Seeing Epcot with First Timers

[AliceNDinah]

Hi all!
We are planning on an afternoon at Epcot, after a Chef Mickey's brunch. I'm wondering, we will be coming over via the Monorail that day. Which Epcot entrance is "better"? I believe there is the main gate and the International Gateway, correct? Where does the Monorail let you off? Ha, as you can see, I have not been to Epcot for awhile, not sure of the lay of the land. (Or Lands, as the case may be, lol) Thank you for any and all replies, it's appreciated!!

 

[erionm]

If you arrive at Epcot via the monorail, you will be at the main entrance.

The International Gateway (IG) is the entrance from the Epcot Resorts (BoardWalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin) and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

 

[AliceNDinah]

Oh great, thank you SO much for the help!!!

 

[DisneyCAL]

For first timers who haven't been to epcot before, the front entrance is best via monorail as you move around part of the park before stopping. This gives a nice view and your first glimpse of Spaceship Earth. I do suggest doing the showcases with first-timers in the evening to beat the heat plus the ambiance is better.

 

[AliceNDinah]

Thanks DisneyCal! Hope you have a great vacation, as well

 

[Micca]

Not to throw a wrench into your plans but... With all of the food options at Epcot are you certain you want to fill-up on Chef Mickey buffet food??? I guess if you have kids that want to have brunch with Mickey that's cool, just thought I'd bring it up. Enjoy yourself at WDW (BTW--Alice & Dinah loom large around our place too!)

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Oh, definitely go via monorail to the main entrance!! (Just remember, you have to transfer to the EP monorail at the TTC). As PP's have noted, the monorail goes "into" EP and you pass some of the FW pavilions while doing a circle around Spaceship Earth. It's a spectacular way to enter EP! Plus, when you walk in, the iconic Spaceship Earth is right in front of you for a great photo op. Do you have your FP+ picked out for EP that day?

 

[AliceNDinah]

Hey Micca! Oh I hear you. That was pretty much the only time I could fit Chef Mickey's into the schedule! It's a 12:15 brunch, then we'll do Epcot after.....hopefully we will stretch out the visit in order to sample some goodies there! Thanks for the reply Yep, I love me some Alice (Dinah too, ha)

DisneyWishes: Thank you also! Yes, I have afternoon FP+ all set and ready to go for that afternoon: Mission Space, Soarin', Turtle Talk with Crush ;---) Sounds like a great introduction to Epcot, doing the monorail that way!!!