International Gateway/BCV

[SheriB]

If we're staying at BCV and want to enter Epcot early, will we be able to enter through the International Gateway? Or does that not open until 11 a.m.? We want to get an early start, but if we can't walk over, we'll have to take our rental car to get into Epcot at opening time. We were hoping we could enter International Gateway early, walk over to Epcot, and work our way around, then walk back to BCV.

TIA

Sheri

 

[RobDoc]

The International Gateway opens when the park opens. CM's will direct you towards Future World if you enter there prior to 11:00am (when World Showcase opens).

For those staying at BCV and BWV, this entrance is very convenient- as an easy walk or boat ride will get you into Epcot without needing to drive.

Enjoy!

 

[SheriB]

Thanks, Doc!
I was hoping for an answer that would make it convenient for us. It never occurred to me to question it until I started noticing that World Showcase opens later than Future World. I don't mind walking at all to get to Future World, but it would be kind of silly for us to take a car all the way around to park and enter Future World, when we have an entrance so close by.

Sheri

 

[Crissup]

I find that this is an excellent time to snap some nice shots of the UK and Canada without the crowds. They won't allow you to wander around much through the countries, but if you are simply stopping to snap some photos or to enjoy the atmosphere, they don't mind at all.

You will not be able to cross the bridge towards France though. But again, you can stop at the rope and snap some nice photos.

 

[KNWVIKING]

One country-can't think of which one- is offering a charactor breakfast. If you enter thru IG, will CM's allow you to turn to the left in order to get to the breakfast ? I think Norway is offering it and turning right or left is about the same distance.

 

[RobDoc]

It is Norway. I think they will direct guests clockwise around the lake to get to the breakfast. Norway is just past Mexico going that direction.

Since many guests going to that breakfast will enter from the main entrance, they will direct everyone the same direction and won't allow guests to cross the International Gateway Bridge towards France.

 

[shelly3girls]

Will they allow us to enter here before the park opens for early PS?

 

[Tagrel]

Yes, you can enter before park opening if you have an early breakfast reservations. We showed up about 30 minutes before our scheduled PS, and they just checked us off a list, and let us right in.

You do have to go clockwise around the lake, but walking through UK, Canada, Mexico and Norway with no crowds made for some great picture taking!

 

[Tagrel]

Originally posted by Tagrel
Yes, you can enter before park opening if you have an early breakfast reservation. We showed up about 30 minutes before our scheduled PS, and they just checked us off a list, and let us right in.

You do have to go clockwise around the lake, but walking through UK, Canada, Mexico and Norway with no crowds made for some great picture taking!

 

[erikthewise]

I had these questions too before our first stay at BCV.

In retrospect, it's clear that they HAVE to let people into Future World through the International Gate. After all, there are about 4500 rooms in the Epcot resorts, and there is no bus service from these resorts to the Epcot main entrance. A lot of guests do not have rental cars, and even those who do would be more than a little miffed at being forced to drive to the main entrance.

 

[jlambrig]

When we did the princess breakfast at Norway, we noticed that guests had come from the IG but were going counter clockwise. We also noticed others who were coming clockwise. We entered from the main gate that day so I am not sure if they offer an option at the IG or not.