Beaches and Cream after Illuminations

[disnut1149]

To miss the crowds after Illuminations, I'm thinking of going by boat to Beaches and Cream. Will the boats be going back to Epcot since Epcot closes after Illuminations and then get a bus back to Pop, or will it be too late and we'll have to get a taxi back to Pop? Thanks!!!

 

[johnvree]

The good news is that the Boat will take you to B&C after IllumiNations. The bad news is B&C is pretty crowded after the IllumiNations. Also, getting a bus from BC to Pop is going to be a nightmare. You have to take a bus to one of the hubs (DTD, MK, Epcot front gate, MGM or DAK). So you will be on the bus for a while I think.

You could walk to B&C from Epcot, have some ice cream, then walk to MGM (20 minutes) or take the boat from BC to MGM and then grab a bus from MGM to Pop.

 

[ndelaware]

The boat dock is a mob scene after Illuminations, you are better off walking to B&C.

 

[disnut1149]

Johnvree,
So you're saying that we cannot take a boat back to Epcot from Beaches and Cream because Epcot will be closed, and then a bus back to Pop from Epcot? If that's the case, we'll probably just take a taxi. I'm going with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter and it will be getting late for her. I can't be bothered doing all that transferring to get a bus back, plus I thought the boat ride would be fun for my DGD. Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If Disney Studios was still open, you could continue your boat ride over to the Studios and then get a bus from there over to Pop. But I think that B&C will be very busy after Illuminations.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

The bad news is B&C is pretty crowded after the IllumiNations.

You can also get ice cream on the Boardwalk at the sweet shop between Flying Fish and Spoodles. Lots of flavors. No sit down inside, but seats outside on the Boardwalk.

Andrew

 

[Simba's Mom]

The boat dock is a mob scene after Illuminations, you are better off walking to B&C.

B&C is a mob scene after Illuminations! A CM at B&C once told me that she thinks practicallyeveryone tries to go to B&C after Illuminations there are so many people. We made the mistake of trying to go once and there was about a 45 minute wait-at a fairly slow time of year.

 

[AJKMOM]

If you want to go to Beaches & Cream, you are better off going at a less crowded time, like 3-4:00, instead of the traditional dinner time or after Illuminations. It is a short walk from the International Gateway of EPCOT, 10 minutes max. My $.02 is to avoid the time after Illuminations.

 

[johnvree]

Johnvree,
So you're saying that we cannot take a boat back to Epcot from Beaches and Cream because Epcot will be closed, and then a bus back to Pop from Epcot? If that's the case, we'll probably just take a taxi. I'm going with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter and it will be getting late for her. I can't be bothered doing all that transferring to get a bus back, plus I thought the boat ride would be fun for my DGD. Thanks!

Unless Epcot has EMH in the evening, World Showcase closes shortly after IllumiNations. I honestly have never tried to get back into Epcot after IllumiNations, but by the time you get to B&C, order, eat and return via boat to World Showcase, I suspect you will not be able to get back in.

Taxi would be much better and we usually don't mind spending $15 or $20 to avoid hopping on multiple buses, especially at closing time.

 

[disnut1149]

Thanks everyone! Not decided what we're going to do yet, just didn't want to wait with a mob to get a bus back.

 

[snowglobe girl]

If the main reason you were going to B&C was to avoid the mobs at the bus, then watch Illuminations on a night that is late entry for Epcot. Then after Illuminations, linger around in the park for a while for people to clear out, repeat favorite rides and then leave after the mass exodus of people that won't stay for late entry.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Since at 3 1/2 your granddaughter may or may not even be able to stay awake until past 9:00 to watch Illuminations after a fun day of activity, I will second the idea that you should either walk or take a boat ride over to Beaches and Cream earlier in the day. It's okay to leave the park behind a little and let your GD catch a breather. You could have a nice big bowl of ice cream for your lunch (hey it's vacation) and then come back and enjoy Epcot.

 

[DebbieB]

You can also get ice cream on the Boardwalk at the sweet shop between Flying Fish and Spoodles. Lots of flavors. No sit down inside, but seats outside on the Boardwalk.

Andrew

The Boardwalk Sweet Shop is also very crowded after Illuminations.

I think your best bet is to find a spot for Illuminations near the entrance to Future World. You will then be closer to the bus stop when it ends, better chance to beat the crowds. These spots fillup early though.

 

[byoung]

Have the Kitchen Sink at B&C.

 

[disnut1149]

Thanks again for all your ideas. You guys are great. JCbutterfly, I like your idea of taking a break and going over earlier in the day. My graddaughter might be a lot happier going at that time. We are going in August since by DD is a teacher, so it would be a nice break from the heat.