Help w/opening at International Gateway

[jasper]

We'll be arriving at the Swan on Thanksgiving evening after a long drive straight through from New Jersey. We're expecting "big" crowds at Epcot on Friday and would like to get on a few of the Future World attractions we haven't been on before, including The Land and Universe of Energy, as soon as the park opens and before the crowds are too bad. Can you tell me what time they let you through International Gateway and where they hold you for rope drop? In other words, can you get as far as the arch between Future World and World Showcase, or are you held at International Gateway? Thanks!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do think the Int'l Gateway entrance opens at the same time as the 'front' entrance of Epcot and you would be allowed entrance to Future World at the same tme as if you had entered the front. If incorrect, I will be corrected.

 

[Kallison]

Dan is right -- IG opens the same time as the front entrance. You walk through the UK and past Canada, then left into the front of the park. We saw a lot of joggers, try to get a leg up on the crowds. The people in the front will beat you to the attractions, but I don't think a few minutes will make much difference. Universe of Energy holds a LOT of people, I would get a FP for TT and do MS first, then head on over to the other stuff. Have fun!

 

[jasper]

Thanks for the information. Sounds like we will be at a slight disadvantage coming in from the Int'l Gateway, but we'll have an easy exit!. If we bypass TT and MS, I'm guessing we can do Universe of Energy and The Land without too much trouble first thing.

 

[TammiMcMan]

We always enter Epcot through the Int'l Gateway. There's just something about walking through the deserted countries. Like you're the only people in the park. I would suggest heading towards the Universe of Energy first. Stop by MS on the way and get a fast pass. As soon as your able, get passes for TT or utilize the single rider line. And yes, when you leave the park, you will certainly appreciate the easy exit.

 

[Synonymous]

You could probably go in the middle of the day and still not have any problem getting on Universe of Energy and The Land.

 

[Bill3]

We have come to think of the International Gateway as our private entrance. We believe that since most people who enter here are staying at a WDW resort that they are always a little friendlier here than other WDW entries. Also it is NEVER crowded. Use this entry but don't tell anyone else about it.

 

[jasper]

Won't say a word about it! Realistically, is it a 15 minute walk from the Swan to the Int'l Gateway? And does anyone know about how many games there are on the Boardwalk and what time they stay open until?

 

[Synonymous]

Originally posted by jasper
Won't say a word about it! Realistically, is it a 15 minute walk from the Swan to the Int'l Gateway? And does anyone know about how many games there are on the Boardwalk and what time they stay open until?

Very small number- maybe 3-4. How late they stay open depends on when you're there, I think, but they don't stay open very late. I'm thinking maybe 10:00?