Did you know that there are TWO entrances to EPCOT? One way in, of course, is at the main entrance by Spaceship Earth that most guests are familiar with. The other entrance is way in the back of World Showcase called International Gateway!
Welcome to EPCOT!
Both of these entrances are available to guests each morning, so today we thought we would start our day from the back of the park!
For the past several months, early mornings in the parks have been a pretty casual affair, with the majority of the park essentially “open” 20-30 minutes before the posted park hours and guests being able to head straight to the rides once you arrive. When we showed up at EPCOT this morning, however, we noticed that a lot of guests were being held at a certain point, much like a pre-closure traditional “rope drop.”
Good morning, new friends!
And when we say a lot of guests, we MEAN a LOT of guests. We haven’t seen a line at park opening build-up like this in quite some time!
A LOT of people had the same idea to show up at rope drop today!
The crowd photos may look a little shocking and intense, but keep in mind that the International Gateway entrance is where you’ll enter EPCOT if you travel to the park via the Disney Skyliner. This back entrance is also steps away from Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, as well as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. So, there are a lot of resort guests that can easily access the International Gateway in the morning!
Look at how long this line stretches!
Despite the fact that EPCOT’s posted park hours are 11AM-10PM, we noticed more “traditional” rope drop procedures began around 10:30AM. We were able to head right to Soarin’ before the official park opening time and we were on the ride by 11AM.
Rope drop at Epcot this morning from International Gateway. pic.twitter.com/ZIXHoZy3OM
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 8, 2021
EPCOT International Gateway Entrance
If you have a Disney World vacation coming up and are considering entering EPCOT via International Gateway, just keep in mind that your day can start a little earlier than what’s posted on the calendar! Just be prepared for some crowding initially as you enter, and be prepared for a normal “rope drop” where you may not be able to head to your first destination right away.
Click here to read more about Disney World’s “Early Theme Park Entry”
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Holy moly, that’s a serious crowd for International Gateway rope drop.
What is the best way to get to the International Gateway for non resort guests?
Hi Harold! The best way to get to the International Gateway if you are not staying at a Skyliner resort would be to park at EPCOT, then take a bus to the Beach Club Resort, walk through the Beach Club and over to the International Gateway.