Staying offsite and using International Gateway entrance at Epcot on EMH day

[JennSaint]

Wondering if anyone has had this experience before. We are staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek during the week leading up to Easter. We were thinking of using Uber to get to the parks most days. Unfortunately the only day we can do Epcot is on April 18 which has EMH Am that day. I was thinking of getting dropped off at the Boardwalk and using the International Gateway entrance. Will they allow us through the gate before the park opens to the public at 9 but just not on any rides?
Thanks!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Wondering if anyone has had this experience before. We are staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek during the week leading up to Easter. We were thinking of using Uber to get to the parks most days. Unfortunately the only day we can do Epcot is on April 18 which has EMH Am that day. I was thinking of getting dropped off at the Boardwalk and using the International Gateway entrance. Will they allow us through the gate before the park opens to the public at 9 but just not on any rides?
Thanks!

From my understanding, I don't think they will allow you into the park until open time. I would think that once you tap your magicband or ticket to the turnstyle, they will say yes or no on entry depending on if you are a resort guest. I'm not sure if there is someplace they "hold" other guests till the park opens. I'm sure someone with a more recent experience can help.

 

[Alesia]

Will they allow us through the gate before the park opens to the public at 9 but just not on any rides?
Thanks!

No

 

[Marionnette]

Wondering if anyone has had this experience before. We are staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek during the week leading up to Easter. We were thinking of using Uber to get to the parks most days. Unfortunately the only day we can do Epcot is on April 18 which has EMH Am that day. I was thinking of getting dropped off at the Boardwalk and using the International Gateway entrance. Will they allow us through the gate before the park opens to the public at 9 but just not on any rides?
Thanks!

If you’re an offsite guest, you won’t be allowed into the park during EMH. There Is no holding area for non-resort guests. TBH, you would be better off being dropped at the main entrance.

 

[JennSaint]

If you’re an offsite guest, you won’t be allowed into the park during EMH. There Is no holding area for non-resort guests. TBH, you would be better off being dropped at the main entrance.

Yes main entrance will put us closer to Future World. Just wasn't sure if we'd be allowed through just not able to go on rides. Figured the International Gateway would be less busy and we could take our time walking to Future world. Thanks

 

[sharonabe]

Yes main entrance will put us closer to Future World. Just wasn't sure if we'd be allowed through just not able to go on rides. Figured the International Gateway would be less busy and we could take our time walking to Future world. Thanks

If you get to the EP resorts well before regular park opening, just enjoy a stroll around the Boardwalk. Maybe make time for a quick breakfast. I'm with you on minimizing the crowd experience at the gate.

 

[gratefulfred]

Wasn’t bonnet creek just added as an official Disney hotel? Wouldn’t they be eligible for emh if that’s the case?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Wasn’t bonnet creek just added as an official Disney hotel? Wouldn’t they be eligible for emh if that’s the case?

Just FYI, it was the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek that was added, not the Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

 

[gratefulfred]

Just FYI, it was the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek that was added, not the Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

Gotcha, didn’t realize there were two bonnet creeks.

 

[Fangorn]

Gotcha, didn’t realize there were two bonnet creeks.

Technically, there are 4 Bonnet Creek resorts (although one doesn't have "Bonnet Creek" in the name): Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Steve

 

[gratefulfred]

Technically, there are 4 Bonnet Creek resorts (although one doesn't have "Bonnet Creek" in the name): Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Steve

Are they in different areas or are they all in that area in the middle of Disney property?

 

[Fangorn]

Are they in different areas or are they all in that area in the middle of Disney property?

They're all in the same general area.

Steve

 

[subtchr]

Yes main entrance will put us closer to Future World. Just wasn't sure if we'd be allowed through just not able to go on rides. Figured the International Gateway would be less busy and we could take our time walking to Future world. Thanks

For early EMH, they don't scan at the rides to check for eligible guests, only at the entrance. So if they allowed you to enter, there would be no way to prevent you from riding.

For late EMH, that is how it works -- bands are scanned at each ride, to check for eligibility. Non-eligible guests can stay in the park, just not ride.