International Gateway - Epcot

[Kuhio]

It's been a while since I've been to Epcot, and I think I've only ever left World Showcase through the International Gateway near the France pavilion -- never the reverse.

So, my question is -- can someone who's a Disney resort guest, but not a guest at one of the Epcot resorts specifically (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan, Dolphin) enter the park through the International Gateway? My initial assumption is that anyone with a valid park ticket should be able to enter, but then I wondered whether they would not allow this so as to prevent people from parking for free in the Beach Club's lot and coming in the back way.

Put in context, I was thinking it might be faster to get from another park (say, the Studios or DAK) to the back end of World Showcase by taking a bus to the Beach Club and then walking in through the International Gateway, than by taking a bus to the front of Epcot and then walking all the way to the back.

Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!

[nbodyhome]

I do it all the time, I walk from Epcot to MGM and back frequently.

[Risa]

They take tickets at the IG, too.

So, yeah you can go in and out through there.

It's a nice "secret passageway". Heh

[BoogaFrito]

Anyone is allowed in through the International Gateway.

I'm not sure how they limit parking at the Resorts. I know you're supposed to have a parking pass in your car window, but I'm not sure what they do if you don't have one or have one for a different hotel.

They (used to?) allow parking at the Boardwalk for non-resort guests.

Also, besides walking (10-20 mins), you can take a boat from the Studios to the Int'l Gateway...

[nbodyhome]

Walking takes about 20 minutes at a 3mph pace. I did that again the other day, as my parents took the boat (and I waited for them at the end for a few minutes).

The Boardwalk is an Entertainment venue, so they don't restrict as much as the other resorts. However, they are much more careful during the Food and Wine Festival.

[Cmash95]

we always take the boat that goes from mgm to epcot via boardwalk and yacht and beach club. It's alot of fun and a very nice ride.

[cyre]

Originally Posted by Kuhio

It's been a while since I've been to Epcot, and I think I've only ever left World Showcase through the International Gateway near the France pavilion -- never the reverse.

So, my question is -- can someone who's a Disney resort guest, but not a guest at one of the Epcot resorts specifically (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan, Dolphin) enter the park through the International Gateway? My initial assumption is that anyone with a valid park ticket should be able to enter, but then I wondered whether they would not allow this so as to prevent people from parking for free in the Beach Club's lot and coming in the back way.

Put in context, I was thinking it might be faster to get from another park (say, the Studios or DAK) to the back end of World Showcase by taking a bus to the Beach Club and then walking in through the International Gateway, than by taking a bus to the front of Epcot and then walking all the way to the back.

Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!

Originally Posted by BoogaFrito

Anyone is allowed in through the International Gateway.

I'm not sure how they limit parking at the Resorts. I know you're supposed to have a parking pass in your car window, but I'm not sure what they do if you don't have one or have one for a different hotel.

They (used to?) allow parking at the Boardwalk for non-resort guests.

Also, besides walking (10-20 mins), you can take a boat from the Studios to the Int'l Gateway...

[jane2073]

Anyone with a valid ticket can enter through the International Gateway.
That is our favorite entrance.

[aimster]

Originally Posted by BoogaFrito

Anyone is allowed in through the International Gateway.

You have to know the password and secret handshake though.

[sir clinksalot]

Don't non-resort people just have to pay to park there? (Yacht/Beach Club)

[ieffectfor_disney]

Originally Posted by sir clinksalot

Don't non-resort people just have to pay to park there? (Yacht/Beach Club)

I'm not sure if they allow non-resort guests to park there, but if you have "reservations" at a restaurant at either of these resorts, you can park for free!

[Bad Wolf]

I've gone through the International Gateway many times and several times I was not a guest on the Epcot area hotels. Why not let anyone through those gates? It's a great way to get people to shop and eat in the Boardwalk and the hotels.

[BoogaFrito]

Originally Posted by Bad Wolf

I've gone through the International Gateway many times and several times I was not a guest on the Epcot area hotels.

The bouncer always keeps me from going in that way.

[Kuhio]

Thanks!

[Bill]

Originally Posted by sir clinksalot

Don't non-resort people just have to pay to park there? (Yacht/Beach Club)

Parking is free at all Disney Operated Resorts. Though you must have a reason for your visit to the resort. Parking is technically not allowed if you are going to a theme park from the resort. Not to say it's not done, but it's technically not allowed.