Credit: Laura (Tiger Girl), FlickrWalt Disney World Resort has quietly confirmed a permanent change at the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. This smaller Disney Park entrance serves guests arriving from Disney Resort hotels on foot or via ferryboat or Disney Skyliner gondola. Rather than enter through World Celebration and the Spaceship Earth area, guests enter the Central Florida theme park near the France World Showcase Pavilion.
Update to the International Gateway Entrance at EPCOT
On June 4, WDWNT reported that several large black curtains on metal frames had arrived in the Port of Entry merchandise location at EPCOT. This gift shop is located immediately to the left upon entering the park from the International Gateway. The outlet shared this photo of the blocked-off area, which is under a painting of the Eiffel Tower with a sign reading “France:”
The blocked-off area was once a checkout counter. According to reports from Disney cast members, the former register is transforming into a new Pandora charm counter. Clear plastic material is visible above the curtains, and the outline of large rectangular materials is visible through them.
Port of Entry already has a Pandora charm counter, directly across from the curtained-off area. It’s unclear whether Disney wanted a larger display area or simply wanted to relocate the existing jewelry counter. The current Pandora counter may swap with the register area to maintain checkout capacity at what is often a busy gift shop, but Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed this.
The Port of Entry shop remains open and continues selling merchandise to Disney Park guests, with other registers open for Disney cast members to ring up their souvenirs.
Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed an end date for the relocation of the Pandora charm counter in the Port of Entry gift shop at EPCOT.
Have you ever purchased a Pandora charm to commemorate your Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments!
