Thank you for starting the new thread. I have gotten the greatest information here. I was looking at the map that shows the route to DHS and Epcot. Question......I see that there is an entrance to the World Showcase section of Epcot, but what about the Future World area. If the showcase doesn't officially open until 11 how do we get to the front entrance of Epcot for rope drop....is there another path, or do we need to take a bus?
Jan
Others have answered your questions, but I thought I would post the info from the Other Useful Info section. If anyone has anything to add to this, please let me know.
Does anyone know yet if the French Bakery is open during Epcot early EMH? Anyone have a recent times guide???
Also, it sounds like the rope drop info I have listed may no longer be accurate. Should I just get rid of that?
How do I get to EPCOT?
Guests of the EPCOT resorts enter EPCOT through the International Gateway. This entrance takes you to the World Showcase, on a path that is in between France and UK.
Thanks for the pictures missyrose and pixeldust and pixarmom!
How do I enter EPCOT at rope drop/park opening?
Guests who enter EPCOT through the International Gateway prior to the park opening time should proceed on the walkway outside of UK and Canada. Cast members are stationed along the way (bridge to France being #1) to guide you through UK and Canada. After you pass the last little cart coming out of Canada you are directed onto the small pathway that leads toward the Fountain of Nations. There you will experience a real rope with CMs and characters milling around. Across from you, maybe forty yards away, are the guests that arrived from the front entrance.
After the countdown, the rope is removed and CMs will escort you to Soarin in an orderly fashion. Usually, you will arrive at Soarin' either at the same time or just a moment or so after those who enter through the main gates.
If you have a pre-opening breakfast scheduled at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, you will provide your name and/or reservation to a CM at the International Gateway. You proceed through UK and Canada as described above, then continue past Mexico to Norway.
Note: Starting in 2013, the French bakery is now open at 9 am when EPCOT opens, so you also have the opportunity to stop there in the morning for a treat.
However, guests of the BC/YC/BCV who need to be at the front of the park
BEFORE park opening (for example, marathon runners or for special tours) will probably need to take a taxi from the resort to the front entrance of EPCOT.
Thanks, Dee!
I took the opportunity to read through the first few posts again and had a question. It says pool hours are until 10pm, but I feel like I might have seen that this is no longer the case. Can anyone confirm? We're going in off-season, but it will still be hot (Sept), so I've thought we'd like to do some swimming.
Thanks!
I think you are correct. I have edited my response in the Useful Info post. I would appreciate if a few people would report back with what time the pool closed when you return from your stays.
Like, next week will be a busy week (but perhaps cool weather wise). I would be curious what time the pool actually closes.
Thanks in advance everyone for the help in getting correct info out there.
Can you tell me the hours for Stormalong Bay pool?
Yes, I can!!!
Until recently, the closing time at night definitely varied throughout the year and was based on things like crowd level, weather, etc.
Beginning on February 12, 2012 the official operating hours of Stormalong Bay are
10 am to 10 pm daily.
These hours will be in effect until further notice.
The pool may remain open longer during the summer or other busy times of the year subject to the discretion of the lifeguards on duty.
OK- edit to add- it appears that the official operating hours are not year round. Others have reported that the pool has been closing around 8 pm in the winter (has anyone seen SAB close earlier than that). I also think that the pool stayed open later in the summer. So we may be back to the "old system"
DH and I would love a date night while at WdW and luckily our youngest is finally old enough for the kids' club!
Problem is, now DD is too old...turning 14 in May, which is when our trip is. On our
DCL cruise last May she roamed all over, mostly to the teen club, by herself. There isn't anything likethatfor her age at WDW though, right? I would feel fine having her stay in the room and rent a movie, but that is boring. What else can she do there? Is it safe for her to roam the resort alone? Should i just have her stay in the room? DH and I will probably go to DHS for date night.
As others indicated, this is a decision you need to make based on your family's comfort level.
The movie/campfire was a good idea. There should be lots of families around for that.
I don't know the spa hours, but I wonder if there is something like a mani/pedi that would interest her.
Can anyone think of something special to do while in the room?
One thing I may suggest is that she uses main stairways instead of the elevator if needed when she is alone. I would be uncomfortable being in an enclosed space while alone.