Best Epcot entrance strategy?

[jjalm]

On our first day, our flight lands around 8:30 am. It's August 20 - the last day for Living Seas so our only day to see it. We plan to go straight from the Airport to Epcot. We could either park at our hotel, the Beach Club, and enter through the International Gate - very short line to activate our tickets but a long walk to Living Seas OR we could park Epcot's main entrance, with short walk to Living Seas but presumably a long line to get into the park. Any suggestion as to which would be better? And any guesses how long the Living Seas line will be on that last day - will most guests know that it's closing the next day?

 

[elgerber]

No guesses on how long the line's will be, but I think it would most convenient for you to park at the Beach Club and enter in that way. The lines for your passes will be shorter, and then you won't have to drive back to the hotel when you are done.

 

[blacklily]

I would park at beach club. Living Seas is on that side closest to BC so it probably isn't too much further than the maingate. Also, there is usually not a line at the ticket counter at the international gateway. Plus if you park out front you will have to wait for the tram or walk which will add to the trip. Biggest plus, at the end of the day you can just walk home.

 

[mommystieg]

Gotta love the International Gateway No lines and the walk from BC to Epcot is very nice!!

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

Definitely go with Internation Gateway, shorter lines and the walk isn't that far. Unless there's a sign many of the guests may not even be aware that Living Seas will be closed.....or perhaps I'm underestimating the general public

 

[CinderellaPug]

International Gateway is the way to go. This way you can always stop off at Soarin and see if you can get a FP before heading to the Living Seas.

 

[GIOny]

International Gateway is the way to go. This way you can always stop off at Soarin and see if you can get a FP before heading to the Living Seas.

I agree with everyone else, the International Gateway is the best part about staying in the BC, BW etc.. Also Cinderella Pug has a great idea about the fast pass. I would definitly take advantage of the fact that you are staying at the BC and park your car there, why pay for extra parking?

 

[disnut8]

Park at the Beach Club, check in (your room won't be ready but all your paperwork will be taken care of), then use the International Gateway and go over to the Living Seas. Love the idea of getting FastPasses for Soarin'. I doubt the line for The Living Seas will be anything prohibitive. There won't be any warning to the general public that it's closing the next day.

 

[swilphil]

I don't really think the Living Seas is that far from the International Gateway. Don't you just go by Canada, take the first left and go past Journey into the Imagination on the way?

When we were there in March, the lines at Epcot's main gate were the worst. Plus won't you have to pay for parking if you haven't checked into the Beach Club first?