For those that stay at the Epcot area resorts--

[NMAmy]

I was flipping through the Unofficial Guide and, once again, it struck me as odd that they always list the International Gateway entrance as a con (as opposed to a pro) for staying at the Epcot area resorts.

We've stayed at the Dolphin many times and I've always looked upon the International Gateway as a definite bonus to staying in that area. There is never a long line to get in and I LOVE being able to walk back to the resort after Illuminations when there are huge crowds. I also really enjoy walking through a virtually empty UK and Canada in the WS in the morning. It's magical--like you have the whole park to yourself.

The reason it's listed that way in the UG is because it takes longer to get to Future World for the rope drop in the morning. Perhaps it's because we usually head to Soarin' first, I don't see us getting there much later than those using the front gate (unless I've dawdled in the WS!)

So, for those of you who have stayed at those resorts--pro or con in your book?

 

[Vivianne]

It's a pro...

 

[mericletwins]

International Gateway is a huge pro for us.

 

[Kim1964]

I think it's a pro overall, but we still drive around to the front entrance from YC if we are going for rope drop. Soarin' is my favorite attraction in all of Disney World, and I want to ride it and get a fast pass pretty early on in the day. I think the difference in how long it would take to walk from IG to The Land would make a difference in how long the lines are at Soarin'....at least until the next really hot attraction opens and everyone considers that the "must do" for the park.

We've had times when our Test Track return time was 3-4 hours away, and it's been great to walk back to YC, go for a swim, and then walk back to use our FPs.

 

[swilphil]

It's a pro, definitely. The line at the front of Epcot is always long, and it's kind of a haul if you are coming off the monorail.

The International Gateway line is always short and sweet!

 

[Lori2816]

Hands down, without a doubt it's a pro! I love the International Gateway.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I could see where someone might think of it as a con, IF they parked their car in the Epcot lot AND they exited Epcot at the International Gateway to go for ice cream or whatever AND then couldn't get back to their car because the park was already closed.

 

[JohnnyB2]

It's a huge pro. Almost like your own private entrance in the mourning. The only crowd is after Illuminations,but nothing like the crowd leaving in the front of Epcot.

 

[NMAmy]

I'm so glad to get so much agreement! Hopefully, the UG will keep listing it as a con and perhaps discourage some folks so I can still get a room.

 

[byoung]

Pro, just love the short trip back to the BWV.

 

[cassmat]

Just did this 2 weeks ago, stayed at The Beach Club and we loved going thru that way. I could care less about the rope drop and crowds....
I don't think we could stay anywhere else now.

 

[cassmat]

Just did this 2 weeks ago, stayed at The Beach Club and we loved going thru that way. I could care less about the rope drop and crowds....
I don't think we could stay anywhere else now.

 

[TJA]

huge, huge, huge pro for us. We also don't care about rope drops or ride lines. What we love the most is being able to walk to dinner each night and walk back to our resort after Illuminations. What could be more relaxing....

 

[NMAmy]

huge, huge, huge pro for us. We also don't care about rope drops or ride lines. What we love the most is being able to walk to dinner each night and walk back to our resort after Illuminations. What could be more relaxing....

I totally agree. We tried the WL for a few days on our last trip and I really missed being able to just pop over to the WS for a margarita or a crepe. We've decided we'll always try to stay at an Epcot resort because of the proximity to Epcot for the grownups and the Studios for the teens.

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

Epcot resorts rock, and the International Gateway is a huge part of the reason why! Pro, pro, pro!

 

[LilyU]

Where is the International Gateway? I have only been to Epcot once and don't know where that is?

Lily

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

We think it is a pro! There was a poster a couple of weeks ago who was complaining because the walk from IG to Soarin' was too far because right after rope drop the line to Soarin' was too long for them

 

[donaldndaisy]

Definite Pro

 

[Shmily1]

Certainly a pro!!! Well, I guess it would be pro since I asked for my room at BC to be the closest room they have to it!!! I wanted quick access to the fun!!!

 

[BadgerBruce]

I feel the IG entrance to Epcot is the biggest pro of the Epcot resorts. When we've stayed there, we loved sitting around WS or up by the fountain after Illuminations, watching other guests leave--while knowing its an easy & beautiful walk back to our room. The IG is a great perk for those resort guests!