Goofy4tink, I found this post looking for info about getting throughs the international gateway early. For us specifically, we'll be staying at BWV and have an 8:30 AM FutureWorld tour scheduled.
First call: I happen to ask when I called to book the tour if we would be able to get through the IG at 8 AM and was told no...take a bus from BWV to the front of Epcot. Which seems ridiculous. Didn't book.
2nd call to make sure we could get through IG at 8:30 to do the 9:00 tour. Yes.
3rd call: After discussing with DH, decided to book the 9:00 tour (but we have afternoon MK plans we hope to make...the earlier the tour, the better, but being able to walk through IG is better than taking a bus). Wanted to confirm that we could get through the IG at 8:30 and was told yes, the gate opens at 8 for people with dining reservations. I questioned "even the IG?" He called guest relations to confirm yes, we can get through the IG at 8 AM for dining and tours. Guaranteed me 100% he spoke to someone in the know at GR, and the answer is yes. Booked 8:30 tour.
4th call. Got off the phone feeling uneasy. So I called BWV. I figured they must know, that this situation must come up, no? First person said that if I have a reservation for a tour I SHOULD be able to get in at 8 AM. I said I need to know FOR SURE. She asked someone, and then told me that YES, I can get in through the IG, but that I needed to take the bus there. ??? I tried to explain again, but she talked over me, telling me again to catch the 6 AM bus to the IG, then walk to my reservation. One of the most frustrating conversations with a CM ever. I asked to speak to a supervisor.
5th person (NOT a supervisor): Again, said that I SHOULD be able to get through the IG. Again, I need to know for sure. She called Guest Relations...I heard her end of the conversation. That answer was NO, I can't use the IG...need to take the bus to the front of Epcot. Told her I was guaranteed by Tour department CM, who had also called guest relations. She tried to reach the tour department manager, but couldn't. Supposedly he/she is going to call me back.
Typically, DISers know more than CMs. I have read conflicting experiences tho from posts on the DIS and other sites when I googled the question. I also looked at breakfast times for Epcot restaurants, and they seem to start at 8. Do Epcot resort guests really need to take the bus there for breakfast? And if they CAN get in through the IG, surely tour guests should be able to.
I just don't understand why Disney doesn't have the answer written in stone.
So, yes or no, or in typical Disney fashion, it's hit or miss??