Arrived yesterday. Today was our first park day. Left Boardwalk at 10:20 for Epcot. People were being held by the Canada stage. At 10:35, they let people start walking. Everyone actually walked (no running). Most people turned left for Soarin & Test Track. We headed to Frozen (walking) and were entering the ride at 10:41. Off of Frozen & taking a picture by the big troll at 10:53. Walked to Mexico & was held outside until exactly 11am. Was in the first 3 Caballeros boat at 11:03, off the ride at 11:11. Browsed the Mexico stores. That's it for our "rope drop."
Two of my kids bought coffee & we decided to eat at the Mexico quick serve. At 11:40, we were the only people eating inside. Nobody came inside while we were eating.
Browsed the China shops, saw the Shanghai Disney exhibit, saw the China movie at 12:30. Had a snack in Germany (had our pick of seats). Browsed Germany & Italy shops. Saw the 2:15 Voices of Liberty show (sad that it was only 9 minutes in duration).
Bought food in the France quick serve and ate inside Marrakesh restaurant (about 3:30 now. Went to the 4:15 Beauty & the Beast singalong. France shops. Walked to Soarin. Entered at 5pm (walk-on). Then on Figment (walk-on) by 5:30. Had Visa card member photo taken, went to DVC Epcot lounge (closed at 6pm) saw Pixar Shorts. Back on Soarin at 6:35 (walk-on). 6:55 Living With the Land (walk-on). Raining now. 7:15 Spaceship Earth (walk-on). Shopped in Mouse Gear. Saw a rainbow. 7:55 on Mission Space (walk-on). Still raining. Bought counter food and ate at Appleseed (Canada movie theater). Stayed there a long time. Watched the 10pm fireworks show. Loads if empty spots right up to 10pm.
Overall impression: crowds were way, way lower than past August trips (for one Sunday in Epcot). We have traveled this time of year at least 5 times and the crowds today were much lower than in prior years. We did everything we wanted to do with much less wait times than prior years.
We stopped / shopped in every country. Had beers in 8 of 11 countries. Fireworks are a out to start. Great day!