entering through international gateway

[DISNEY4FUN]

Hi everyone,

We plan to be at EPCOT at the opening time and enter through the international gateway. Like everyone else, we will be making a mad dash for Soarin'. So my question is . . . how does it work going through the back entrance? Do they hold you after passing through the gate and have a rope drop? If so where is the rope? I assume we will miss any opening ceremony. Thanks.

 

[BraveMom3]

We always enter through the International Gateway. I've been when they would not let you through the turnstile until opening time, and I've been when they would let you through but had a rope at the top of the hill that they dropped at opening time.

 

[CamColt]

We did this over the summer and had the second situation mentioned above. We were let through the turnstiles and just in a bit. They held us at the rope and were saying they had to wait for the OK from the front gate (they had walkie talkies). It really seemed like they let both side in exactly at the same time. Since it was just DH and I without the kids, and we are both fast walkers, we were pretty much in the front of the pack(just one guy in front of us). We made it to Soarin right as the group from the front of the park was getting there too. We all sort of merged when entering the building so while we were the first people in line for Soarin, we weren't far back. Unfortuantely, while waiting they announced the first flight wouldnt be leaving until 9:20.

 

[ryley26]

we were let thru the turnstiles and stop halfway up the hill. DD and I ran at the rope drop and were still outdistanced by the front gate people. good luck

 

[2belles'mom]

We didn't chance it and actually DROVE to Epcot so we could go through the main entrance, even though we were staying at the Boardwalk!

 

[Mickey Fliers]

We have had to wait at the turnstiles and we have also been let in to a rope drop at the top of the hill. So, both scenarios are certainly possible. What has worked for us both in July and December is to go through the IG, head straight to Soarin. One person went inside the Land and got FP's for the group. Then, we all got out of there and headed to TT and MS. That part of the park was dead until at least 10:00. HTH.

 

[granmaz]

I never knew there was a hill in Epcot!

 

[slp87]

As you enter the IG toward the path to WS, it goes up a hill to the bridge that goes over the water.

 

[granmaz]

Ah yes, now I remember. I was still thinking about the main entrance. We haven't used that entrance but are going to do so this year. Thanks.

 

[ryley26]

I think they should let you in to canada before they stop you the distance would then be about even. We did the same thing got fp for soarin and single rider on tt. DD did mission space only one time a trip for me all before 10.