International Gateway

[mickeysgirl17]

I've never gone into or out of Epcot using the international gateway. On arrival day, we have an ADR at Restaurant Marrakesh at 1:30 for lunch. We should be arriving at Epcot around 1pm. I also have dinner reservations at Cape May cafe at the beach club that night.

Do you think it would be easier if we just parked our car at the International Gateway entrance and then just walked to the BC and Back that night?

 

[Robo]

I've never gone into or out of Epcot using the international gateway. On arrival day, we have an ADR at Restaurant Marrakesh at 1:30 for lunch. We should be arriving at Epcot around 1pm. I also have dinner reservations at Cape May cafe at the beach club that night.

Do you think it would be easier if we just parked our car at the International Gateway entrance and then just walked to the BC and Back that night?

No Epcot parking lot there.

Its mainly a convenience for the resorts on that side of Epcot.
You are welcome to use the gateway, of course.

But you COULD park at MGM Studios and take the boat over to the Int'l. Gateway, then go back for your car that night.

Don't think you'll really save a lot of time or walking doing so.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Do you think it would be easier if we just parked our car at the International Gateway entrance and then just walked to the BC and Back that night?

There's no place to park. International Gateway can only be accessed from the Boardwalk area hotels and the boats. And the parking lot at each hotel is for that hotel's guests only.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Thanks for the responses. I'll proably just have to park at Epcot's main entrance and then just drive to the Beach club that night. I don't think Dh will want to leave the car at MGM.

 

[mickaholic4077]

If you want to valet park,park at the Beach Club,since that's where you'll end up at. Boardwalk also has a public lot.

 

[swilphil]

You might call the Beach Club and see if you can park there earlier in the day since you have an ADR there in the evening. Depending on the time of year, they may let you. Or you can just valet park.

 

[mla1977]

You could always park at the Dolphin or Swan. I think it is cheaper than parking at the Disney resorts or the parks.

 

[Nickmom522]

If you want to valet park,park at the Beach Club,since that's where you'll end up at. Boardwalk also has a public lot.

So, if I have a dinner ADR at the Beach Club, I can valet park and then leave the car there while I go to Epcot? How much is valet? Or if I parked at MGM and took the boat to BC, if MGM closes earlier than Epcot, can I get the boat back at the end of the night?

 

[BriarRosie]

You could always park at the Dolphin or Swan. I think it is cheaper than parking at the Disney resorts or the parks.

I believe the Swan and Dolphin charge for parking, now.

 

[BriarRosie]

So, if I have a dinner ADR at the Beach Club, I can valet park and then leave the car there while I go to Epcot? How much is valet? Or if I parked at MGM and took the boat to BC, if MGM closes earlier than Epcot, can I get the boat back at the end of the night?

I noticed you have DVC stays in your past trips. DVC Members get free valet
parking at Beach Club. Show your DVC Membership card to the valet who
is about to park your car, and you should be ok.

 

[Nickmom522]

I noticed you have DVC stays in your past trips. DVC Members get free valet
parking at Beach Club. Show your DVC Membership card to the valet who
is about to park your car, and you should be ok.

But can I valet at the Beach Club for dinner and then go to Epcot?

 

[Robo]

But can I valet at the Beach Club for dinner and then go to Epcot?

It will be possible if the resort is not too busy.

The cost will be similar (a bit more, as I recall) to parking at a theme park lot (plus a tip for the valet.)

The main problem is that this is not really an "approved" method of parking and you might not be able to do it if the resort has a lot of car traffic (hosting a convention?) on that day.

 

[mla1977]

I believe the Swan and Dolphin charge for parking, now.

They do, but I believe that it is $9 for self parking (I think that is what my mom said). I don't know how much MGM or Epcot parking costs

 

[mickaholic4077]

Yes,you can valet park at BC and then go to Epcot. I have done it many times. As a DDE member,it is free to me. It would cost someone who doesn't have DDE or DVC and doesn't have a Handicapped sign 10 dollars. If I am only going into World Showcase,I valet at BC or Boardwalk.

 

[shoegirl1020]

I've heard of the International Gateway, but don't remember ever SEEING it. Can someone please post a photo of what it looks like? Sounds interesting!

 

[Robo]

I've heard of the International Gateway, but don't remember ever SEEING it. Can someone please post a photo of what it looks like? Sounds interesting!

Its not really "interesting" to see.

Don't become overly enthralled by its romantic name.
There's nothing "international" about it except that it sits between the UK and France pavilions.

Its there to allow guests staying at the resorts near Epcot (as well as those wanting connection to/from the nearby Dis/MGM Studios) to access the park without riding a bus to the front gates.

Someone might have a shot of it, but as far as a being a "point if interest" it's not very exciting.

There is a small gift shop there, some restrooms and lockers.

 

[flyinglizard]

Walking from the Beach Club, after you pass through the turnstiles,
going toward Showcase... World Traveler is a small gift shop...

Up a slight hill...shady benches on the left... bridge on the right leads
to France.

Looking back towards the Gateway from Showcase... The bridge to
France is to the left at this spot.

See, there's even a sign...

This is the International Gateway as seen from France.

 

[Disneymusicgirl]

If the Beach Club doesn't let you park there earlier in the day cuz of limited parking, you could just park at Epcot in the morning, walk to the Beach Club via International Gateway, and then walk back to finish up your day in the park and return to your car. It's not a bad walk, 10 min max from the exit.