Epcot Questions!

[drj898]

I'll be staying either BWI or BC with my girlfriend to surprise her for her birthday for a week in July. I mean, either way..we'll be walking to Epcot. But some questions:

1) When you enter Epcot from the BoardWalk, you enter the "back door" into World Showcase...not Future World, right?

2) If we want to hit Mission:Space and everything in Future World, when it opens at 9am, we won't be able to enter World Showcase until 11am. So..my question is...what's the best way for us to enter Future World when the rope drops at 9am so we can get on the rides and everything early before the heat and crowds?

Thanks!!

 

[jujube]

1. Yes
2. Take the boat from your resort.
3. You enter through the back way-the International Gate. Then you walk through the World Showcase.
Look at the red line on the map below. It points out the route through the World Showcase to either Mission Space/Test Track or to Soarin' which is in The Land.

 

[Hopefully]

The gates open at the International Gateway at the exact same time the front gate opens in Future World, usually a few minutes before 9. As you reach the top of the path near the UK, the bridge to France on your right is roped off and there is usually a CM there preventing you from going that way. You get to walk through an empty UK and Canada to get to Future World. You will make Mission Space at just about the same time as guests entering from the front.
EasyWDW posted about a test of this strategy recently, perhaps you can find that review. At any rate, the result was that International Gateway folks are not at a disadvantage
Also from the BC or the BW I would definitely walk to the IG, not take the boat. It is faster. It is a nice 10 minute walk
Enjoy

 

[Robo]

The gates open at the International Gateway at the exact same time the front gate opens in Future World, usually a few minutes before 9.

Concerning park opening times-

Here's what's been happening within the past couple of months:

Only MK still offers a Rope Drop SHOW along with an inside-the-gates holding area.
MK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."

DAK no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW,
but still has a "rope" (guest holding area) either just inside the gates,
or at a location past the Oasis, near the Tree of Life.
DAK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."

Epcot and DHS no longer offer a Rope Drop SHOW, AND no longer offer an inside-the-gates holding area.
Epcot and DHS Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."
(DHS has opened as early as 30 min., but that's not been the case every day.)

AM EMH entrance times seem to not be affected (figure entering 5-10 minutes before the AM EMH time, as usual.)
MK will offer some form of their Rope Drop Show for AM EMH.

As always, arrive well before the posted opening time at all parks.

 

[drj898]

So I can enter Future World from the back door? And enterEpcot from the Int'l Gateway?

Thanks again!

 

[lsenquiz]

So I can enter Future World from the back door? And enterEpcot from the Int'l Gateway?

Thanks again!

Yes you enter through int'l gateway and walk to future world. Like PP said the Int'l gateway gate will be open no later than 9am but more than likely 8:45am(unless it is a EMH - then it is no later than 8am). YOu will have no problem getting to future world through that gate.

 

[Quin]

Yes, you can enter from the International Gateway just the same as from the 'front gates' and at the same timeframe as Robo posted. You just will be blocked from turning right after you are in and going around FW until 11 am. Until then, you are directed to turn left and go to FW. The shops and attractions in England and France are not open until 11 either; you are just passing through.

 

[drj898]

Okay, cool, thanks. First time a question of mine has been answered so fast and easily!

Maybe one day i'll stop underestimating you guys' Disney knowledge on here...

 

[lions1995]

If I were you , I would head to Soarin first, get a FP and then go over to Mission. Since they wil now be enforcing FP return times, if you wait too long for a Soarin FP, it will have a return time later in the day when you may already be in the world showcase.

 

[jujube]

The gates open at the International Gateway at the exact same time the front gate opens in Future World, usually a few minutes before 9. As you reach the top of the path near the UK, the bridge to France on your right is roped off and there is usually a CM there preventing you from going that way. You get to walk through an empty UK and Canada to get to Future World. You will make Mission Space at just about the same time as guests entering from the front.
EasyWDW posted about a test of this strategy recently, perhaps you can find that review. At any rate, the result was that International Gateway folks are not at a disadvantage
Also from the BC or the BW I would definitely walk to the IG, not take the boat. It is faster. It is a nice 10 minute walk
Enjoy

You're right, it is faster to walk.

 

[drj898]

I um....never heard of easywdw. Maybe I should check it out lol. Thanks!