Refused access to the World Showcase entrance to Epcot from Beach Club?

[HelenParr]

Hardly. It's good proof of bad training.

Especially based on this

I'll be thrilled if it is just confusion and/or bad training.

 

[nkereina]

I'm picturing new CMs, perhaps new college students as mentioned up-thread, that have little to no experience in Epcot. This would mean little to no experience with PM EMH, and likely little knowledge of the International Gateway and why its a benefit of a some resort guests. Since FW is only open during PM EMH, I am speculating that the CMs were maybe told the World Showcase was closed to guests, and nothing was discussed about IG. Hoping it was some mis-training or miscommunication like this.

 

[kimmyg26]

I truly hope this is not a repeat occurrence. We are checking into YC on the 18th and we will be in Epcot for EMH that night. There is no way in heck after a long travel day and a day in the parks, would I take a bus to somewhere else when I can walk there in less than 10 minutes. I'm pretty patient but with the price we are paying to have easy access to Epcot, I certainly want the ability to walk back to my resort. I will try to post any experiences we have.

 

[AngiTN]

I'm picturing new CMs, perhaps new college students as mentioned up-thread, that have little to no experience in Epcot. This would mean little to no experience with PM EMH, and likely little knowledge of the International Gateway and why its a benefit of a some resort guests. Since FW is only open during PM EMH, I am speculating that the CMs were maybe told the World Showcase was closed to guests, and nothing was discussed about IG. Hoping it was some mis-training or miscommunication like this.

Plus, this was the first weekend of F&W, so they may have been a little more "militant" trying to keep things in order
I still find no excuse to not tell them that one little bit of info about the IG and guests who will be allowed to exit that way. I do not suffer poor minimal training well. If you work at Epcot in the WS at closing you need to know 1 thing if nothing else, that's you can let guests go out the IG. You know, it doesn't really matter if they are staying there or not. Jelly Rolls and Atlantic Dance Hall, not to mention several other locations along the Boardwalk are open past 11:00. So no reason guests can't go out that way, no matter where they are staying.

 

[splash327]

I've had this happen a couple years ago. We closed EPCOT during EMH and then walked to the front to see the decorations at the gate. When we got to World Showcase (about 12:30) we were told the same thing. We explained that we were staying at the beach club and they scanned a band and then told us we could go through and they radioed back that there were 5 for the beach club heading back and security was waiting for us at the IG. We actually felt kinda special. I would say it's the same, someone not being told about the other exit.

 

[AngiTN]

Someone who is staying in CL at one of the Epcot resorts could always write to DSS and ask for an answer in writing

 

[WEDWDW]

Since FW is only open during PM EMH, I am speculating that the CMs were maybe told the World Showcase was closed to guests, and nothing was discussed about IG.

ALL Pavilions in World Showcase are also open during PM EMH.

Definitely just a communication problem IMHO.

 

[bumbershoot]

I hope they've spoken to someone of authority at the resort and/or the park and can come back with some update.

Same

I do not suffer poor minimal training well.

SAME.


If it had just been the one night, I was wk seeing if there was a medical incident at the gates that needed privacy. But two nights, no. Wonder if it was the same cm, though?

 

[jo_de_vil]

We have been DVC members at BW for many years and we go pretty much every year for at least 14 nights and regularly attend EMH and we have never had this problem! Fingers crossed it was just a very unfortunate mistake as CL resorts don't have buses for Epcot and DHS! Hope you get some answers and it hasn't affected your holiday too much.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Maybe they were going to try punish guests who use the Epcot resorts for parking to go to F&W instead of paying to park at Epcot.

 

[Toulouse]

This is dumb and I hope it's an exception. We like to visit Disney Springs late at night in between EPCOT WS and our room at Port Orleans, so we love the convenience of grabbing a bus from an EPCOT resort right to DS.

Was this limited to EMH exit?

 

[Dave006]

Was this limited to EMH exit?

Yes. Normally WS is open later than Future World during regular scheduled hours. Since WS is going to be open on normally scheduled days the IG is and will be open and available to exit Epcot.

Dave

 

[nkereina]

ALL Pavilions in World Showcase are also open during PM EMH.

Definitely just a communication problem IMHO.

Thanks for clarifying. In that case, it sounds like the OP approached WS at closing and the CM manning the area assumed it was entirely closed to guests. Hopefully that's the case and the miscommunications can be resolved.

 

[jen23il]

I truly hope this is not a repeat occurrence. We are checking into YC on the 18th and we will be in Epcot for EMH that night. There is no way in heck after a long travel day and a day in the parks, would I take a bus to somewhere else when I can walk there in less than 10 minutes. I'm pretty patient but with the price we are paying to have easy access to Epcot, I certainly want the ability to walk back to my resort. I will try to post any experiences we have.

I'm too interested in knowing what the reason is for this as we too will be checking into Swan and then doing AP night at EP. After a travel day myself I don't want to deal with this inconvenience.

ALL Pavilions in World Showcase are also open during PM EMH.

Definitely just a communication problem IMHO.

I don't know about this as we were there Tue 9/4 for EMH and went into the China Pavilion about 10 minutes after the fireworks and they were closing up, even though I looked up what Attractions and rides were open during Evening EMH and as you state all Pavilions should have been open, however, China was not, and we ran into the same issue at a few others. Also, Starbucks was closed. But Spaceship earth was open and they just asked where you were staying (not scanning our band).

I really want to know further information on how this will all work for EMH and AP holder nights. If IG will be open and will attractions/shows be open for real or not. It's hard to plan if we don't know if their going to be open or not.

 

[AngiTN]

I'm too interested in knowing what the reason is for this as we too will be checking into Swan and then doing AP night at EP. After a travel day myself I don't want to deal with this inconvenience.


I don't know about this as we were there Tue 9/4 for EMH and went into the China Pavilion about 10 minutes after the fireworks and they were closing up, even though I looked up what Attractions and rides were open during Evening EMH and as you state all Pavilions should have been open, however, China was not, and we ran into the same issue at a few others. Also, Starbucks was closed. But Spaceship earth was open and they just asked where you were staying (not scanning our band).

I really want to know further information on how this will all work for EMH and AP holder nights. If IG will be open and will attractions/shows be open for real or not. It's hard to plan if we don't know if their going to be open or not.

China and Japan are likely the exceptions. They are not "Disney owned and operated" like the rest are. Never researched it but I bet they operate with different hours.

That AP event may be a different animal all the way around. I wouldn't assume anything about the IG entrance for that night, until told specifically it's open. They will have to make special arrangements (thinking back to when Dis held their after hours event at Epcot). Not to say they won't, but don't assume that they will. That's all.

 

[meggiebeth]

Hi again everyone - an update on my experience:

Initially, when we finally got back to Beach Club on the bus, we went to speak with concierge at the hotel. They effectively told us that the problem was something we would need to take up with the parks and that it wasn’t a resort issue - they recommended filling in comments when we checked out if we wanted to flag it up. We went away and returned later, asking to speak to a manager the next day. They said they would raise it in the morning - when we never heard back we went back and spoke with another CM who again said she would raise it with the manager. We chased it up today with another CM who went and spoke to the manager and said the CM in Epcot made a mistake not allowing us to pass and that they were sorry. It is good to know that it was a mistake as the back entrance to Epcot was one of the main reasons for us choosing Beach Club. We changed our plans the next day because we ended up getting back after midnight, which was frustrating, but at least we know for next time that we have access.

 

[AngiTN]

Since it's impossible to say you won't encounter a badly trained CM again, if you do, my advice is to calmly, and very politely stand there and say no, you aren't going anywhere and wait till the CM escalates it to their supervisor, or higher as needed. Remain calm and polite the entire time, giving them no reason to go on the defensive. The whole more flies with honey than with vinegar situation. Someone with an ounce of common sense will show up

 

[WEDWDW]

Since it's impossible to say you won't encounter a badly trained CM again, if you do, my advice is to calmly, and very politely stand there and say no, you aren't going anywhere and wait till the CM escalates it to their supervisor, or higher as needed. Remain calm and polite the entire time, giving them no reason to go on the defensive. The whole more flies with honey than with vinegar situation. Someone with an ounce of common sense will show up

Definitely agree-just nicely tell the CM you need to see a Manager so the Manager can "approve" passage to the IG-something like that.

 

[TJA]

Actually, we stayed at BC last week and we went on Test Track at closing. As we were headed back to IG, a (young) CM stopped us and told us we couldn't pass through and she directed us to the front of the park. We proceeded to ask a different (older) CM who was standing nearby in a different spot and that CM said of course we could go through and to just inform the prior CM that we are staying at BC. We had actually already told the CM that fact, but we did back track and the (young) CM let us go by after we pointed out the (older) CM we just spoke with. Our thought was that it was a CM in training who didn't realize/understand there are some resorts with access to Epcot via the IG since she was directing everyone to the front of the park.

 

[WEDWDW]

China and Japan are likely the exceptions.

The stores in China and Japan are so large and take so much "manpower" to keep open that they do usually close them an hour into the PM EMH.

Here is a great list for a "typical" PM EMH.

1. 1. 1. Espresso, Coffee, and Pastries at The American Adventure
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Espresso, Coffee, and Pastries near Disney Traders
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Joy of Tea
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Teppan Edo
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Tokyo Dining
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Fife & Drum Tavern
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         La Cava del Tequila
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Hacienda de San Angel
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Espresso, Coffee, and Pastries at Epcot Monorail Station
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Kabuki Cafe
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Katsura Grill
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Garden House
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Bierline
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         L'Artisan des Glaces
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Land Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Choza de Margarita
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Monsieur Paul
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Popcorn in Canada
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:30PM
         
         La Cantina de San Angel
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Crepes des Chefs de France
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Electric Umbrella
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Popcorn near Mission: SPACE
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Funnel Cake
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-9:30PM
         
         Gelati
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Lotus Blossom Cafe
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Morocco Juice Bar
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Nine Dragons Restaurant
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Norway Beer Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:30PM
         
         Rose & Crown Dining Room
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Rose & Crown Pub
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         San Angel Inn Restaurante
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Sommerfest
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Tangierine Cafe
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Ice Cream in Innoventions Plaza
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:30PM-11:00PM
         
         Les Vins des Chefs de France
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Yorkshire County Fish Shop
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:30PM
         
         Refreshment Port
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Advanced Training Lab
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         American Heritage Gallery
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:20PM
         
         Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         ImageWorks
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         United Kingdom - Outdoor Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The American Adventure - Outdoor Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         China - Outdoor Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Turtle Talk With Crush
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-9:40PM
         
         Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:45PM
         
         Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Good Fortune Gifts
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Karamell-Küche
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Stein Haus
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         House of Good Fortune
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Gemma Elegante
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         African Wood Carvers
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Enjoy Your Face - Epcot
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Historical Research Center - Epcot
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Tienda Encantada
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Glaskunst
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Meet Baymax at Hiro's Workshop
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:45PM
         
         Meet Joy & Sadness at Headquarters
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:45PM
         
         ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Journey Into Imagination With Figment
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Mission: SPACE
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         O Canada!
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:55PM
         
         Mexico Folk Art Gallery
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Canada - Outdoor Cart
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Casablanca Carpets
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Sportsman's Shoppe
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Das Kaufhaus
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Der Teddybar
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Die Weihnachts Ecke
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Disney Traders
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         El Ranchito del Norte
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         France Caricatura Artists/Decorated Parasols
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Heritage Manor Gifts
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Il Bel Cristallo
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Lords and Ladies
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Kunstarbeit in Kristall
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Bottega Italiana
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Princesa de Cristal - Mexico
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Les Vins de France
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         L'Esprit de la Provence
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Marketplace in the Medina
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Mitsukoshi Department Store
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Mitsukoshi Kiosk
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Mouse Gear
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Northwest Mercantile
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Art of Henna
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Pin Station - United Kingdom
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Plaza de los Amigos
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Plume et Palette
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Port of Entry
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Ring Carvers
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Souk-al-Magreb
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Souvenirs de France
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Strollers & Wheelchairs at International Gateway
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Tangier Traders
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Brass Bazaar
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Crown & Crest
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Gift Stop
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:30PM-11:30PM
         
         The Queen's Table
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Tea Caddy
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Toy Soldier
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Trading Post
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Village Traders
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Volkskunst
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Weinkeller
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         World Traveler
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Espresso, Coffee, and Pastries in Future World East
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         La Signature
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Soarin' Around the World
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals at Main Entrance
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:30PM-11:30PM
         
         Test Track SIMporium
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Bruce's Shark World
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Stave Church Gallery
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Seas with Nemo & Friends
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:45PM
         
         Frozen Ever After
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Wandering Reindeer
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Baby Care Center - Epcot
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         First Aid at Epcot
         Extra Magic Hours
         10:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Guest Relations Lobby at Innoventions
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Leave A Legacy
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Living with the Land
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         SeaBase
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Spaceship Earth
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Test Track
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Camera Center - Future World
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Gateway Gifts
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         SeaBase Gift Shop
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         The Puffin's Roost
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-11:00PM
         
         Tutto Italia Ristorante
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         Chefs de France
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:00PM-10:00PM
         
         The American Adventure
         Extra Magic Hours
         9:45PM-10:20PM