Entering Epcot from BWV

[JEWLSVERN]

We are staying at BWV on our February trip. I know Epcot has 2 entrances but I was wondering if we can enter through the international gateway at park opening or do we have to wait until WS opens. If so, how do we get to Epcot?

 

[RAD]

Yes you can enter via International Gateway when the park opens and walk over to FW.

 

[figment_jii]

As the PP said, International Gateway opens at the same time as Future World. You'll enter Epcot between France and UK. There will be CM stationed so you cannot venture beyond France (or Norway) until WS opens. Nothing in the pavilions will be open, but you can walk from IG to FW before WS opens.
Likewise, you can exit Epcot via IG before WS opens.

 

[DOOM1001]

Actually the bakery in France is open before the official WS opening time,but that's it.

 

[JEWLSVERN]

Will we be at a disadvantage to ride either soarin or TT being on the other end of the park?

 

[figment_jii]

Actually the bakery in France is open before the official WS opening time,but that's it.

Akershus in Norway is also open for breakfast. Granted the walk from IG to FW doesn't take you past Norway, you could get over there as well.

I don't think being at IG will put you at that much of a disadvantage for TT or Soarin', but I haven't been there at rope drop to try and get to those rides.

 

[Robert P]

Will we be at a disadvantage to ride either soarin or TT being on the other end of the park?

Depends on who you ask, what time of year it is, and what cast members are working. At times, they let you in early, and you can get up to the top of the hill beyond the IG for rope drop. Other times, they don't even begin bag checks until the phone rings telling them rope drop just occurred. In scenario 1, you aren't too far behind everyone else. In scenario 2, you can be at a big disadvantage for the premium future world rides and fast passes.

It's been several visits now since we have been allowed in early, and on my last trip (October), they didn't allow anyone past bag check until they got the phone call, at @ 9:01 by my watch. Walked straight to Soarin once we got in, and the standby was 40 minutes and the FP's were beyond 11:00 a.m.

 

[JEWLSVERN]

We are going at a low crowd time, February 8-15. It just seems like our only option to get to Epcot is to walk through the IG. At least we are going to Epcot on 2 days so we have FP+ for each day. I was just hoping to ride the other tiered ride also. We also have rider switch since DD1 is way to small for either ride.

That's a bummer that they make you wait and then you still have the longer walk over. Oh well, we'll just deal.

 

[knockUout]

We took a cab from BCV to front entrance of Epcot to avoid a delayed entry.

 

[goofy4tink]

I stay at BWV lot. I use the IG all the time. I've never been held up a lot by entering there. I've been able to get in early, maybe by 8:55, 60% of the time

 

[gdrj]

Will we be at a disadvantage to ride either soarin or TT being on the other end of the park?

No disadvantage. Don't forget FP+. We were there Xmas week, grabbed FP for Soaring. Walked over and rode Test Track and than Mission to Mars. When finished with that Soar FP was ready to be used.

 

[NancyIL]

We are staying at BWV on our February trip. I know Epcot has 2 entrances but I was wondering if we can enter through the international gateway at park opening or do we have to wait until WS opens. If so, how do we get to Epcot?

You can walk (fastest) or take the boat to the International Gateway entrance. It shouldn't take you more than ~ 5 minutes to walk.

I suggest making Fastpass+ reservations for later in the day when the lines are longest. Use the standby lines in the morning.