Epcot Early Entry from the International Gateway

[Grotto]

Entered through the IG this morning, Tuesday, February 17th. Just a little summary of my experience.

Staying at Beach Club Villas and lined up at the gate at 7:30am. Line at that point was back almost to the bridge where the walkway splits to Beach Club vs Boardwalk. People getting off the Skyliner and the Friendship boats actually had to backtrack towards Beach Club to get in line.

Started letting people through security and the turnstiles at approximately 7:35am. The main line moved quickly but the stroller line looked like it would take a long time.

I was through the turnstiles at about 7:45am

They formed 3 lines on the walkway to the World Showcase loop. This is where they scanned to make sure you qualified for Early Entry.

7:52am the line moved forward about 50 feet. I’m guessing because the lines were backing up to the turnstiles.

7:57am started the walk to the front of the park. Was lead by 2 Disney employees. It was a brisk walk, and you were not allowed to pass the Dinsey people.

At the first branch point towards Imagination, they sent the Guardians group left. Frozen group stayed right. At this point, no more Disney employees. A few took off running, but not too many.

8:01am I passed through the breezeway between Connections Cafe and Creation shop. No ropes here. Moved directly to Guardians line. There were definitely people from the from of the park ahead of me.

8:02am I was in line outside the spaceship.

8:07 am I was in the switchback between Guardians and the monorail line. I was in the 5th of the long linear switchbacks.

8:21 am they started letting the line into the building. Walked steadily to the room with all the displays by 8:29am.

8:35am in the holding room
8:38am. First pre show
8:42am. Teleportation room
8:47am. About to board coaster
Blondie. One Way or Another
8:53am. Off ride
8:55am. Threw up in the first garbage can outside of the pavilion

9:01am. Now in line for Frozen just ahead of the regular entry crowd…….

So I think that is about as fast as you can move from the International Gateway. Even though I wasn’t first through the turnstiles, I was right near the Disney employees walking us forward when we reached the split point. I don’t think getting in line earlier would have gotten me on Guardians faster.

A LOT of the IG people headed towards Frozen. I can see why. The current line is past China and over the bridge towards the Outpost. Can’t see the end of it from where I’m at.

Presidents Day week, so not sure if this is busier than normal. All the Lightning Lane passes are sold out.

Good luck to all the future early birds out there!

 

[Dave006]

Presidents Day week, so not sure if this is busier than normal. All the Lightning Lane passes are sold out.

Yes this is known as a Red Week. Massive crowds all week long. Yes LLMP at Epcot has been sold out for days through Thursday. There are still attraction drops but guests can't purchase the LLMP selection. It all will start to return to normal on Friday.

Thanks for sharing your morning commute. Also Frozen just very recently reopened after some attraction updates.

Dave

 

[davidrw]

If you’re coming in via International Gateway for Early Entry, you’re in a great spot for Remy and you’ll usually see people queuing up well before the official start time. In practice they let you tap in early then you get held near the path into France until they start letting Early Entry guests flow toward the rides.

 

[Disneylover99]

8:55am. Threw up in the first garbage can outside of the pavilion

9:01am. Now in line for Frozen just ahead of the regular entry crowd…….

Impressive. Lol.
You made good time getting from Guardians to Frozen despite getting sick.
Hope you feel great the rest of the day!