If you’re planning a visit to EPCOT in the near future, you’ll want to be aware of some important changes happening at the park, especially if you’re an early riser trying to maximize your time with some of EPCOT’s best attractions. With the return of the traditional standby queue at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on February 25th, Disney has updated its rope drop procedures to prepare for the expected surge of guests. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the changes and get the most out of your morning at EPCOT.
EPCOT’s New Rope Drop System Explained
For those who don’t know, rope drop refers to the opening procedures at Disney parks, where guests are typically held in a designated area until the park officially opens. After Cosmic Rewind switches to its standby queue—after over 1,000 days of using a Virtual Queue—EPCOT has anticipated a significant increase in crowds. To accommodate this, the park has revamped its approach to rope drop. So, how exactly will this new system work, and what can guests expect upon arriving?
In a typical EPCOT day, parking lots open 60 minutes before the park’s official opening. However, as of now, those arriving earlier to take part in the Princess Half Marathon or other special events will notice parking areas open much earlier than usual. Disney is making these changes to allow more flexibility for the higher guest count expected with the opening of the standby queue at Cosmic Rewind.
Early Entry Guests: What’s New?
For those staying at Disney Resort hotels, Early Entry remains a valuable perk that grants access to EPCOT before the regular public. The procedure for Early Entry remains largely the same, but guests should expect minor tweaks to make the experience smoother.
When you arrive at EPCOT, guests with Early Entry will head toward the right of Spaceship Earth, where Cast Members will verify their eligibility. This process is quick, and only one member of your party needs to be verified. Guests will then wait in a designated area until they are allowed to enter the park 30 minutes before the official opening.
New Holding Area for Regular Guests
For guests without Early Entry, EPCOT is introducing a new holding area located behind Spaceship Earth, just past Guest Relations. Previously, guests without Early Entry would gather near the fountain at the front of the park, but with Cosmic Rewind’s standby queue debuting, this spot became too congested for the anticipated crowds.
With the increased number of people hoping to rope drop Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT is moving non-Early Entry guests to a spacious new area that will allow for a smoother, less crowded experience. This change helps ensure that everyone gets the chance to head to the attractions they’re most interested in as soon as the park opens. Early Entry guests will still be held near Spaceship Earth, while non-Early Entry guests will be located farther back in the park.
Adjustments for Cosmic Rewind’s Standby Queue
It’s important to remember that the standby queue for Cosmic Rewind represents a huge shift for EPCOT’s operation. Since opening in May 2022, the attraction has been part of the Virtual Queue system, which allowed guests to reserve a spot in line digitally. However, with the introduction of the traditional standby queue on February 25th, more guests will have the opportunity to wait in line for the attraction without needing a virtual reservation.
This is expected to create a surge of interest in the ride, especially during peak rope drop hours. To prevent overcrowding, Disney is working to manage the flow of guests both for Early Entry and regular rope drop attendees. The relocation of holding areas and the increase in capacity will make sure guests have more space to wait before entering the park. And don’t forget—Cosmic Rewind isn’t the only attraction drawing crowds, so expect to see increased interest in other rides like Test Track, Frozen Ever After, and Soarin’ Around the World.
A Smoother Start to Your Day at EPCOT
In summary, EPCOT’s updated rope drop procedures are designed to make the experience smoother for all guests, whether you’re staying at a Disney Resort or not. With the introduction of a new holding area and streamlined Early Entry processes, EPCOT aims to keep guests organized and reduce congestion at the start of the day. If you’re eager to experience Cosmic Rewind or any of EPCOT’s other popular attractions, these changes will help ensure that everyone can enjoy the park to the fullest without spending too much time in long lines.
As EPCOT prepares for the debut of Cosmic Rewind’s standby queue, guests will want to arrive early and be prepared for some operational changes. From a new holding area to a revamped Early Entry process, these adjustments will make it easier to enjoy your day at the park. Whether you’re a seasoned rope dropper or a first-time guest, these new procedures will help streamline the guest experience and create a more enjoyable visit to EPCOT in 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Disney is continuing to innovate and improve the guest experience at EPCOT, and be sure to keep these changes in mind when planning your next visit!
