Garden Grill at 8:30 - how do you get there?

[TeamSy]

We are at the swan and I’m just realizing actually how far that is from garden grill lol. What time would we need to leave to get there? We had planned on walking from swan to Epcot but will they let us in before 8:30 to walk to garden grill?

 

[Jacq7414]

Is this prepark opening? I know when we had PPO reservations (before Covid though) there was like an entrance for those guests and they had to scan our bracelets to let us in

 

[Robbie Cottam]

We are at the swan and I’m just realizing actually how far that is from garden grill lol. What time would we need to leave to get there? We had planned on walking from swan to Epcot but will they let us in before 8:30 to walk to garden grill?

Yes, they will
Usually I have gone to the main entrance
But I believe the international gateway is also manned…

guess services could confirm

 

[TeamSy]

Is this prepark opening? I know when we had PPO reservations (before Covid though) there was like an entrance for those guests and they had to scan our bracelets to let us in

I think the park opens at 8:30 for early entry but we would be coming via international gateway I believe since that’s where the boat drops us off or we walk. But the reservation is at 8:30 so I would think we have to show up 20 mins or so before that??? I have no idea how long that walk is but it seems far lol

 

[Robbie Cottam]

The walk from the IG to the land is 5 to 15 minutes depending on you.

Honestly that time of day the park will be empty it is an easy walk

My only concern would be that the IG is staffed and I believe it is.

 

[Lesverts]

International Gateway is the only non-storming entry for Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort, The Beach Club, The Yacht Club, The Boardwalk Inn, Swan, Swan Reserve and the Dolphin. Of course it will be staffed.

Security opens between 1hr and 45 minutes before EE. Tapstiles open between 30 minutes and 15 minutes before EE. There are plaids with pads there to help guests through to Garden Grill. Disney is going to make it as easy as possible for you to go spend 40 plus a head for breakfast.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are at the swan and I’m just realizing actually how far that is from garden grill lol. What time would we need to leave to get there? We had planned on walking from swan to Epcot but will they let us in before 8:30 to walk to garden grill?

The International Gateway will be manned and they will let you in early for your reservation. It will take you about 15 minutes to walk to the International Gateway from the Swan and another 15 minutes to reach the restaurant once you enter the park. The boats should be running, too, which probably won't save any time but would be less walking.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

It's been several years since we've done it, but there will be CMs at the International Gateway to allow in guests with early ADRs. I think we had an 8:00am at Akershus and were allowed in around 7:30-7:40. Garden Grill is a longer walk, so they may allow more time in light of that. We arrived on the early side just to be safe.

 

[TeamSy]

Just FYI to everyone finding this post in the future - our garden grill reservation was for 8:30. EE did not start until 8:30 and they do NOT let you in prior to that, regardless if you have a dining reservations or not. We were told by multiple cast members at international gateway that no one goes in until 8:30. When I showed my 8:30 reservation at garden grill we were told they allow a 15 min grace period and we would be let in at 8:30. Definitely woke up extra early for nothing lol. We arrived at 8:10 thinking we’d first have to walk over to be there by 8:30. Instead we had to stand and wait for 20 mins. Super annoying.

 

[Lesverts]

Just FYI to everyone finding this post in the future - our garden grill reservation was for 8:30. EE did not start until 8:30 and they do NOT let you in prior to that, regardless if you have a dining reservations or not. We were told by multiple cast members at international gateway that no one goes in until 8:30. When I showed my 8:30 reservation at garden grill we were told they allow a 15 min grace period and we would be let in at 8:30. Definitely woke up extra early for nothing lol. We arrived at 8:10 thinking we’d first have to walk over to be there by 8:30. Instead we had to stand and wait for 20 mins. Super annoying.

I find this very surprising. Since I was on and off Remy before 830am on August 10th. Which was also my experience in November 2022. I was at the IG around 715am before security opened.

 

[TeamSy]

I find this very surprising. Since I was on and off Remy before 830am on August 10th. Which was also my experience in November 2022. I was at the IG around 715am before security opened.

They let us in through IG but then had 2 holding spots, one by France and the other near UK where some outdoor stage show area was. We were directed to the one near UK and then were told once EE is let in we can head to Garden Grill. When I showed them our reservation WAS for 8:30 they said no one goes in before early entry anymore and they allow a 15 minute grace period. Maybe they let EE in a little early the days you were there? I read they do that sometimes. Unfortunately they did not when we were there, and they did not let anyone with dining reservations in before EE started either, but apparently they USED to. Years ago they DID let those with dining reservations in early. We asked 3 cast members about it and showed them our reservation and they all had the same response . It was fine we were seated quickly once we got there. It took us only around 10 mins and then some to find the stroller parking and get out. We made it within the 15 minute window. Just annoying that we woke up earlier than we had to lol.