Epcot International Gateway: Can I exchange annual pass voucher there

[mimmiepnp]

We are leaving on Wednesday for our annual TG stay at WDW and have a lunch reservation for Le Cellier. I purchased annual passes this year and have to exchange the voucher.

My 76 year old mother is coming with us this year.
We will be staying at SSR at that point and I am thinking of taking a cab from SSR to Beach Club and walk thru the international gateway into Epcot so my Mom does not have walk so far from Epcot's main entrance straight to Le Cellier for lunch.

So after that long story here is my actual question: If we do take a taxi to the beach club and walk through the international gateway is there a guest relations window there where I can exchange my annual pass voucher or is the only place to do the exchange at Epcot's main entrance?

Thanks. I am hoping to make the initial walk into Epcot a little shorter for my mom since it is our arrival day and have to head straight to Le Cellier.

Mimmiepnp

 

[pluto109]

yes

 

[backyardponder]

Since you are SSR, you can also exchange them at Customer Service at Downtown Disney. In your situation, it sounds easiest to exchange at the International Gateway. I've rarely seen lines at the ticket windows there.

 

[DebbieB]

Walking from the Beach Club to International Gateway to LeCellier is probably about the same walking distance as from the front of Epcot, if not longer. Also keep in mind there is an uphill and downhill from the Beach Club to the International Gateway and an uphill to the World Showcase. I would go in from the front, it's all flat.

Another option would be to cab to the Boardwalk or Yacht Club, take the boat to the International Gateway but you would still have a steep uphill climb from the Interntional Gateway to the World Showcase.

 

[DMKEDM]

Just this minute returned from exchanging our vouchers for our renewed annual passes at the International Gateway at Epcot (staying at BCV)...no line...computers are super slow today tho...took over 30 minutes to check in (and no line...just slow computers)...no biggie, tho...didn't use online check in cuz I wanted to use disney rewards to pay for our dining plan...veeeerrrry slow today; took 10 minutes to exchange vouchers for new APs, too, cuz of slow computers...but we got 15 months on our renewals (I'd bought the renewals before the price increase and before they announced the extra 3 months--I'm a happy camper!)...nice clean room...happy to be here...happy T-giving!

 

[mimmiepnp]

I think international gateway will be easier and less hectic to exchange the voucher. 3 days to go and counting; I am sooo excited.

Thanks for all the replies.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

 

[BCV23]

Walking from the Beach Club to International Gateway to LeCellier is probably about the same walking distance as from the front of Epcot, if not longer. Also keep in mind there is an uphill and downhill from the Beach Club to the International Gateway and an uphill to the World Showcase. I would go in from the front, it's all flat.

Another option would be to cab to the Boardwalk or Yacht Club, take the boat to the International Gateway but you would still have a steep uphill climb from the Interntional Gateway to the World Showcase.

I agree with this advice, DebbieB.

You can avoid most of the uphill between BC and IG by going under the bridge.

 

[spiceycat]

Walking from the Beach Club to International Gateway to LeCellier is probably about the same walking distance as from the front of Epcot, if not longer. Also keep in mind there is an uphill and downhill from the Beach Club to the International Gateway and an uphill to the World Showcase. I would go in from the front, it's all flat.

Another option would be to cab to the Boardwalk or Yacht Club, take the boat to the International Gateway but you would still have a steep uphill climb from the Interntional Gateway to the World Showcase.

it is definitely shorter from BC to Le Cellier than the front gate.

also coming from BC - there is a path that goes under the bridge - so walking the hill is only necessary from BW not BC

to OP - when you get to SSR ask at the front desk or bell services for a free wheelchair. just be prepared to push her,

now some elderly won't use it - but take it anyway put your stuff on it - believe me she will seat in it.

 

[BCV23]

Pat, I really think it's close to a tie.

This link by Charles has distances posted at the bottom.
http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html

BCV>IG alone is .31 miles.

Main Gate of Epcot to IG is .6 mile.

Still it sounds like the OP likes the idea of cabbing it to the BC. Have fun, mimmiepnp!

 

[mimmiepnp]

The path from BC under the bridge sounds good. Where do I find the path or is it pretty easy to see?

Thanks

 

[BCV23]

The path from BC under the bridge sounds good. Where do I find the path or is it pretty easy to see?

Thanks

When you exit the BC lobby, take a left when you get to the broad walkway that leads to Epcot. As you approach the hill (this is right before you reach the end of BC), there is a railing on the right. That's the beginning of the sidewalk that goes under the bridge. Frankly, you need to look for it....it's easy to miss.

 

[backyardponder]

You could also take a boat from the Beach Club to the International Gateway.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Personally I don't think the hill between BC and IG is really the worst of it. It's the hill inside the IG heading towards England. My memory is very fresh since we were there two weeks ago with my mother in a wheelchair. The hill between BC and IG is a bit more gradual, though longer and can be avoided by using the lower walkway. You have to do the hill in Epcot though.

Of course coming in the front entrance of Epcot there is also a gradual incline going up from SSE. Still, I think that overall that's the easier walk.

 

[robertdangelo]

Do they offer free wheelchairs at all DVC resorts? My mom may come on a trip next year and will need one, not only in parks, but getting to transporartion, etc.

 

[BCV23]

You could also take a boat from the Beach Club to the International Gateway.

That doesn't make for a shorter walk and will take more time.

Do they offer free wheelchairs at all DVC resorts? My mom may come on a trip next year and will need one, not only in parks, but getting to transporartion, etc.

They do but in limited quantities and what they have available may not fit. There are off site vendors who deliver. Here's info:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5873006&postcount=2

 

[BLLB]

robertdangelo

We took my mom, 83 years old, last year and rented from an offsite company when we stayed at the Contemporary. We did that because she would have the ECV for all the walking around the resort and to the bus stops, restaurants, etc. Also, there is no guarantee that a wheelchair or ECV will be available at the resort or park.

The price was very reasonable and she would not have been able to go had we not rented the ECV. I highly recommend it. Also, the DISabilities board has tons of great suggestions and the folks are very helpful.

 

[jaysmom4285]

I agree with Backyardponder - if walking is an issue for your mom, take the boat from BC to the International Gateway. It may take a bit more time but not an excessive amount, and it could be well worth it to your mom. You could always rent her a wheelchair at the International Gateway, since it's still a fair hike from there to Le Cellier.

 

[BCV23]

I agree with Backyardponder - if walking is an issue for your mom, take the boat from BC to the International Gateway. It may take a bit more time but not an excessive amount, and it could be well worth it to your mom. You could always rent her a wheelchair at the International Gateway, since it's still a fair hike from there to Le Cellier.

If you look at the map in the link in post #9, you can see that the walk to IG is almost identical to the walk to the dock.

The OP of that aerial map lists the walk as .31 and .29 miles respectively from BCV entrance. Even after disembarking, there is a teeny walk to IG that probably makes it a tie.

 

[missy2217]

We are leaving on Wednesday for our annual TG stay at WDW and have a lunch reservation for Le Cellier. I purchased annual passes this year and have to exchange the voucher.

My 76 year old mother is coming with us this year.
We will be staying at SSR at that point and I am thinking of taking a cab from SSR to Beach Club and walk thru the international gateway into Epcot so my Mom does not have walk so far from Epcot's main entrance straight to Le Cellier for lunch.

So after that long story here is my actual question: If we do take a taxi to the beach club and walk through the international gateway is there a guest relations window there where I can exchange my annual pass voucher or is the only place to do the exchange at Epcot's main entrance?

Thanks. I am hoping to make the initial walk into Epcot a little shorter for my mom since it is our arrival day and have to head straight to Le Cellier.

Mimmiepnp

My mom has trouble walking too and we just got back from a stay at SSR. They supplied her with a wheel chair for free for the week at the front desk. Maybe you should inquire.

 

[mimmiepnp]

Thank you for all the replies. I plan on having a discussion with my mom on the plane to see what she would like to do. This is her first trip to the world so whatever makes her happy.....

Our plane leaves at 6:30 tomorrow morning and we should be landing in exactly 12 hours. Can't wait to get there

Mimmiepnp