EPCOT RESORTS-International Gateway???

[Peter Parker]

CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF I HAVE TO BE CHECKED IN the Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht Club or Beach Club to walk over the bridge to Epcot?? I will be staying at another resort but was thinking of having a character breakfast at Cape May's Cafe and then walking to EPCOT World Showcase thru International Gateway from these resorts. Will they ask if I am staying in one of these 5 resorts???Is it a real long walk????

 

[napnet]

No, feel free to go over there and to the Boardwalk shops

 

[mcbates23]

As long as you have a vaild ticket anyone can use the IG.

 

[Peter Parker]

I would guess they have ticket turnstyles when you get to EPCOT?

Are the entry times similar to the main gate or can you go in a little earlier?

 

[GoofyMom2]

They have turnstiles, security etc at the International Gateway....it's another entrance to the park. They open the same time FW opens (usually 9).

The walk from Swan/Dolphin is about 15 min (some would say 10, guess I walk slow LOL) and walk from YBC is about 5 min. You can also take the Friendship boats, but sometimes walking is faster.

The WS part is closed if you go at opening for FW, but it's still a nice stroll because it's usually not crowded.

 

[PJLukasik]

It's extremely convenient and it's kind of cool to walk through WS while they are still doing some lats minute prep for opening. The only downside in my opinion is not seeing Leave a Legacy and Spaceship Earth immediately when you enter.

 

[dumboflyer]

I prefer going through the IG. It's so nice to walk around the Epcot resort area--it's one of my favorite places at WDW!

 

[SpenceMan01]

The only downside in my opinion is not seeing Leave a Legacy and Spaceship Earth immediately when you enter.

I wouldn't consider that a downside :lol:

We took the boat from MGM to the IG on our last trip. It was the first time I had ever been in that area of WDW (BW/BC/YC) in all of my 6 trips. It is really charming and, though I haven't been, I'd imagine it's downright beautiful at night.

 

[maelstrom]

If World Showcase isn't open yet, they will direct you towards Canada and into Future World. You won't be able to hang out in World Showcase. But anyone is free to enter Epcot through the International Gateway.