When we went to Epcot Christmas week we arrived at the toll gates one hour prior to park opening. Cars started to move thru 45 minutes prior. Super easy to then park and walk to park entrance.
next up for us driving will be MK and I’m totally flustered with how to do it. Plan is to arrive One hour prior, park, then have to wait for monorail or ferry? Is there a bus to hop on? Wish this park were easier-5 weeks away and I’m already stressing!
Okay, just back from our 5 day trip!
We did MK on Mon & Thurs and we took an Uber both times. But, hindsight, we could have parked and saved some money.
Here’s what you need to know: The MK parking lot doesn’t open until pretty much 8am on the dot. If you get to the ticketing gate too early, they will make you turn around. They had security making everyone who was pulled over on the side before the ticketing gate turn around too. At about 7:45, it seemed like they allowed cars to queue up. Then they let cars through beginning at 8am. Once in the parking lot, there is a walkway that leads to the temp check. There is a barrier up just before temp check and they open it at 8:05ish. Then it’s a little walk (couple yards) to temp check, then through to security, then straight through to the monorail or ferry.
Because we did the Uber, we were dropped off where the resort buses drop off and were able to get into the line for temp check at 7:30ish. They start letting those guests through to temp check at about the same time that they allow the parking lot guests through the barrier. You’re at best only a couple of groups ahead of the parking lot people, but we were able to be on the first monorail to the park both days.
The thing that slows you down is the bag check. I gave my husband his entrance card (we didn’t have magic bands) and put anything metal I had in the backpack he was carrying, except my cell phone. Me and the kids went straight through security and to the monorail while he went on to bag check. We got in our monorail car and texted my husband the car number. If he didn’t make it in with us, we would at least have a head start to the first ride and he could meet us there since he had his ticket. But both days he made it to the monorail in time.
If you use this strategy, a tip: At the top of the monorail line, tell them the number in your party but not that you’re waiting for someone. You’ll get in your car and the other person can get by and tell them their party is in car number ___. If people volunteered that they were waiting for someone, they made them wait off to the side until the entire party was there.
The parks were always already open by the time we got off the monorail, which was about 8:20 for a 9:00 posted opening time.
Also helpful to know, is from the transportation center, there was a monorail to Epcot and to MK. Possibly the other parks as well, but I didn’t see those signs. MK monorail is all the way on the left, so after security, stay left.
Any other questions, feel free to ask!!
