A different way in....

[mkingdon]

This falls in the daft question bracket I think but.....

I've been told by a DVC member that they use this method to get into Epcot and MGM quickly and easily, and it allows them to get away much easier as well.

He says, he parks at the Swan (Fantasia Golf) and then walks into Epcot via Int Gateway or into MGM.

My knowledge of the geography of this area is not great so my questions are:

1. How far is the walk?
2. Can I go in via Int Gateway before Futureworld opens?
3. Is this worth it?
4. If you are not staying on Disney property does this make a difference?
5. Does it make exiting the parks easier?

and anything else I've forgotten.

Sorry to be vague but it sounds too good to be true.

Cheers

Craig

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Distance from Epcot much depends on where you finish at the end of the day. If you are near Futureworld it is easier to get to the Epcot car park than to fight your way against the crowds to exit at International Gateway. However, if you are in World Showcase, especially France, UK, USA area then it is a shorter walk out of the International Gateway.

If we visit Epcot in the morning and intend to leave before the park closes we normally park in the Epcot car park. If we visit in the evening and leave after IllumiNations we park in the Boardwalk car park and stroll along the boardwalk on our way home. A very pleasant end to the evening!

Regards

Rob

 

[BevS97]

I didn't think you were allowed to park at the hotel car parks for more than 3 hours. We've always been asked where we were going and given a parking pass.


I do know the answer to
Can I go in via Int Gateway before Futureworld opens?

You can go in this way, but will have to walk more or less straight round to FutureWorld. I don't think anyone will hurry you along, but the World Showcase attractions will all be closed

Bev

 

[mkingdon]

I think the 3 hour thing doesn't apply if you park at the Fantasia Golf. No-one checks there (so I'm told)

 

[Penny12]

Well, I'm not going to go into the why's and wherefore's of the moral argument about not parking where you are supposed to, so I will just say this.

Fantasia mini golf isn't actually in the Swan - it's next door and across the road. But remember - this is an American 'next door' not ours. To walk from the mini golf to the International Gateway is atleast a 15 minute walk - add on to that, the 5 minute plus walk thru WS when it's shut...and it doesn't seem that convenient to me. To walk to MGM I'd say it would be closer to a 25 minute walk in total from Fantasia Gardens.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Just wanted to say that you can enter through International Gateway before Worldshowcase opens - WS is roped off and cast members direct you to Futureworld

 

[mkingdon]

That's what I needed. I suspected it was quite a walk.

I think the benefit is more at the end of the day (post fireworks) than in the morning, but I know what you mean.

 

[LFC Nut]

Another option we used was to park at the Boardwalk and then walk in through the International Gate. This was especially good after watching Illuminations as you missed the main traffic leaving.

We had a slow stroll and watched the street entertainers at the Boardwalk and by the time we left the roads were all clear.