Getting to front of Epcot from BWV before opening?

[Fantasmic303]

We will be taking the Backstage Magic tour in a couple of weeks. The tour leaves from the front entrance of Epcot, and we're supposed to arrive there at 8:45 am. The park opens at 9:00.

Problem:

We're staying at the Boardwalk, so we always walk through and use the International Gateway. Does anyone have any experience with this and know whether we will be able to get through to the front entrance of Epcot via the "back door" even though the park will not be open at that time? I know you can enter through World Showcase when Future World opens, but that isn't until 9:00.

If not, how would you suggest we get there? We will have a rental car, but would prefer not to use it to drive to Epcot (due to how we're spending the rest of the day). If worse comes to worse, we obviously will, but I imagine there has to be another option for visitors without rentals.

Thanks in advance!

 

[heaven2dc]

I'm wondering the same thing - altho we're not going on the tour but wondered how you can get to the front entrance w/o driving a car before the WS opens.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

You can enter through the IG. There will be CMs there who will gently guide you to the front of the park. There will be a rope up at the bride (to France) and you'll not be allowed to go that way. Once you get beyond Canada to the crossover, you'll be pointed and nudged toward Future World.

It's not a problem really.

 

[Fantasmic303]

I'm wondering the same thing - altho we're not going on the tour but wondered how you can get to the front entrance w/o driving a car before the WS opens.

I believe you can enter World Showcase and walk to the ropes at Future World for official opening, but I'm not sure how you get there BEFORE the opening.... I know I've read posts from people who have recommended going in that way in the morning because even though there's nothing to "do" in WS that early, it's a nice, quiet(ish) stroll all the same.

 

[Fantasmic303]

You can enter through the IG. There will be CMs there who will gently guide you to the front of the park. There will be a rope up at the bride (to France) and you'll not be allowed to go that way. Once you get beyond Canada to the crossover, you'll be pointed and nudged toward Future World.

It's not a problem really.

Is that just in general (to enter the park) or for the tour? I'm just concerned about entering through the IG and, essentially, exiting the park at the front to get to Guest Services before it even opens.

 

[Allison]

I took a cab from BWV to the front entrance of Epcot. It was only $7.50 and they are out front waiting in the morning at the Boardwalk.

 

[2belles'mom]

When we were there you COULD NOT enter through IG prior to official opening, and that included EMH. We drove our car to the main entrance.

 

[Fantasmic303]

Thanks for the replies!

I guess we will plan to drive to the front entrance and not expect to enter through the IG. I am not really surprised that we can't get to the front entrance prior to opening, although I have to admit I'm a little surprised that they don't even allow it for EMH. I wouldn't have expected that, so it's definitely something I'll keep in mind.

Thanks again!

 

[Mich Mouse]

What transportation is available for guests if they want to go to Epcots EMH while staying at BWV?

Am I missing something here? You can't enter IG for EMH?


That can't be right.

 

[DebbieB]

You should be able to enter the IG for EMH. We had a Norway Princess Breakfast reservation a couple of years ago for about 8:20, they had a list and we were able to enter through the IG around 8:00. I'm sure if you have your tour reservation # they will allow you in.

 

[LarryM]

This past December I was on a tour that met in front of Epcot, I was staying at the Boardwalk. They had me on a list when I went to the IG and I had to use my admission to go through but they let me know problem. I believe it is easier now because of the princess breakfast.

 

[Mich Mouse]

What about a regular guest with no ressies who wants to use EMH while staying at BWV?

 

[NJDad18]

We always stay at BWV and we took the Segway tour and had to be there at 8:30 and we entered at the IG. They had our name on a list. We also had our confirmation # with us.

Is there a bus that will take you to EPCOT from BWV? We always enter at the IG so I can't remember but I think that there is.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

We are staying at BWV in November. I booked the Segway tour. The CM told me to go to the IG, tell them we are doing the tour, give them our confirmation number. They should have a list there also. We can enter there and walk to Guest Relations to check in for our tour. The Guest Relations we have to go to for our tour is located inside the park.

I would call back and find out from someone at Disney.

Good luck!

 

[Eljay]

About a month ago, I took the Hidden Treasures of the WS tour. We entered through the IG at 8:35am by giving the CM our names and tour confirmation numbers. We walked through UK and Canada, toward the front gate. We exited the front gate and met our tour group just outside the front gate, near the outside Guest Services, right on time at 8:45. There was a Backstage Magic group gathered there too. I know that for sure, because I went to that group first and was sent over to the Hidden Treasures group.

There is no bus to take you from the Boardwalk to the front of Epcot.

Enjoy your tour!

 

[Fantasmic303]

Well, I'm glad I asked this question!

Looks like we'll attempt to enter via the IG, and if for some reason that doesn't work, we'll just have to drive to the front of the park. No problem as long as we have a backup plan!!


Thanks for the feedback, everyone!!