International Gateway Entrance

[ThreeTiggers]

We are staying at the Boardwalk Villas for the first time. Does the International Gateway Entrance open at the same time as the main entrance of Epcot? Is there anything special that happens there at opening time?

 

[iluvladybugs]

I stayed at BC, granted it was in 1993, but at that time: Yes, it openend at the same time. And No, nothing special happened ... except that you got in a less-crowded entrance. Granted ALOT has changed since then. For instance, there was no Boardwalk.

 

[Robo]

We are staying at the Boardwalk Villas for the first time. Does the International Gateway Entrance open at the same time as the main entrance of Epcot? Is there anything special that happens there at opening time?

No, but there is nothing "special" that happens at the main "front gate" entrance either.
The Int'l. Gateway DOES open when the front gate of Epcot does.
Epcot has no "opening ceremony" like MK and DAK.
There's only a recorded "opening announcement" at the Studios, but Epcot does not even have that at either gate.

You are not allowed to go into any of the pavilions in World Showcase (the "countries") because this section is not open until 11am.
You are "routed" directly towards and into Future World when you enter at the Int'l. Gateway.

 

[tinkerbell211]

How far is the walk from the gateway drop off to Future World? What is it near?
Thanks

 

[iluvladybugs]

In between UK and France. It is a five-minute leisurely walk. You can make it in two minutes if you hussle.

 

[mikesluss]

international gateway is in between france and england pavilions ,
if you are looking for something close i guess you could say you are closer to the land pavilion for soarin first thing because you wont be out front with everyone else going past spaceship earth

 

[Robo]

international gateway is in between france and england pavilions ,
if you are looking for something close i guess you could say you are closer to the land pavilion for soarin first thing because you wont be out front with everyone else going past spaceship earth

Nope. This has been discussed here before.

Even if you HUSTLE from the Int'l. Gateway, you should arrive at "The Land" pavillion behind the first folks who have come in via the front gate.
Probably because they allow folks in the front to enter through the ticket readers before the posted opening time and "hold" near the fountain/Innoventions Plaza. Then at "straight-up" time, they are released to go either direction to Soarin' or Test Track/Mission Space.

 

[bwbuddy5]

Some have reported that in peak season, if you take the Rose Garden path from the Intl Gateway, a CM holds you there, and that both groups of guests are guided up to the Land at the same time.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Last June they did not start checking bags until opening time at the International Gateway. This put us way behind the people coming in via the main Epcot entrance. They used to let you enter and then hold you back at a rope someplace before the United Kingdom. Since most everyone using the IG is a Disney resort guest they should give this entrance something like a five minute head start to get to Soarin' or Test Track.

 

[Magickndm]

Since most everyone using the IG is a Disney resort guest they should give this entrance something like a five minute head start to get to Soarin' or Test Track.

Oh yes, that's fair.