Entering International Gateway

[tsme]

I read a review on another website that stated a family wasn't allowed early entry thru IG for their 8am reservation at Akershus. They were made to go back to BC & take a cab to the front of Epcot. Is this a new thing? In the past, they would let you go to your reservation. I'm hoping it was just a uninformed new CM that wouldn't let them in. That would be a huge issue for me. I'll have to cancel our breakfast reservation if this is a new thing.

 

[Robo]

1. I read a review on another website that stated a family wasn't allowed early entry thru IG for their 8am reservation at Akershus. They were made to go back to BC & take a cab to the front of Epcot.

2. Is this a new thing?
3. In the past, they would let you go to your reservation.
4. I'm hoping it was just a uninformed new CM that wouldn't let them in. That would be a huge issue for me. I'll have to cancel our breakfast reservation if this is a new thing.

1. If true, it was an anomaly.
2. No. What would be the reason to deny entry to a guest with a reservation?
3. Nothing has changed.
4. I'm thinking that the poster was confused.
What was the DATE of that post?

 

[PSUGuy]

In 2007 we had a Segway Tour and got in through the IG, but just barely in time. There's a gate well before the turnstiles, actually right where the down slope ends, and that was locked for the longest time. When we got to the turnstiles we had to pester the CMs to let us in. The tour was starting training when we got there, and ours wasn't the first tour of the day. A year or 2 later we bought a tour for my daughter and SIL and I also gave them cab money to avoid this.

Bill From PA

 

[tsme]

It was dated April 20, 2016 & their trip was this April also.

 

[LisaCM614]

It was dated April 20, 2016 & their trip was this April also.

I find this very surprising. I would find it hard to believe that Disney policy on the International Gateway would change. Check with your resort concierge to confirm the night before your ADR to give yourself piece of mind.

 

[dansdad]

My parents are at Boardwalk right now and have used the IG for pre park opening ADRs twice already with no issues.

 

[tsme]

I don't know, it was just a post I read on another forum. Maybe they didn't say they had reservations, who knows what the details surrounding it were. I just wanted to be sure there hadn't been any changes, because it would totally suck to have to go to the front of the park.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Yeah, something isn't right there. Either something was off about their reservation or something else was going on. CMs manning the gate should have a clipboard or an Ipad or something to check the reservation.

 

[mom2rtk]

Maybe someone new working the gate? Maybe a private event in the World Showcase that morning? Sure would be a bummer though.

 

[WEDWDW]

Don't ever take no for an answer at the IG.

Ask to speak to a Manager,etc.

No way they'll ever expect Crescent Lake Resort Guests to pay for a Cab ride to make their ADRs.

 

[DarkPaw]

Not saying this is the case here, but last September, we witnessed a group wanting to be let in at 8 for Akershus but they did not have a reservation. they wanted to go check if they could do a walk-in. they were still arguing with a supervisor at 8:45 when everyone was let in.

 

[rastahomie]

It was dated April 20, 2016

Well there's the problem! It was 4/20! The CM was probably too... intoxicated to know what was going on!

 

[NewbieMouse]

I would find it hard to believe that Disney policy on the International Gateway would change.

For a Newbie who's about to stay ay YC, can you explain the policy on that entrance? TIA!

 

[WEDWDW]

For a Newbie who's about to stay ay YC, can you explain the policy on that entrance? TIA!

Policy is if you have an ADR or Tour scheduled before the Park officially opens,you are let through the tapstiles(with proper admission media of course) in time to walk to your destination within Epcot.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Policy is if you have an ADR or Tour scheduled before the Park officially opens,you are let through the tapstiles(with proper admission media of course) in time to walk to your destination within Epcot.

Thank you. Does that entrance only open officially for people without ADRs/Tours when WS opens? I was just wondering as I know FW usually opens earlier.

 

[Robo]

Thank you. Does that entrance only open officially for people without ADRs/Tours when WS opens? I was just wondering as I know FW usually opens earlier.

It opens when FW opens. (At the time when Epcot opens for the day.)

It is not a "special WS entrance."
It is THE entrance/exit for guests staying at the Epcot Area Resorts.**
(And, anyone who needs to exit and enter near those resorts.)

You can exit via the IG at any time that Epcot is open, as well.
It is also a route to the walkway and Friendship Boats that go to/from DHS.

--------------------
Epcot Area Resorts **
Beach Club
Yacht Club
Boardwalk
Swan
Dolphin

 

[WEDWDW]

Thank you. Does that entrance only open officially for people without ADRs/Tours when WS opens? I was just wondering as I know FW usually opens earlier.

The International Gateway opens "at" 9:00 AM(Park Opening) the same time as the Maingate.(However sometimes Epcot lets Guests in at 8:45 AM or even earlier unannounced).

And the Maingate has been known to let Guests in a few minutes earlier than the IG.

 

[rpb718]

In 2007 we had a Segway Tour and got in through the IG, but just barely in time. There's a gate well before the turnstiles, actually right where the down slope ends, and that was locked for the longest time. When we got to the turnstiles we had to pester the CMs to let us in. The tour was starting training when we got there, and ours wasn't the first tour of the day. A year or 2 later we bought a tour for my daughter and SIL and I also gave them cab money to avoid this.

Bill From PA

I think it we did the EPCOT Segway tour in 2010 and were staying at BC at the time. No issues getting in via the IG for us. (And I really miss the EPCOT segway tour - still got the pins somewhere in my vacation box.)

 

[RayO]

I have always been iffy about the IG, but am definitely going to use it this coming trip. Sounds very convenient, especially going to HS.

 

[Robo]

I have always been iffy about the IG, but am definitely going to use it this coming trip. Sounds very convenient, especially going to HS.

If you are on the west to southwest side of World Showcase, the IG is the better route to DHS.

But if you are elsewhere in Epcot (especially Future World) the better route can be to exit the front gates and
take the direct bus from Epcot to DHS.