While visiting EPCOT recently, we noticed that Walt Disney World has begun the process of installing physical gates at the main entrance to EPCOT. This is a departure from the typical rope that keeps guests out of the park or signals that an entrance tappoint isn’t being utilized. Here’s what we saw.
Physical Gates Installed at EPCOT Main Entrance
As you can see in the photos below, Walt Disney World has installed physical gates at the EPCOT main entrance tappoints. The gates are themed, with triangular designs likely meant to tie in with the exterior of the iconic Spaceship Earth structure just steps away. The gates appear to be able to be swung open when the tappoints are in use.
Before we take a look at the new gates, here’s a look at the current setup for a tappoint not in use at EPCOT.
So far, Disney appears to be working from the exterior tappoint entrances toward the more central tappoints. We’re not sure if the plan is to install physical gates at all of the tappoints, or just the rarely used tappoints. Here’s a look at the far left side of the entrance, where there are two gates installed.
On the far right of the entry plaza, there is one gate installed, with two more gates under construction nearby.
It’s worth noting that the new gates are not “gated entry” gates. That is, they are not going to replace the tappoints. Instead, they appear to be another layer of security that will ensure that guests do not enter the park without going through a proper tappoint. I’ve seen more than one child run under the ropes, leaving the parent to either chase after them into the park or try to get a Cast Member to assist. The new gates would prevent that scenario, and they act as a more obvious way of blocking off an area that is not an entrance to the theme park.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar setup at other theme parks in the future.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
EPCOT is the only WDW park that didn’t have this, and it’s been that way since opening. Staring 2003ish Security had to keep someone watching the front entrance all night long to make sure nobody snuck in to the park. That is a VERY boring job.