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Wondering what to do in EPCOT in the morning with a family? I have so many tips for planning a half day in Epcot… See all the family friendly rides, attractions, character meet and greets and dining experiences you can have in Disney World Orlando.
Example Epcot morning itinerary
Here’s an example of planning a Walt Disney World morning in Epcot with a family including a toddler…
Morning in EPCOT schedule
Here’s what we did in one morning in Epcot as a family…
1. Get ready for the day
On our last visit, I got up and immediately booked Genie Plus in the Disney experience app.
During our trip we had to reserve it daily and sign up for popular rides immediately.
Check the rules and guidelines for Genie + for your stay, as things with this program change from time to time.
Then I went over my notes on reservations and rides we wanted to get to that day.
And thought about what to wear based on the weather and our Epcot plan for the day.
2. Head to EPCOT’s side entrance
We didn’t rush for rope drop, and since we were staying offside at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, we had to catch the bus outside the hotel for our day at Epcot.
The bus driver suggested we take the Disney Skyliner transportation to the side entrance of Epcot near the France pavilion.
This was great, because there were less lines with little to no wait times to enter Epcot.
This side entrance is called the International Gateway.
3. Breakfast in France
I can’t recommend Les Halles Quick Service breakfast in the France pavilion enough!
This is an extremely popular breakfast spot, so expect a line. We waited 15 - 20 minutes to order.
4. Character sighting: Winnie the Pooh
We were heading to Figment, but noticed there was a Winnie The Pooh character interaction outside in the fields…
So we headed there first. No standby line for this character meet and greet.
Check your Disney World App to find out meet and greets to stack in between rides.
5. Figment ride
A family favorite, the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride is slow, silly, and a fun ride for all ages.
There are both Genie and Lightning Lanes for this ride.
Check out some more popular Epcot rides, like:
- Spaceship Earth
- Mission Space
- Test Track
- Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (you can get an Individual Lightning Lane for this ride)
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
6. Check out The Land pavilion
You’re going to want to find designated stroller parking outside The Land pavilion because you can easily be in there for hours between the food and attractions and rides.
There’s a no-height-requirement boat ride that’s peaceful and refreshing to check out, called Living With The Land.
If vacation guests in your party are over 40” tall you can enjoy the popular Soarin ride.
And last but not least, if you want to enjoy 10 minutes more in the AC of this building, and also want a good spot for kids to catch a very short nap…
Then see the Awesome Planet attraction… It's a movie.
Planning a day at Epcot? See this example Epcot itinerary...
Wrap up a morning in EPCOT with Goofy
If you time it right, you can stop for a photo at the Goofy meet and greet in Epcot on the way back to the hotel for an afternoon break.
Check your app for times.
See more tips from Jenna Loves Magic on YouTube…
BONUS TIP: return to Epcot for THIS
If you’re just taking a break, make sure to head back to Epcot for the Epcot fireworks…
One of my favorite locations is outside the Mexico Pavilion.
Before or after the show, you have quick access with no long waits to ride Gran Fiesta Tour with Donald Duck…
And you can grab Mexican quick service at La Cantina De San Angel
FAQs
Epcot does change its operating hours throughout the year. Currently at the time of writing this article, the park opens from 9am - 9pm. If you have a pass, you can get into the park at 8:30am for early theme park entry at Epcot.
If you need to check times for your trip, please refer to Disney’s calendar.
Love Disney foodie spots? Learn about the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios…
More tips for planning a Disney World trip
Shop my favorite things to buy in advance for a Disney World trip:
- Brooks sneakers for women (see more on shoes for Disney)
- Matching Disney adult and kids hats
- 2 pack of ponchos
Get more tips...
- Tips for flying to the closest airport to Disney World
- What to order at Topolino's Terrace for dinner at Riviera Resort
- Review of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Disney dining tips from Jenna Loves Magic
Remember: for any sit-down dinner or character meal, I recommend to definitely book 60 days out, or whenever your Disney dining dates open.
If you’re staying on site, you can book dining reservations earlier as a perk.
Don’t have reservations? Check regularly during your trip, on the app, or walk up to the restaurant early in the day and request a day-of reservation. Disney reservations are often dropped day-of since sometimes people “hoard them”.
I once was a walk-up and was told there would be a 90 minute wait for a table at Steakhouse 71.
Not a problem, since it’s an interesting hotel to walk around and they have an arcade.
Anyways, within 5 minutes my reservation was ready because someone canceled. So you never know.
Also see my other favorites on this list of the best places to eat at Disney World. (coming soon)
Enjoy your morning in Epcot theme park
Hope that answers all your questions about what to do during a morning in Epcot.
See what it’s like to go on the Disney Skyliner at night…
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