When entering Epcot from International Gateway...

[KJay]

...where & when are you allowed through at park opening? I know that IG brings you in between France & UK, but World Showcase isn't open yet when Epcot opens. Where are we led through? I've also heard there's no more rope drop at Epcot- does this mean IG entrants are held at IG until the front of the park is fully opened, or are we able to enter partially (maybe up to the plaza between the fountain and Innoventions) prior to official opening time? My next trip will be my first in an Epcot area resort- I'm so excited!! Thanks for the info...

 

[Kim1964]

The bridge to France will be roped off and there will be a couple of cast members standing there, but the walk through England and Canada will be open.

 

[goofy4tink]

The time that IG guests are allowed in varies. I have been allowed to enter at 8:45, other times, it's been very close to 9:00. As already mentioned, CMs will be stationed at the top of the rise, by the bridge over towards France, preventing you from going that way. You will walk through England and Canada. Then, CMs will send you up the center walkway, towards the fountain, where you will be held until the park opens.
If the park is open already, you will most likely be able to use the Rose Garden walkway over towards Soarin'.
If you're heading to Norway, to eat breakfast, you will have to go with the flow, until you hit that central walkway. Then, you keep going towards WS, past Mexico, to Norway.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Can you get thru earlier if you have dining reservations for before the park opens? Or do you need to go thru the front of the park?

 

[luvdisney00]

When we were there this past summer, they were letting people in early for reservations in Norway. We got in about 8:45 and were led through Canada to the fountain for the RD show, just in the back. We were with all of the people from the front in the mass heading to Soarin. The IG was a great way to enter the park.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The time that IG guests are allowed in varies. I have been allowed to enter at 8:45, other times, it's been very close to 9:00.

I experienced that about 2 weeks ago when they had AM Extra Magic Hour. Instead of the entrance gates opening at 7:45 AM it was just about 8:00 AM when that happened. Well the Disney Security Cast Cast Member claimed those entering through Future World were let in the same time we were, however myself and others said we didn't believe her.