Need Directions

[jmdisney]

We booked 3 meals at various locations in the World Showcase.
Last time we visited, we entered that area by walking all the way through Epcot, and then around the showcase to Italy or Japan. I have been looking at a map, and I see that a boat will take you
through the "International Gateway", and basically, drop you off at France. This sounds like a tremendous short cut.
My question... where do I get that boat?
In the past, I have had reservations at the Beach Club. I have taken the bus, from my resort,
gotten off at Hollywood Studios, and then hopped the boat to the Beach Club. Now, on that boat ride,
it made stops at all of the resorts in that area, but I never saw it go to the Gateway.
Is it the same boat? If I had stayed on the boat longer, would it have taken me to the Gateway?
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Colleen27]

The boat that stops at the International Gateway is the same one that goes to all the Epcot area resorts and to Hollywood Studios. At the Epcot stop, it drops you off at the back gate of the park which is between England and France.

There are also two smaller boats inside the park that runs from the front of the World Showcase to the back, which can save walking if you're coming from the front of Epcot. They're slow, though, so I wouldn't count on them to save time. Those run from Mexico to Germany and from Canada to Morocco.

 

[IrishNYC]

The Friendship Boats will not take you through the International Gateway. The ones outside of Epcot have stops at the IG, across the canal from France, but you'd still have a short walk there. That boat also stops at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Dolphin/Swan, and Hollywood Studios. Inside Epcot there are boats that criss cross the lagoon.

 

[jmdisney]

That is perfect! Thanks so much!