BCV, EPCOT & MGM - getting around at night

[DrTomorrow]

Greetings!

One of those last minute things that made me go "eeeep!", so I could use a bit of advice.

We're spending our first night at BCV. Here's our short-term plans for that night:

- Burgers at Beaches & Cream
- Walk to EPCOT to see late Tony Orlando FP show
- Stay for Illuminations
- Since MGM is EMH-PM until 1 AM, we'll go over there and try to catch the 10:30 Fantasmic (otherwise, just wander around enjoying the park at night)
- Head back to BCV

(Don't worry - we're going to try out the pool the next morning when it's sunny!)

Here's what I don't know.

1. After Illuminations, what is the best way to get to MGM? At first I thought we'd simply leave by the Int Gateway, then take the boat to MGM. But then I realized that a lot of people might do that and overwhelm the boats; would it make more sense to try to go out the main EPCOT exit and catch a bus direct to MGM? I'm guessing that the walk from EPCOT all the way to MGM would be a bit much.

2. After watching Fantasmic, how bad will the boats to BCV be? Right now I think "Oh, it'll be a pleasant walk back to BCV", but at 11:20 PM on travel day it might not seem so nice. Is the MGM->BCV bus a reasonable option?

Thanks so much for any DVC Resort transportation option advice; I own and stay at SSR, so I'm not used to having so many options .

Be well!

 

[Joe&Peg]

I would just plan to walk. I'm not sure, but by the time you walked to the Epcot front gate and to the bus area, the difference in distance wouldn't be all that great. Crowds that way and waiting for a bus may be a problem there to. I would definately not try to catch a boat at the International gateway. Walking to the BC dock and catching the boat there might be an option. But I think just walking it would be the best option.

 

[CapeCodFam]

1. After Illuminations, what is the best way to get to MGM? At first I thought we'd simply leave by the Int Gateway, then take the boat to MGM. But then I realized that a lot of people might do that and overwhelm the boats; would it make more sense to try to go out the main EPCOT exit and catch a bus direct to MGM? I'm guessing that the walk from EPCOT all the way to MGM would be a bit much.

2. After watching Fantasmic, how bad will the boats to BCV be? Right now I think "Oh, it'll be a pleasant walk back to BCV", but at 11:20 PM on travel day it might not seem so nice. Is the MGM->BCV bus a reasonable option?

That sounds great!

A) Don't forget to also get a chocolate shake. ..and those onion rings...
B) It's not too bad from IG. If the boat is there, get on. If it isn't, walk to BWV, get on the boat if it is there. If not, it's a pleasant walk to MGM. I'd say stay away from the buses at Epcot. There are always crazy lines at closing. Here's a tip for walking: Don't walk around BWV. At the BWV green, take the walkway next to the wayland gallery. Walk to the left of the clown pool and onto the MGM walkway. That will shave a few minutes off of the time.
C) The boats back may be quite a long wait. If you're tired,wait for the boat and enjoy the ducks. Otherwise... Also,I don't believe there is a bus from MGM to BCV. It's only the boat. (I'd be happy to wrong though)

Have a great trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

I very seldom use the boats while I'm at BW or BC. After IllumiNations I would just walk to MGM..taking the route previously mentioned...over the village green, through the underpass beside Wyland Galleries and past the clown pool. It takes about 15-20 mins to walk from Intl Gateway to MGM, unless you are pokey.
As for after Fantasmic!, well, the boats are deluged at this point. So, I would walk back to BC. Just amble along and it will be very pleasant. The walkway is very well lit and safe.
Those boats can be fun, but you have to arrive just as they are boarding. Otherwise you could have a 20 minute wait before you even get on the boat. And to tell you the truth, I've started walking just as the boat has left and I have gotten to BW before the boat!!!

 

[BCV23]

I own and stay at SSR, so I'm not used to having so many options

Anyway, CapeCodFam is right. There is no bus from MGM to BCV.

From the IG, I'd catch a boat if one is there or coming soon. They are airconditioned and at this time of year could feel very nice. If it looks like you would have a wait for a boat, meander along the Boardwalk to the boat stop there. Enough people should be getting off to open up a couple of seats.

Personally, I would take the boat back too. Although the boats lack the charm of those that ply the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, they are cool and offer a pretty view of the hotels.

Lastly, if you will have a car, I would seriously think about driving to MGM. Walk back to BCV after Illuminations and just hang a right when you leave the BC/BCV parking lot. It is a very short drive.

 

[rinkwide]

After Illuminations, what is the best way to get to MGM?

 

[DrTomorrow]

Oh, rinkwide - if we ever meet in person, I owe you a hearty handshake (or a wet sloppy kiss - your choice).

I'd give up several toes just to ride on the Wonkatania - either version (Gene Wilder's Walken-esque raving puts chills down my spine, but the Depp version seems like more of a thrill). Hmmmm - I wonder; any chance DisneyCo could the rights to "Chocolate Factory"? I could see some great rides coming out of those movies......

[Imagine this, rinkwide: A SNL parody of 'Chocolate Factory', with Christopher Walken as WW!]