Epcot - For the first time in forever...

[GTBuzz]

...we are staying off property. In the past to enter Epcot, we've ridden a bus to Boardwalk and walked from there to the IG. What's the best way to enter via the IG if you are staying off property? We plan spending the full day at Epcot and not park hopping.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Robo]

...we are staying off property. In the past to enter Epcot, we've ridden a bus to Boardwalk and walked from there to the IG. What's the best way to enter via the IG if you are staying off property? We plan spending the full day at Epcot and not park hopping.
Thanks in advance!

Use Lyft to/from Boardwalk.
Otherwise, park in the Epcot lot and use the front Epcot gates.

You could park at DHS, but if Epcot closes substantially later than DHS, you'd likely have to walk from the Epcot IG back to the DHS lot for your car.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

I've seen several posts that resort security isn't allowing people to access the resort parking lots without either a reservation to the resort or an advanced dining reservation at at TS restaurant. I'm not sure where the best place for you to lyft or uber. I read another post that there is a gas station near the Boardwalk Inn and you can get dropped there? I would highly recommend you research the accessibility of Disney Resort parking lots further and find out the rules. You may have lyft or uber to DHS and walk or take the boat or the skyliner to EPCOT IG entrance.

 

[GTBuzz]

Is it possible to park at Disney Springs and catch a bus from there to Boardwalk?

 

[elaine amj]

Is it possible to park at Disney Springs and catch a bus from there to Boardwalk?

Easier to just park in the main Epcot parking lot IMO. Buses from the Springs back to the resorts in the morning are notoriously few and far between.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Is it possible to park at Disney Springs and catch a bus from there to Boardwalk?

DS is not to be used as parking for guests going to the parks.

 

[auntlynne]

In Sep & November, parking at EPCOT has been pretty close to the entrance. Not way out in that faraway massive parking lot. Yes, a bit farther from the World Showcase. There’s probably more foot traffic going through IG now that the Skyliner brings guests from the hotels to that entrance.

Since you’re mixing it up with hotels, perhaps mix it up and enter the park in a new way, too? You can see Spaceship Earth and the new courtyard entrance - no memory monoliths.

 

[Marionnette]

Use Lyft to/from Boardwalk.
Otherwise, park in the Epcot lot and use the front Epcot gates.

You could park at DHS, but if Epcot closes substantially later than DHS, you'd likely have to walk from the Epcot IG back to the DHS lot for your car.

Why Boardwalk? Beach Club is closer to the IG.

 

[teachluvbeach]

Agreed that Beach Club is the way to go if you're looking for the shortest walk from resort to IG.

Another option is to Uber/Lyft to the lobby of the closest Skyliner resort to where you're staying (Riviera, CBR, POP, AoA). The Skyliner drops you off right by the IG entrance.

 

[Nabas]

I've seen several posts that resort security isn't allowing people to access the resort parking lots without either a reservation to the resort or an advanced dining reservation at at TS restaurant. I'm not sure where the best place for you to lyft or uber. I read another post that there is a gas station near the Boardwalk Inn and you can get dropped there? I would highly recommend you research the accessibility of Disney Resort parking lots further and find out the rules. You may have lyft or uber to DHS and walk or take the boat or the skyliner to EPCOT IG entrance.

Yes, hotel security has been turning away a lot at the gates.

I've read several people who say they get dropped off at the gas station across the street from the Boardwalk, and then walk from there.

But then why not just get dropped off at the theme park?

 

[Aimeedyan]

You can Uber to Swan/Dolphin - they don't have security gate prior to drop-off.

But I'm not sure why you would... it'd be a longer walk from there than the theme park parking lot. I find Epcot to be the easiest/closest parking lots out of all 4 parks.

 

[GTBuzz]

Thanks everyone for all the input. I really want to start the day via the IG. And since we've never done the Skyliner, ride-sharing to Riviera and then taking the Skyliner to the IG looks like a fun way to make that happen.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Good luck and be sure to let us know how that works out .
I would guess the security at Riviera is very strict .

 

[Robo]

Have a great trip.

 

[GTBuzz]

I would guess the security at Riviera is very strict .

Well, now you've given me pause. Does security go beyond just checking your ID and letting you in, or do they validate that you're a guest.
If the latter, then I don't see anyway around just driving to Epcot and using the main entrance.

 

[Akck]

Yes, they check to see if you’re a guest or have an ADR at the resort.

 

[sdeut]

Well, now you've given me pause. Does security go beyond just checking your ID and letting you in, or do they validate that you're a guest.
If the latter, then I don't see anyway around just driving to Epcot and using the main entrance.

No Disney resort is letting people in (driving or by lyft) unless you are staying at that resort or have a dining reservation. We are staying at the Boardwalk and would have liked to take a lyft to Bay Lake Tower or Grand Floridian and walk from their but were told we would be turned away unless we were staying at said resort or had a dinning reservation.

 

[Kerr84]

I think they are really strict at the skyliner resorts for this reason.

 

[LiteBrite]

I remember reading reports of people doing mobile order breakfast from counter service places at resorts and being let in because of that - is that still an option, or has Disney quit allowing it?

 

[Akck]

I remember reading reports of people doing mobile order breakfast from counter service places at resorts and being let in because of that - is that still an option, or has Disney quit allowing it?

According to reports, they are no longer allowing mobile orders through.