We know that transportation to the parks can sometimes be a pain.
Disney Bus
This is especially the case when you are trying to get to the Magic Kingdom but need to make it through the Transportation and Ticket Center first. It can also be challenging to get to EPCOT, especially when you are trying to Rope Drop attractions in the World Showcase, but did you know that EPCOT has two entrances?
Most people are familiar with the front entrance of EPCOT, which is near Spaceship Earth. If you decide to drive your car to EPCOT, take the monorail, or take a Disney bus, you will be dropped off at the front entrance.
Front entrance of EPCOT
Now, don’t get us wrong, seeing Spaceship Earth and entering the park from the front gate can build anticipation and excitement for the day, but the front of the park is further from the World Showcase, certain attractions, and even festival booths.
EPCOT
There is a second entrance called the International Gateway, located near the World Showcase between the France and the United Kingdom Pavilions.
EPCOT International Gateway
So, how can you enter this way? Well, there are a few options. The easiest is if you are staying at an EPCOT area hotel like the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, The BoardWalk Inn, or the Yacht and Beach Club; you can walk right up to this entrance! If you do not want to walk, you can also take a Friendship Boat from one of these resorts to EPCOT. The Friendship Boats even have a route to Hollywood Studios!
International Gateway Friendship Boat
If you are coming from another park, you can take a bus to an EPCOT resort rather than taking the bus to EPCOT, which will drop you off at the front of the park. These resorts include the BoardWalk Inn as well as the Yacht and Beach Club. This will save you so much time if you are using Disney buses as your primary form of transportation! Once you are dropped off at the resort, you just have to take a short walk to the International Gateway entrance.
Take a bus to a resort like Disney’s Yacht Club
If you are staying at a Skyliner hotel like Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, the Riviera Resort, or Caribbean Beach Resort, the EPCOT Skyliner station is located at the International Gateway entrance.
EPCOT Skyliner
If you are at Hollywood Studios, you can take the walking path to the International Gateway entrance. It will take you about 20 minutes, but on a nice day, it is not too bad, especially when the Skyliner line is long. The same works for the reverse situation, going from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios.
You can walk between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!
Walking from your EPCOT resort to the International Gateway entrance or taking the Skyliner in the morning can help you gain an advantage when Rope Dropping Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion. You can save a ton of time and be one of the first people in line instead of having to walk from the front entrance to the back of the park, where Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The International Gateway entrance also happens to be closer to a lot of food booths. If you are planning to spend a day at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival during your trip, entering through this back entrance can bring you closer to a lot of the booths!
EVERYTHING You Need to Eat and Drink at the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
2024 France Booth
The next time you visit EPCOT, plan your travel accordingly to best suit your and your party’s needs, and consider using this “secret” second entrance instead! For more Disney tips, continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog!
6 SECRET Entrances Hiding Around Disney World
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Yes, I’ve known for years. Far fewer crowds entering Epcot here. I love taking the boats. So peaceful. Sometimes I take them full circle which is about 45 minutes. Just to go for a free ride! No being pushed, rushed, stepped on or going deaf from noise….calm and serenity….plus I get to see a side of wdw many never do!
I have taken the bus from Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs to an Epcot Resort several times, and I will again. It’s so much easier using the International Gateway entrance.
AJ. Shhhh. That was a secret. hahaha