Int'l Gateway entrance for early tour?

[AinW]

Does anyone know if we can enter EPCOT through the Int'l Gateway if we're doing a tour that meets before park opening or do we need to go to the main gate? I know we need to allow extra time to walk to the front of the park.

Thanks!

 

[NH-to-FL]

Yes, you can enter through the Int'l Gateway. It is the primary entrance for the Epcot resorts. There will be someone there with a list who can let you in.

 

[AinW]

Yes, you can enter through the Int'l Gateway. It is the primary entrance for the Epcot resorts. There will be someone there with a list who can let you in.

Thanks!

 

[Julylady]

I don't remember that the cast member at the gate had a list. She might have, but I don't remember that. I do know that I told her the name of the tour and the confirmation number. She let me in.

 

[cvjw]

Just did this two weeks ago. We got to the IG for an early tour at 8:20. There was already a huge line of people waiting. They were keeping everyone behind the bag check line - they had not even started checking bags yet.

I had to go up to the gates and ask someone what to do - there was not anyone with a list of people with early tours and dining reservations. They sent us to the front of the bag check line and then inside the park.

It was not very well organized - the cm wanted to scan my magic band for the tour verification. I told her that would do no good, it wasn't linked to my MDE account. I happened to have the confirmation number with me and she seemed OK with that.

 

[WEDWDW]

Just did this two weeks ago. We got to the IG for an early tour at 8:20. There was already a huge line of people waiting. They were keeping everyone behind the bag check line - they had not even started checking bags yet.

I had to go up to the gates and ask someone what to do - there was not anyone with a list of people with early tours and dining reservations. They sent us to the front of the bag check line and then inside the park.

It was not very well organized - the cm wanted to scan my magic band for the tour verification. I told her that would do no good, it wasn't linked to my MDE account. I happened to have the confirmation number with me and she seemed OK with that.

I've seen several reports like this-seems like the IG is not "well-organized" for early ADRs/Tours often.

 

[Mousetopia]

I have seen the same reports..quite a lot of them ..over last couple years at least that International Gateway can be a nightmare for special events like Food & Wine breakfasts or tours. I personally would not risk the stress and frustration and plan on going to front entrance.

 

[cvjw]

I have seen the same reports..quite a lot of them ..over last couple years at least that International Gateway can be a nightmare for special events like Food & Wine breakfasts or tours. I personally would not risk the stress and frustration and plan on going to front entrance.

It would be way more stressful to try and get to the front entrance of Epcot if you are staying at an Epcot resort. We were at bwv, and literally walked a few minutes from our villa to the IG entrance. Getting from bwv to the front entrance of Epcot would involve a car and a lot more time and trouble.

 

[Mousetopia]

It would be way more stressful to try and get to the front entrance of Epcot if you are staying at an Epcot resort. We were at bwv, and literally walked a few minutes from our villa to the IG entrance. Getting from bwv to the front entrance of Epcot would involve a car and a lot more time and trouble.

That depends on trouble at the gate. Rather than a car I might suggest uber

 

[AinW]

Just did this two weeks ago. We got to the IG for an early tour at 8:20. There was already a huge line of people waiting. They were keeping everyone behind the bag check line - they had not even started checking bags yet.

I had to go up to the gates and ask someone what to do - there was not anyone with a list of people with early tours and dining reservations. They sent us to the front of the bag check line and then inside the park.

It was not very well organized - the cm wanted to scan my magic band for the tour verification. I told her that would do no good, it wasn't linked to my MDE account. I happened to have the confirmation number with me and she seemed OK with that.

 

[AinW]

Good to know. We'll plan to get there early & talk to a CM. I'll have my conf # too. Won't have a car & seems silly to use Uber when we're coming from BCV & it's such a short walk.

 

[supersnoop]

When we were doing a YES program, we were specifically told that we'd have to meet out front, and we would not be allowed through the International Gateway. If your tour meets outside Epcot, I would not count on being able to cut through the park.