With cable installation beginning soon, rumor has it that the International Gateway entrance to Epcot will need to be closed for a few weeks to accommodate this work.
If the rumor is true, guests would not be able to enter Epcot via the International Gateway entrance towards the back of the park (between France and the United Kingdom) from November 28th through December 18th, 2018. Obviously, Friendship boat service to and from the park offered at nearby Epcot resorts would be suspended during this time as well.
Disney has yet to confirm the closure, but the Swan and Dolphin hotels are already telling guests that they will have no boat service to Epcot during this period. Obviously, many guests book rooms at the Epcot resorts for proximity to the park and a nearby entrance at International Gateway, so this will be a major problem when it does occur, especially if it is with such little notice to guests.
Until announced, this is all just a rumor, but we’ll keep an ear to the ground on this one.
We specifically selected the higher priced EPCOT area resort Beach Club for the International Gateway access on our Nov 26-30 trip. This is incredibly aggravating if it comes to be true. We will certainly be expressing our frustration to Disney as well.
Hah, I’m booked at Beach Club through DVC rental points. Not even sure I *can* complain. Fun!
Sucks for those affected, but it’s got to be done.
Hopefully Disney will hurry the job & give a little compensation for those booked at the Beach Club, Yacht Club & Boardwalk. Obviously, Swan/Dolphin guests will be bummed as well.
At least boat service to Hollywood Studios should be unaffected.
I have seen some indications that pedestrian traffic will not be affected by the closure only the boat services will be interrupted. I am hoping that will be the case because I chose to stay at Yacht Club for ease and convenience of being walking distance to the IG.
Unbelievable. We’ll be staying at the Boardwalk from Nov. 28 through the 5th. Have 1 year old twins and a 4 year old.
Same deal for our group as well. Nov 23rd to Dec 1st. Staying at Boardwalk for 5 nights, then Beach Club for 3 nights. Disney phone cast members do not know anything about it yet…at least that is what they are claiming. I hope it is true that pedestrian access will be open to the IG still.
We are staying at Yacht club 12/8. When I saw this article I immediately called the resort directly. At this time they do not have any construction or closure information. The International Gateway was temporarily closed but has now re-opened. All subject to change of course. We were concerned this would affect our Epcot plans for the evening – to return to the resort for dinner. We were successful in securing a TS inside Epcot just in case the Gateway is in fact closed.
Wow. We are booked at boardwalk dec 5-12 for a birthday trip. This would be very frustrating considering no notice. The MAIN reason we booked here was to be able to walk to world showcase.
Had heard this rumor in general, but had not seen the exact dates “only the headlines” good know this does not start until AFTER my visit for the weekend of the Lake and Lagoon tour, as I’m planning on visiting Crescent Lake at least one of the days.