[@zapricorn]

Hii there! Just found your channel and I loved your personality, your energy and the way you explain everything! You make it seem easier, so thanks for that. I had a question hope you can answer before my trip in September: Could you give me any tips on how to get to the International Gateway from All Star Sports Resort? We want to rope drop Remy first thing in the morning! Also, we won’t rent a car, our plan is to use the Disney buses but I don’t think those could leave us in the int. gateway

[@EarScouts]

Hi Camila! Your best bet is to take the very first bus you can get to Hollywood Studios. From there, you can take the walking path to the Epcot International Gateway. You could also take the skyliner or boat from there, but walking is faster. It’s about 10 minutes to walk and at least 20 for the other options. Good luck! 🍀

[@zapricorn]

@@EarScouts thank you so much! ☺️

[@shelbyrayleen90]

I may have missed it but what time do you recommend getting in line for the skyliner on an early morning entry?