Epcot Int'l Gateway & FW opening

[vault19dweller]

Was just brainstorming, with the Epcot Int'l. Gateway, I've heard that opens before World Showcase opens (at 11 am)

If we turned up to the Gateway entrance at just say, 10 am, got through by 10.45 or so - would we be able to head to the area of World Showcase we want to start in? (even before it opens)

Or are you only allowed to go from that entrance straight to Future World if its before 11 am?

 

[Itinkso]

Was just brainstorming, with the Epcot Int'l. Gateway, I've heard that opens before World Showcase opens (at 11 am)

If we turned up to the Gateway entrance at just say, 10 am, got through by 10.45 or so - would we be able to head to the area of World Showcase we want to start in? (even before it opens)

Or are you only allowed to go from that entrance straight to Future World if its before 11 am?

When you enter through IG, you can head to the far edge of France and wait at the rope. Or, you can walk around the lake in the opposite direction and make it as far as Norway and wait at that rope.

 

[vault19dweller]

Thanks heaps! Good to know its roped off till 11

 

[DOOM1001]

They rope it off at the edge of France,the bakery in France opens at 9am, so you can walk into France as well as through the UK,Canada,Mexico and Norway where the other rope is at until 11am.

 

[MrKnight]

Was just brainstorming, with the Epcot Int'l. Gateway, I've heard that opens before World Showcase opens (at 11 am)

If we turned up to the Gateway entrance at just say, 10 am, got through by 10.45 or so - would we be able to head to the area of World Showcase we want to start in? (even before it opens)

Or are you only allowed to go from that entrance straight to Future World if its before 11 am?

You can definetly enter through the IG entrance when the park opens (9am), however, as stated, World Showcase does not open until 11am so normally cast members direct you towards Future World immediatly upon entry at IG, there are also signs stating that the area does not open until 11am.

I do not recall being able to enter France before WC opening, however, this may have changed as indicated by other posters, just keep in mind that all attractions/shops/restaurants will be closed in WC. It is normally best to start a Future World and end at World Showcase as Future World closes early in the evening and World Showcase is where Illuminations takes place at the end of the day.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Yes you can enter France. The bakery opens at 9. Nothing else will be open but you can walk through or even hang around there. The rope is across the far edge of the Chefs de France restaurant and you cannot progress beyond that until WS official opening.

If you go in the other direction you can walk through (or hang around in) UK and Canada pavilions to access Future World. shops, restaurants and attractions in this area will not be open. You could also go into Mexico and Norway but nothing in that area will be open other than Akershus. A rope will stop you after Norway.

Not everything opens at 11. Rose & Crown pub, Tutto Gusto and Spice Road open at 11:30. the Canada beer cart does not serve until 11:30. La Cava del Tequila opens at noon, although they were experimenting with an 11:30 opening on weekends during Food & Wine.

I'm also going to mention that never once has it taken me as long as 45 minutes to get through the International Gateway.

 

[Lehuaann]

OP, you are more than welcome to stand by the roped off, well, more like chained off, areas (France/Norway) until 11. There will be a CM standing there; they don't mind. If you are near France, grab a pastry and coffee while you wait.

 

[georgina]

I have to agree with MakiraMarlena - if you show up at the Intl gateway at 10, you should be through by 10:05, not 10:45.

 

[vault19dweller]

Thanks everyone!

I just thought of maybe dining in an area before the rope drops but if its not officially open sounds like the bakery may be the only option - at least its something!

If I headed up to France between 10.30 and 11 am, and did want something from the bakery while I wait, is this the Boulangerie Patisserie?

Sorry for my silly question, first time there, and assuming thats the one being referenced

(PS: Im a massive coffee person, need my morning lattes *laughs* so that definitely sounds like a plan)

 

[purple figment]

Thanks everyone!

I just thought of maybe dining in an area before the rope drops but if its not officially open sounds like the bakery may be the only option - at least its something! Besides the bakery in France there is a coffee kiosk between the UK and Canada pavilions that has some pastries.

If I headed up to France between 10.30 and 11 am, and did want something from the bakery while I wait, is this the Boulangerie Patisserie? Yes, Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie is near the back of the pavilion inside the shopping/exit area from the French film. If you are not sure of its location there will be a CM that can direct you.

Sorry for my silly question, first time there, and assuming thats the one being referenced

(PS: Im a massive coffee person, need my morning lattes *laughs* so that definitely sounds like a plan)

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