what time does the Int'l Gateway entrance open in Epcot?

[lissiesmum]

We have an 8:00am ressie in Norway and we're staying at the CR. The first monorail doesn't go out to Epcot until 7:30 and I don't want to be running across the park like we did our last trip. It was suggested on the transportation boards that we take a taxi over to the YC or BC, and walk over through the International Gateway, but depending on what time that opens to guests with an early reservation before park opening, it may or may not be a better option. I'd like to get to Norway by 7:50 to check in and be there a little ahead of time. Is this possible going through this side of the park? Thanks ahead of time for your help!

[amzking]

They will start letting people in at 8 am, and they will check your name on the reservation list.

It opens to regular park guests at 9, unless its an early EMH day.

FYI - you will be waiting for your 8 am reservation. They have a ton of 8 am ressys and everyone arrives at once, so it takes awhile to process everyone and get them through the Belle photo session. You probably will not sit down to eat till close to 9.

It's a great experience, though, and a great deal with the photo package being included. Have fun!

[lissiesmum]

this is good to know! I might as well just take the monorail then if they don't let anyone into the park until 8:00! THere wouldn't be an advantage to going in through the International Gateway if it doesn't open up any earlier. Not to mention, I just looked on a map and Norway looks just as far from the Int'l Gateway as it does from the Epcot entrance. Is that a fair assumption? Thanks for the heads up

[tdsbu]

We have an 8am ressie on 1/28 ... also staying at CR. I was planning on just taking the monorail whenever it starts operating and getting there when we get there.

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by tdsbu

We have an 8am ressie on 1/28 ... also staying at CR. I was planning on just taking the monorail whenever it starts operating and getting there when we get there.

I did this last year when we stayed at the Poly. We didn't actually get to Norway until 8:20, and weren't seated until close to 9, just like a PP said. I was hoping to find more leisurely way of getting there in the morning, but the monorail will probably be the way to go. Do you post on the CR FAQ site? I'd love to hear about your experience when you get back

[tdsbu]

It will be our first stay at CR as well - I have never posted to the FAQ but I will try to remember to do so when we get back. We're staying in a studio and taking our DD2 and DDinfant, so it should be interesting!

[Traveliz]

Originally Posted by amzking

They will start letting people in at 8 am, and they will check your name on the reservation list.

It opens to regular park guests at 9, unless its an early EMH day.

FYI - you will be waiting for your 8 am reservation. They have a ton of 8 am ressys and everyone arrives at once, so it takes awhile to process everyone and get them through the Belle photo session. You probably will not sit down to eat till close to 9.

It's a great experience, though, and a great deal with the photo package being included. Have fun!

Wow I think they will be sitting down before then - we were there Spring break week and had an 8:05 reservation and were done by 9:05 (and really that was only because the bill wasn't paid yet.)

On Wednesday we had friends with an 8:05 ADR and they were done and met us at Soarin' -- they were at Soarin' by 9:15.

We did do the picture and see all the princesses.

Liz

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by Traveliz

Wow I think they will be sitting down before then - we were there Spring break week and had an 8:05 reservation and were done by 9:05 (and really that was only because the bill wasn't paid yet.)

On Wednesday we had friends with an 8:05 ADR and they were done and met us at Soarin' -- they were at Soarin' by 9:15.

We did do the picture and see all the princesses.

Liz

Thank you, Liz! Definitely reassures me. THis will be the first year my DD is over 40" and I want to be able to get out to Soarin and Test Track before the lines start getting crazy! How far is to walk to Soarin and TT from Norway?

[RMulieri]

I had an 805 at Norway on Sept..I did not get seated till 835am..We were not done till 930.Rule of thumb allow 90 mins to dine at character meals, and more if Free Dining is going on at the time