International Gateway question...

[Mike Jones]

... we have previously entered Epcot via IG, having parked at Boardwalk for dinner. Question: as the World Showcase is 'closed' at 0900 when the park officially opens, can you enter (as a day guest, not on-site resident) at 0900 and walk through the WS? Also - do you think we would struggle to get past security at, say, the Boardwalk, that early without PS's for a meal or something?

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Yes you can use International Gateway entrance as soon as the park opens - you walk through UK everything else is closed off.

I'm sorry I don't know about the parking I thought there was a 3 hour limit on it unless you're DVC but I'm unsure

 

[janeossie]

Mike

Again don't know about the parking as part of my holiday is not to drive!

If you can walk through in the morning it is a great time to take photos round that side of WS as there are not many people in Epcot that end. Stopped at the BC last year and theres nothing better than grabbing a coffee and wandering round the almost deserted showcase.

Jane

 

[WDWfan uk]

This subject is one that creates quite a stir on the boards - parking at the resorts is really only for WDW guests, DVC members and AP/PAP holders. The difficulty with the Boardwalk is that it does have restaurants etc. and it is difficult to monitor whether guests are just visiting the Boardwalk or just using the parking there to get to the IG and avoid paying the parking fee, whereas with the other EPCOT resorts, you would need a temporary three hour pass for a PS and they direct you to a specific car-park.

There are many threads on this topic - here is just one with comments about this on the last few posts:
Boardwalk parking

 

[SimonY]

Is that entrance also available for Early Entry days? I would guest that it is for people staying at the resorts there - otherwise they would have to go all the way round to get into Epcot.

We are going to spend some time in Epcot and then at the Boardwalk so parking there would stop us having to go all the way back to the Epcot parking area when we want to go back to our hotel - and would be very handy.

 

[mkingdon]

Mike

We visited BW on our last trip. We told the guard we were there for dinner and he just waved us through. We had already eaten, but we just wanted to have a look round and a drink. So it was still a legitimate use of BW IMHO.

We were not trying to get a parking advantage for a visit to EPCOT, which is what seems to cause the upset I think.

We were not asked for PS numbers etc.

I can see how off site guests parking there could really tick you off if you are shelling out big bucks to stay on site or you are a DVC member. However, if you intend to eat at BW later that day I personally wouldn't have an issue with you parking there as it would seem silly to go all the way round when you want to eat.

We did that trip after eating at Beaches & Cream, and that walk back through the park to the EPCOT car park is a long one!!

I would see your situation as, you are using the facilities of the BW during that day, and by eating there, have justified your car parking.

Then again, I niether stay on site or have DVC membership so my opinion doesn't count for too much.

I'm just using a bit of common.

Cheers

Craig

 

[Mike Jones]

Hi Craig. I've always been very compliant about parking, traffic regulations etc.. I never abandon my car on kerbs etc if the car park is full, I don't double park or leave it where it may cause offence! (I ALWAYS park where the CMs guide me at the parks even when I would love to ignore them and pick my own spot!) (British fear of embarrassment should I be challenged about it I suppose!) Accordingly I was nt wanting to 'illegally' leave my car at the BW all day, just savour the tranquility of an empty WS at entry time.... I suppose I could try to park at Epcot (or MGM?) and use Dis transport to get me to the BW for an early start? Any advice folks?

 

[WDWfan uk]

Mike, I'm not sure what you are wanting to do - although you can enter via the IG at park opening time, World Showcase is usually closed and you would be directed left towards Future World. The only exception regards WS being those heading for the Princes Storybook breakfast in Norway.

 

[Mike Jones]

Hi Shirley. All we wanted to do was walk through the WS when it is quiet, perhaps take a few pics etc.. I know we can't stay there until WS official opening (1100 ish +).. we just wanted to enter the park 'differently', as we've been so many times now, we are not worried about doing any attractions in future world (and we will be going 2 or 3 times that week if we want to try mission space).. if it becomes a lot of trouble, we'll just enter via the carparks as usual! Mike