Epcot Strategy @ RD Question Regarding Which Entrance

[ILMomTo3]

We are staying at the Swan for a trip in late September this year. Through my research of FP+, etc. it seems that in general it is recommended you get a FP for either Soarin' or TT and hit the other at RD

My question is, does this strategy change which ride you get a FP for if you are using the International Gateway as opposed to the main entrance?

Is there an advantage to using one entrance over the other? Since we will have a car, would we be better served to drive and park at the Epcot main entrance?

And what time do they typically let folks actually start through the turnstiles, is it right at opening? In other words, what time should we arrive at the International Gateway Entrance if that is the one we are using?

 

[PCFriar80]

We are staying at the Swan for a trip in late September this year. Through my research of FP+, etc. it seems that in general it is recommended you get a FP for either Soarin' or TT and hit the other at RD

My question is, does this strategy change which ride you get a FP for if you are using the International Gateway as opposed to the main entrance?

Is there an advantage to using one entrance over the other? Since we will have a car, would we be better served to drive and park at the Epcot main entrance?

And what time do they typically let folks actually start through the turnstiles, is it right at opening? In other words, what time should we arrive at the International Gateway Entrance if that is the one we are using?

We've stayed at the BCVs multiple time and always use the IG entrance for rope drop on normal and EMH days. IMO your FP selection shouldn't change based on your choice of entrance. We always go straight to Soarin' and use our FP for TT, and typically complete both within the first hour.

There are some differences [and advantages] from using the main entrance vs. the IG entrance. The main entrance has more MB readers so more guests are entering when the gates open. It's a longer walk from IG to either Soarin' or TT so you'll have to "hustle" to make up any lost ground. Folks start queueing up at IG as much as 30 minutes [if not more] before opening.
Again, we're talking a relatively small volume of people at IG.

Is the advantage of using the main entrance and car worth it? Not in my opinion.