Back in April, we showed you how there were some changes happening at Epcot’s International Gateway. As part of Disney’s strategy to improve all the park entrances, construction has been underway at this “back entrance” to Epcot’s World Showcase. With projects like this, you can always expect some changes to guest traffic patterns.
Just last week, we saw that the security checkpoint had been moved to the Friendship boat dock as construction continues. Today, our latest construction update shows the demolition of the old ticket booths and the majority of the green awning has been removed.
Under the awning that used to be here was the old ticket and guest relation booth. A makeshift one has currently been put up right outside of the security checkpoint. From the bridge at the Boardwalk, you can see where the new booth is compared to the security checkpoint by the Friendship boat dock.
The Disney camouflage of using shrubbery extends all the way down and by the bathrooms, which are still currently open during construction.
You can almost peek over and see the construction at work, which we hope will be done soon to help make entering the park from International Gateway a lot smoother.
As you can see, the old guest relation and ticket booth are still under the canopy and haven’t been removed yet.
The view from the bridge between the France and United Kingdom pavilion can give you a bigger picture of exactly what’s going on through the maze of construction.
The Skyliner canopy towers over the old green awning for it’s new station at the International Gateway. A lot of construction continues on the opposite side of the hedge barriers, keeping guests from both sides of the construction for the new entrance and for the Skyliner station.
Here’s an aerial view if you’re having trouble picturing the layout. The red areas are construction zones that are currently blocked from guests. The blue square is where the security checkpoint currently is, with the green square being the temporary park entrance.
Hopefully this construction doesn’t take too long, as it’s kind of a mess over there right now. I’m sure it will be wonderful once the Skyliner is open and the new bag check is finished, but as of now it’s not a pretty sight. We’ll keep you updated as they make progress!
Will ppl coming off the gondolas go through screening too? Or are they screened prior to getting on the gondolas?
I suspect they will be screened at the gate for each park since the gondolas can come from the hotels. So it would be similar to the current bus system.