How to plan arrival day - Epcot

[bluefish32]

We will be flying in Labor Day, landing around noon. We're staying at WL. We are doing Epcot that day so we can use EEH that night and hopefully fit it 2-3 extra rides. I hope we can be at Epcot by 3 - is that realistic? And how do I handle Genie+ on a travel/arrival day like this? I think I can be on the app at 7, but we'll already be at the airport. I was thinking I'd wait to do VQ for GotG until 6pm, but maybe I should try it at 1? Any advice appreciated!

 

[Figgy1]

In EPCOT by 3 if your plane is on time luggage gets out quickly and traffic isn't bad depending on what you use for transport there may be a wait to get transportation, you can't do the 1pm because you'll need to already be in the park to do that, Genie may not be worth it due to lack of slots. Your best and only bet is the 6PM slot. Good luck

 

[Worldlover71]

You can probably make it to Epcot by 3pm, but it will be tight and, I would think, stressful. You will probably just have time to drop your bags at the hotel, which may be fine with you if you are a Disney vet and have stayed at WL before. Personally, I wouldn't get Genie+. Labor Day will be crowded so there will most likely be very limited availability in the afternoon. Also, you've got those extra evening hours, during which you can pack in a lot. The 6pm VQ will be your only option for GotG unless you have a second Epcot day planned.

 

[HoustonHorn]

Arriving by 3 when you land at noon is doable.

I have found G+ to work best on arrival days (I've done it at MK and MGM, so I can't speak specifically to EPCOT). At 7AM Eastern, buy your VQ for GotG for sometime after 3. Then start hitting the app to look for LLs. I would look for something with a window no earlier than 2:30 (you get an hour), but closer to 3 is good. Use the plane's WiFi, and 2 hours after EPCOT opens, look for another LL. Same thing 2 hours later. With a little work (and hopefully availability), by the time you get there, you could have an ILL for GotG plus 2 more LLs stacked and making your 3rd selection at 3PM.

Good luck!

 

[bluefish32]

This will be a short trip, just me and DH for 3 days - flying in day 1 and flying out day 3. I know we won't be able to do everything and I am ok with that, but I want to do as much as we can! I already added Genie+ to our whole trip before the rules changed on June 8, thinking it would be helpful on a short trip like this. HoustonHorn, it's good to hear you've found it helpful on arrival day! I'll see what I can add while we are traveling. I am all for saving time waiting and actually having fun!

When would you try to ride Remy? It's so far from everything else. I was thinking end of EEH might be best.

 

[nickys]

As others have said, you can’t do the 1pm VQ because you won’t be in the park.

If you can, I would try the 7am VQ. Even if you get an early boarding group you should be able to ride, just explain to the CM your flight didn’t arrive on time. Otherwise try at the VQ at 6pm.

The alternative is to buy an ILL for the ride instead.

How important is Harmonius to you? I would try getting in line for Remy during the fireworks if you don’t mind missing the show. The problem with doing it during the EEH is that it’s away from all the other rides.

 

[bluefish32]

As others have said, you can’t do the 1pm VQ because you won’t be in the park.

If you can, I would try the 7am VQ. Even if you get an early boarding group you should be able to ride, just explain to the CM your flight didn’t arrive on time. Otherwise try at the VQ at 6pm.

The alternative is to buy an ILL for the ride instead.

How important is Harmonius to you? I would try getting in line for Remy during the fireworks if you don’t mind missing the show. The problem with doing it during the EEH is that it’s away from all the other rides.

Now I am thinking I will probably do ILL for GotG, and do the VQ at 6pm. That way I have some control over our return time and we are guaranteed at least one ride.

We love the fireworks and want to watch Harmonious - we haven't seen it. Where's the best place to watch where we can to get to Remy quickly, or maybe towards the end?

Is it possible to snag G+ for Remy if I do ILL for GotG first, or will I not have time to do both at 7am?

 

[Richie248]

Just remember to be flexible with your plans and expectations. Summer air travel is already off to a rough start with flights being delayed/cancelled. Hoping you land on time, I think 3pm should be doable. I've heard people showing up to GOTG several hours late and they will still honor your VQ time (but hear it depends on the CM).