For those that stay at the Epcot area resorts--

[NMAmy]

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

Lily

The International Gateway is the "back door" into Epcot for the Epcot resorts. It's located between the UK and France in the World Showcase. If you keep walking straight on the path that goes past the Rose & Crown and Anne Hathaway's Cottage in the UK, you will walk up a slight hill--on the other side of that hill is a small store and the International Gateway. From there, you can take the Friendship Boats to resorts and to the Studios or you can walk to the Epcot resorts.

 

[alldiz]

I think a con is that you can't rent a stroller there....
Kerri

 

[eliza61]

It's a big pro for me but I can see why UG listed it that way. A couple of weeks ago there was a post from someone suggesting that Disney should figure out some way to let the International gateway users get a head start at rope drop since they have a longer way to go to get to future world. I mean they were seriously pissed and felt it was unfair.



Personally, I love walking back from international gateway when the park closes. It is so gorgeous and romantic. Love it


For a different prespective.
.http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22202105#post22202105&highlight=epcot+resorts+disadvantage

 

[missstcroix]

I am sure I have rented a stroller there...is this something new? We always stay at Swan/Dolphin and ALWAYS use the back door...

 

[mtemm]

we had no problem renting a stroller there in oct 06.

IG is awesome!!! I'm really going to miss it since I booked our next trip at the poly. I'm making myself try something new (since h is gone, it will be just me and 3 little kids and we are taking a short trip so figure the monorail might be nice to try).

 

[AuntieDis]

Anything that can help me avoid morning entry & evening exit crowds is a definite plus!!

 

[Hopefully]

The Epcot Resorts are our favorite location in all of WDW and the IG is one of the primary reasons. We have stayed at the BCV, and DH loved to tell friends and co-workers that in 7 minutes he could go from his room and be in the UK with a cold beer in hand.
In October we stayed at the BWV and although this was a bit farther to the IG, it was also a nice walk to the Studios.
We love it here and the IG is a definite Pro!

 

[dawz1026]

major pro...we only stay at the BC because we love to walk to Epcot every night! So easy with my ds and his stroller...I take him back early and dh and dd can hang later..

 

[Tink415]

I think the IG is a pro, but if your main concern is getting on rides at rope drop I can see why it could be considered a con.
You definetly can rent strollers, wheelchairs and scooters at IG, its to the left of the turnstiles, you go in the store to pay.

 

[madalex]

Definitely a pro for many reasons that others have cited, such as short lines getting into park, enjoying the stroll back after the fireworks, having a park so close by that can be gotten to without having to wait for Disney transportation, etc.

Even if you want to get on rides right at rope drop, going through IG means you will have (at most) a 5 to 10 minute longer wait in line for the first ride. After the first ride, it doesn't really matter whether you entered the park from the front or the back. Thus, to have that one little issue turn the entrance into a con from a pro is slightly ridiculous.

 

[alldiz]

Where is the stroller rental by IG....
never noticed it
thanks
Kerri

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

Immediately to your left as you walk through the turnstiles -- so convenient!

 

[PamNC]

I say it's a PRO all the way.

Sure, you're not in Future World at the rope drop but being able to walk to Epcot far outweighs! There is NOTHING like strolling over through the International Gatway - it's not crowded, it's relaxing and we love the walk. We usually stay at the Beach Club or the Dolphin when staying in the Epcot Resort area. I don't care about being in Future World at the rope drop really.

PamNC

 

[NMW]

I think it's a huge pro. I don't understand people saying it's a con at all! It's a 5 minute walk from the BC to the gateway. Maybe about 8 minutes from the BW. I know you can rent stollers there too. The best thing is the walk home at night after Illuminations. We sometimes poke around that gift shop on the way out while the major crowd heads out. Then we just stroll back to the resort or take the boat, if it's right there.

 

[aarmando20]

I think a con is that you can't rent a stroller there....
Kerri

I just got back from a trip to the Swan on 12/18. It is a huge pro and you can rent a stroller there I did it several times.