Is this doable - HS parking issues

[Belle1811]

I'm hoping you fine people will be able to help me out. I've been reading about all the parking issues surrounding HS and the lights, parking lots being closed etc and wondered if this was doable - here goes, hope this makes sense!!

We intend to go to Epcot on an EMH morning so opens at 8am, we've got a lunch reservation there too we then have the Merry and Bright Dessert Party that evening at HS so our original plan was to just leave Epcot in our car and drive to HS, now I'm thinking that will be nigh on impossible so (getting to the point!!) could we park at HS at about 7.30am (HS doesn't open until 9am that day) and walk to Epcot via the walkway, then we would walk back later on for the Dessert Party and our car would be parked there waiting for us??

I guess what I'm trying to ask is can I park at HS at 7.30am when the park doesn't open until 9am, sorry for all the waffling lol!! TIA xx

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

You should have no problem entering the parking lot at 7:30am. Remember, there are 8am breakfast reservations, and not all the people who have them will arrive via bus.

 

[Belle1811]

Thank you so much for such a quick reply, have been playing all kinds of scenarios in my head lol, hopefully the one above should work then!! Xx

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

Yes, park there at HS and take the boat or walk to EPCOT. But just remember (and there isn't a way around this other than walking really) when you come back from EPCOT, the line for the boat may be very long. You will be better off walking back so keep that in mind if you get tired feet.

 

[sachilles]

Maybe they don't do this anymore, but didn't they use to open the international gateway later than the main entrance to Epcot?

 

[Belle1811]

I definitely think this is the way to go, we don't mind walking and the kids will be in a double buggy so no dramas there lol, thanks so much x

 

[Belle1811]

Maybe they don't do this anymore, but didn't they use to open the international gateway later than the main entrance to Epcot?

Oh no, don't tell me this, a flaw in my well thought out plan lol!! Does anyone know if we can get into Epcot via the international gateway early? TIA

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

Maybe they don't do this anymore, but didn't they use to open the international gateway later than the main entrance to Epcot?

I believe they open the IG entrance at the same time the main entrance opens, just the pavilions are closed until whenever they open (usually around 11)

 

[bc7ate9]

Oh no, don't tell me this, a flaw in my well thought out plan lol!! Does anyone know if we can get into Epcot via the international gateway early? TIA

You'll be able to walk through there to get to Future World. The gift shops and stuff won't be open in the World Showcase, but you'll be 100% fine.

 

[Belle1811]

Phew!!! Thanks so much xx

 

[POOHsie]

Pretty sure the friendship boats begin operations between HS and EP at 8:30, more in-line with HS and EP opening times. OP should plan to walk to EP. The EP International Gateway opens at the same time as the EP main gate.

The friendship boats make stops at Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club-Beach Club, and Swan-Dolphin, before terminating at HS and EP. This makes the friendship boats a rather slow transport option. It's about equivalent to the time one would spend walking between the two parks.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If you keep up a good pace, it is faster to walk to DHS from Epcot than it is to take the boat.

The boat ride takes close to a half hour and it doesn't take nearly that much time to walk it, especially if you cut through the Boardwalk pool area.

 

[DebbieB]

I believe they open the IG entrance at the same time the main entrance opens, just the pavilions are closed until whenever they open (usually around 11)

The bakery in France is open early as well as the restaurant in Norway. I was there last week, I can confirm the IG opens the same time as the front.

 

[Belle1811]

Thank you all so much for your replies xx

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

The bakery in France is open early as well as the restaurant in Norway. I was there last week, I can confirm the IG opens the same time as the front.

Oh even better, thanks for the info.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

IG opens whenever the front gate opens (subject to morning EMH) so it could be 8 or 9. WS is roped off beyond France in one direction and beyond Norway in the other. Les Halles is open, so is Akershus, I believe one shop in Norway opens for the Akershus customers to spend their money on Frozen stuff. Although guests can walk through France, Great Britain, Canada and Mexico (without entering the pyramid) the shops, restaurants and kiosks will not be open to the public until their official opening time. (Bathrooms are open in Britain)

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We were there last week and boats start running an hour before park opening.