International Gateway at Epcot Opening

[disneypanda11]

If we're staying at the BC and walking over to Epcot, are we able to enter the International Gateway in the morning and walk through the World Showcase to the front of the park? We have a 12:00 Via Napoli reservation, and ideally, I'd like to hit the rides near the front of the park first and work our way back to the WS. Thanks!

 

[wilkeliza]

Yes you can. You will be able to go through the UK and Canada and then up to the front of the park that way. You can also go to France for breakfast/pastries if you would like before going to rides.

 

[Alesia]

Yes.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

If we're staying at the BC and walking over to Epcot, are we able to enter the International Gateway in the morning and walk through the World Showcase to the front of the park? We have a 12:00 Via Napoli reservation, and ideally, I'd like to hit the rides near the front of the park first and work our way back to the WS. Thanks!

Yes but when we were there in April they opened at 9:00 a.m. on the dot, not early, so everyone who entered at the front gates got ahead of us for TT/Soarin'. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[wilkeliza]

Yes but when we were there in April they opened at 9:00 a.m. on the dot, not early, so everyone who entered at the front gates got ahead of us for TT/Soarin'. Just something to keep in mind.

Just wondering why do you think they would open earlier?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I believe it is correct they open exactly at 9 like the front gate, so don't anticipate being among the first in line for Soarin or Test Track. But you still won't wait an hour (maybe unless it's Christmas or New Years Eve)

 

[wdwrich]

Just wondering why do you think they would open earlier?

There have been reports that in the past guests at the International Gateway were allowed in a few minutes early so they wouldn't be at a disadvantage getting to the headliner rides in Future World.

 

[wilkeliza]

There have been reports that in the past guests at the International Gateway were allowed in a few minutes early so they wouldn't be at a disadvantage getting to the headliner rides in Future World.

Interesting. I worked at Epcot and we were always told the gates opened at 9 on the dot not matter which entrance unless you had a confirmed dinning reservation.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

There have been reports that in the past guests at the International Gateway were allowed in a few minutes early so they wouldn't be at a disadvantage getting to the headliner rides in Future World.

I had heard that before we stayed at BW too. But my personal experience was they never opened early, not even one minute early the entire week we were there.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

it's my experience on the few times I was there at opening that IG didn't open even one second before 9.

 

[J'Adore Disney]

Epcot's International Gateway opens at the same exact time Epcot's main entrance opens. However, if you have an 8:00 a.m. reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, you will be allowed to enter the park earlier. Keep in mind, Future World and World Showcase will not be open at that time.

My family and I have stood at the International Gateway, many times, awaiting opening time and have never been allowed to go in earlier not even by 1 minute.

Although the lines at International Gateway are smaller and less crowded, you will find one or two guests who obnoxiously push and shove others in line in order to make a mad dash for Soarin' and Test Track.

 

[wdwrich]

it's my experience on the few times I was there at opening that IG didn't open even one second before 9.

I only mentioned it because I recall seeing other posts about early opening. That being said, the last time we did rope drop at IG was several years ago and I don't recall the actual time they let us in.

 

[ParrottFamily]

We just went to Epcot from BC on Sunday and they were letting guests in at 840 we headed through UK and Canada over toward future world, they were letting guests through the main gate as well and had the area over my Test Track roped off but dropped it about 850. TT was immediately up and running and we were on and off the ride by 905. Guess we got lucky

 

[disneypanda11]

Thanks everyone! Now that we know we can walk through the back entrance, we'll move our FP+ for Soarin' and Spaceship Earth to the morning before lunch. It's good to know the gate will open the same time as the front.. it's a long haul from the World Showcase to the front of the park, though so even if we wanted to beat the crowds at the front I don't think we'd be agile enough to do so!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just a suggestion-if you don't have to rush to the front of the park, consider eating breakfast at the French Bakery. Or at least spend a little time sitting on the benches in front of the Rose and Crown and people-watching. CMs don't "encourage" you to head towards FW, and IMO it's the most peaceful, enjoyable time in WS, listening to the backround music of "On the Shore" in the UK, while other people rush.

 

[disneypanda11]

Just a suggestion-if you don't have to rush to the front of the park, consider eating breakfast at the French Bakery. Or at least spend a little time sitting on the benches in front of the Rose and Crown and people-watching. CMs don't "encourage" you to head towards FW, and IMO it's the most peaceful, enjoyable time in WS, listening to the backround music of "On the Shore" in the UK, while other people rush.

Thanks for the suggestion, I hadn't thought of that! We usually eat at the Boardwalk Bakery, but I'd love to mix it up and this may be the perfect morning to do so!

 

[scottygirl]

Just a suggestion-if you don't have to rush to the front of the park, consider eating breakfast at the French Bakery. Or at least spend a little time sitting on the benches in front of the Rose and Crown and people-watching. CMs don't "encourage" you to head towards FW, and IMO it's the most peaceful, enjoyable time in WS, listening to the backround music of "On the Shore" in the UK, while other people rush.

Sounds fabulous! We are at Epcot on EMH day. Does anyone know if the bakery opens at 8:00 am on those days?

 

[WEDWDW]

Sounds fabulous! We are at Epcot on EMH day. Does anyone know if the bakery opens at 8:00 am on those days?

Unfortunately no.

 

[WEDWDW]

We just went to Epcot from BC on Sunday and they were letting guests in at 840 we headed through UK and Canada over toward future world, they were letting guests through the main gate as well and had the area over my Test Track roped off but dropped it about 850. TT was immediately up and running and we were on and off the ride by 905. Guess we got lucky

I "think" the "test" has been made "permanent".

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/08/epcot-testing-new-opening-procedures.html

 

[BuenaVistaBound]

The last time I stayed at Beach Club (2012) we were at the International Gateway at 7:30 a.m. and they let us in at 7:45 (EMH day). We went straight to Soarin' and rode three times and had breakfast at Sunshine Seasons before 9:30 a.m. And this was during the Test Track renovation! The nice thing about IG at opening is that you don't have to compete with massive crowds just going through bag check and getting through the gates.