Originally Posted By fundog58 My wife and I are planning to visit Epcot during this fall's Food and Wine event. She was very excited to learn that there is a "back" entrance to Epcot (the International Gateway) as we will be spending most of our time in the World Showcase area. My wife, who cannot walk long distances without a good deal of discomfort, was dreading the lengthy trek through Future World. I've seen conflicting information about the International Gateway. Are there any rules regarding who can use this entrance? Although we might stay on property, it will not be in the immediate Epcot/Boardwalk area. We will have our car, so if we drove to this area is there an accessible parking lot close to the International Gateway? And what if we end up not staying on property - would this make a difference as to whether or not we would be allowed to park near this entrance? We are not out to break any rules or face any hassles. Any suggestions?
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m ^^I can't really answer your question about entering via International Gateway.... However I can highly recommend you stay on-site (if you are checking in on or before September 30th) as WDW is giving the dining plan free. That will pay for a full service meal, a counter service meal, and a snack for each of you every day.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip You can take a boat to the International Gateway from any of the Epcot Resorts or from the MGM Studios. I would suggest going to one of the Epcot resorts and using the valet parking (the park-it-yourself lots are a long ways from the entrance). It will then be a fairly short walk from the resort entrance to the boat dock. The boat will take you to a dock that is just outside the Gateway. There is no public parking as far as I know near the International Gateway.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Anyone is welcome to use the International Gateway. I suppose if you parked at the Boardwalk and took the boat to Epcot, you might save a small amount of walking. I wouldn't park at the Yacht and Beach Club only because those lots are really meant for guests and visitors to those resorts. Personally, I would rent a wheeelchair for your wife.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj If you don't take the boat to the International Gateway entrance, there is still a lenghty stroll from the EPCOT resort area. I would venture to say that it is probably about the same as walking through Future World. It might be a bit shorter, but not a great deal.
Originally Posted By fundog58 Thanks to all who responded to this topic. Everyone had some great suggestions, and we will consider them all whenever we get to go. As luck would have it, I found out the day after my first post that we might have to postpone our visit due to some possible changes at my wife's job, but I hope all is resolved long before October rolls around.
