EPCOT resort area logistics

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alicemouse's picture
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Joined: 10/22/2013
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EPCOT resort area logistics

We'll be staying at Boardwalk Villas for the first time on our next trip and I just want to confirm my assumption that we can enter through International Gateway at rope drop even though World Showcase is not technically open yet. Is that correct?

I know we have a lot of folks who love the EPCOT resorts area. Does anyone have any favorite tips for navigating toward test track or soarin' quickly in the morning?

Finally, is it possible to take a bus to/from Boardwalk and EPCOT front entrance? Obviously it would be silly to do this to go to EPCOT, but I'm thinking about coming home from Wishes at Top of the World. It might be fun to take the monorail to EPCOT and use that as a transfer point, but the park will be closed by the time we get there, so we can't walk through EPCOT to get home. On a related note, can you get resort busses from TTC?

Thanks for your help!!

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December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

JanJ's picture
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Joined: 07/14/2013
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Yes, alicemouse, you can get thru the international gateway even before world showcase is open. We entered that way several times before 11am in the morning. I also heard that the bakery in France is open at 9am too, but never tried to make it over that way. Easiest way to get to test track is just walking thru the UK and into Canada - there is no short cut that I'm aware of.
Also, no bus between the boardwalk and the entrance to Epcot. I also don't believe you can get resort buses from the TTC - I have never seen any.

Mandy's picture
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Disney resort buses don't go to the TTC.

The Colonel's picture
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I would walk from TOWL to MK and get a bus from MK to BW. Don't do it too late (like I did) or you will be taking a cab.

And you are correct, Intl Gateway opens when the park opens.

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Kristen K.'s picture
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alicemouse wrote:
We'll be staying at Boardwalk Villas for the first time on our next trip and I just want to confirm my assumption that we can enter through International Gateway at rope drop even though World Showcase is not technically open yet. Is that correct?

Yes, yes you can! And I believe that (if I remember correctly) Le Halles in France opens at 8 or 9am for breakfast.

taratru's picture
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Joined: 06/26/2012
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We took a bus from MK to our resort after staying really late at California Grill. Keep in mind buses stop running an hour after MK closes, or you might find yourself in a panic. Just sayin'. biggrin

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alicemouse's picture
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Thanks everyone!!

I knew that Akershus was open for breakfast, but I didn't even think about the possibility of breakfast at Le Halles!! Awesome!!

I was trying to avoid the mass exodus from MK after Wishes on the night we go to TOTW, but it sounds like bus from MK is really the only option without transferring through DTD which is WAY out of the way. Or getting a cab, but paying extra for a cab when there's free transportation available might make my dad's head explode.

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

crazycatperson's picture
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If DHS is still open (for EEMH, perhaps) you could bus to DHS from TOTW and walk to the Boardwalk.

alicemouse's picture
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Joined: 10/22/2013
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Oh good idea, Jan! I didn't think about checking the EMH schedule for DHS.

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Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.