Walt Disney World Resort guests are used to constant change, but even seasoned visitors were surprised when EPCOT quietly altered its entry procedures twice in just one week. From sudden new gates to an equally sudden removal, the ongoing changes have raised questions about what Disney is planning for one of its busiest park entrances.
It all started last week when new metal gates appeared at the World Celebration entrance to EPCOT. This entry point, located directly beneath Spaceship Earth, is the main hub for guests arriving by Monorail, Disney buses, or parking in EPCOT’s designated lot. The heavy swinging gates were installed at several of the less-frequented “tap-styles,” designed to stop guests from bypassing ticket scans and to funnel departing Disney Park guests toward specific exits.
However, just days later, the gates were gone. According to BlogMickey, the metal gates are no longer in place as of Wednesday, August 20. Only the poles remain, and ropes now hang in place of the gates.
Walt Disney World Resort has not made a public statement regarding either the gates’ installation or removal. Theories range from technical flaws to guest flow issues, but nothing has been confirmed. Despite the changes, the basic entry process for EPCOT visitors remains the same, with no additional delays or detours.
EPCOT is the only Walt Disney World Resort theme park with two major entry points. In addition to the World Celebration entrance, there’s the International Gateway located near the France Pavilion in the World Showcase. This smaller entrance is used primarily by guests arriving on the Disney Skyliner, watercraft transportation, or by foot from nearby Disney Resort hotels and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new gates never appeared at the International Gateway, and there’s no indication yet if Disney will attempt to install similar equipment there in the future.
What do you think about the changes to the main entrance at EPCOT? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
