first-timer's question!!

[mcvicsqueak]

Thanks to all the posts from everyone, it looks like D.H. and I will have a great trip; although short-Jan.22-26 . We're arriving on Thurs. at about 2:00 and since our time is limited, thought we'd head to Epcot (W.S. specifically) first thing to check it out and catch Illuminations. My question is: can we park at the Boardwalk and then use the first day of our Park Hopper Pass entering through I.G. (thus avoiding parking hassle and long walk through F.W.)? Since we will be staying off-site, will we be allowed to park at the Boardwalk? Don't know how we would have planned this without everyone's great input! Thanks!!!

 

[kerri0616]

I believe you are allowed to park at a resort for a total of 3 hours. Epcot really isn't too much of a hassle parking-wise to deal with (as compared to MK).

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

It is rare, but it does happen that parking at the boardwalk garners a three hour limit.

The boardwalk is considered an attraction and when the guard asks, simply tell her/him that you are going to the boardwalk. You are. You can't get to the IG otherwise.

Alternatively, park at the Swan. Again, rarely there is security there that will refuse to allow you to park, but almost always you can simply pull into the lot with no worries.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No, parking in resort lots to access the parks is not correct. For off-site guests, parking is $7 per day, and is good for all the parks, so hold on to your ticket. If you have an annual pass, parking would be no charge.

 

[tjkraz]

Just one comment regarding your plan. We arrived at Epcot this last January just about the same time you did. Being one of the slower seasons, you'll find the crowds won't be bad at all. And, since you're arriving later in the day, I suspect you would be able to park a whole lot closer than you think. The people that arrive early and leave early vacate parking spots closer to the entrance. You may be able to buzz right up front and grab a spot near the entrance.

Parking issues aside, the walk from the Boardwalk to the International Gateway is no shorter than the walk through Future World. If your sole purpose is to get to the World Showcase a bit faster by cutting though the Boardwalk, I'm not sure that you'll really be able to accomplish that goal. If you actually want to visit the Boardwalk for a bit, go for it. Personally, I can't resist walking through the front gates and snapping a few photos of Spaceship Earth.