DiznyDi & I remember when those covered areas (now grass) just outside of the IG were bus drop offs/pick-up points. But even then, the traffic was pretty low; most wanted to enter Epcot from the front.
Pool Hopping - After reading a number of comments & concerns about Pool Hopping, I can't help but say I'm not that worried about those that show up and USE the seating; it is the ones that leave their stuff first thing in the morning and walk away, so they can sit when they return mid afternoon. It is so rude and self centered. Once I watched a lady at The Lodge place colored towels and an empty beach bag on several lounges and walk away. After she had gone, I collected the towels and bag and set them aside on a large rock, as people were beginning the 'morning flood" to pool side. After a wonderful Mickey Waffle breakfast at RF, as we walked back through the pool area, the items were once again spread out over four lounges and the bag was reserving a table. Yeah, I couldn't just let it go, as DiznyDi advised; I looked around the pool area, and not seeing the guest anywhere, I re-collected them and set them on the rock. Yup, didn't she come around the corner, obviously heading for the boats, and find her items sitting on the rock. Again she spread them around and left. With DiznyDi's advice
hyper2: ) I let them be, and settled back into that second class group that tries to follow the rules.
I know no one needed to read that, but it felt good typing it. Sorry.