Using the International Gateway (Epcot)

[roadtripper]

Does anyone know if the international gateway entrance to Epcot opens at the same time as the main park entrance? Do they let you in a little early like they do at the main gate for the rope drop? We are going to be at Beach Club for a few days this summer and are trying to plan our days from there.

 

[MaxsDad]

I believe they let you in so that you and the "Maingaters" get tot the attractions at about the same time.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Yes it does! If you have ADR for a character breakfast or are doing a tour I believe you are admitted earlier as well but I could be wrong.

 

[ajt5027]

The international gateway opens at the same time as Future World. The world showcase is closed but you can walk through Great Britain and Canada to get to FW, and if you have a breakfast reservation in Norway you can go over there. I don't about dropping the rope early tho, I would say no.

 

[TinkerChelli]

Hi, You will only be permitted in earlier than the posted time that day if you have special Breakfast Reservations and/or or doing something else special at Epcot that day. Everything else would be closed aside from your reservations. I have went in this way but you can only get in earlier with reservations. Sorry.... :wave:
It is less crowded to go in this way though.

 

[ElvisMickey]

I use International Gateway all the time. I always rent a car on my WDW trips so anytime I'm going to EPCOT, I park at the Boardwalk and use the IG entrance. I was at WDW a few weeks ago and they let everyone in IG around 8:50 when Future World was opening at 9. By the time we all walked over to Future World, it was just about 9. So in my experience, they will let you in a little early.

 

[bgraham34]

I use International Gateway all the time. I always rent a car on my WDW trips so anytime I'm going to EPCOT, I park at the Boardwalk and use the IG entrance. I was at WDW a few weeks ago and they let everyone in IG around 8:50 when Future World was opening at 9. By the time we all walked over to Future World, it was just about 9. So in my experience, they will let you in a little early.

They must do that still or from time to time. On my most recent trip my friend was the second person to walk into Epcot and hauled his butt to Soarin and there were a few people inside already.

 

[Mukta]

4 or 5 years ago, they used to let us into the park at 8:50 and hold a rope near the UK pavilion. At 9, they would drop the rope.
The last 2 years, they held me at the turnstiles until 9 am.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

A few years ago, when my husband & I stayed at the Boardwalk, we walked to the International Gateway to enter Epcot. We had a reservation for the Segway Tour, and had to be let in early. They did not let us in early, even w/a confirmation number. They said the ticket machines would not open until official park opening time. We ended up missing our tour (they took us on a later one bcuz of the confusion). So if you need to get in early for breakfast or a special event, I would suggest going to the front gate. Although it seems others have been fine getting in early - I wasn't so lucky & I wouldn't risk it again.

 

[dizzney]

A few years ago, when my husband & I stayed at the Boardwalk, we walked to the International Gateway to enter Epcot. We had a reservation for the Segway Tour, and had to be let in early. They did not let us in early, even w/a confirmation number. They said the ticket machines would not open until official park opening time. We ended up missing our tour (they took us on a later one bcuz of the confusion). So if you need to get in early for breakfast or a special event, I would suggest going to the front gate. Although it seems others have been fine getting in early - I wasn't so lucky & I wouldn't risk it again.

We've never had a problem getting in for an early reservation thru International Gateway and we're DVC members at the Boardwalk since '99, perhaps you had a new CM?

 

[dizzney]

I use International Gateway all the time. I always rent a car on my WDW trips so anytime I'm going to EPCOT, I park at the Boardwalk and use the IG entrance. I was at WDW a few weeks ago and they let everyone in IG around 8:50 when Future World was opening at 9. By the time we all walked over to Future World, it was just about 9. So in my experience, they will let you in a little early.

Just a comment, those of us who stay at Boardwalk arent too thrilled when you take our parking spaces, I am hoping that they make changes to that problem in the very near future.