BOG dinner on our Epcot day

[NYCANC]

Hoping you guys can help me decide what to do!
I could only get a BOG dinner on my Epcot day (we have park hoppers).
We have a BOG breakfast another day but really want to keep the dinner to meet the Beast

We will be at Epcot at RD (a Wednesday in Oct.). Our dinner at BOG is at 4:55.
What time would we need to start to travel back to MK?
Monorail is the best way I'm guessing? Or grab a cab?
Then, if we want to return to Epcot to see Illuminations which is at 9pm that night- is that do-able or just tiring? My kids are up to it- they are 9 and 7 and have tons of energy when in parks and can go all day
I guess we could also take a break before BOG if needed since we are staying at the CR.

We will also be back at Epcot the following morning to do a few more FP's before we leave later in the day.

The only other way I can fit in a BOG dinner (if I can find a ADR for it) is to have an early dinner on our party night. I would just need to move one of my FP+ at 5pm. Or does that take away time from the beginning of the party?

Thanks so much! Appreciate the help!

 

[Robo]

Our dinner at BOG is at 4:55.

1. What time would we need to start to travel back to MK?
2. Monorail is the best way I'm guessing? Or grab a cab?
Then,
3. if we want to return to Epcot to see Illuminations which is at 9pm that night- is that do-able or
4. just tiring? My kids are up to it- they are 9 and 7 and have tons of energy when in parks and can go all day
5. I guess we could also take a break before BOG if needed since we are staying at the CR.

1. Go to Epcot's monorail station and board at about 4:00pm.
2. To MK, the monorail is much better than a cab.
3. Yes.
4. I'd do it.
5. If you want to do that, I'd leave Epcot by about 1:00-2:00pm.
(But, that seems like a tremendous loss of time.)

 

[NYCANC]

Thank you Robo! You made me feel much better that my plan is do-able! Thank you!
Great, we do not plan on taking a break that day and will go from Epcot to MK and then back to Epcot

If possible, would you change a BOG ADR to a party night? Or just keep the BOG dinner on my Epcot day? Thanks!

 

[Robo]

If possible, would you change a BOG ADR to a party night? Or just keep the BOG dinner on my Epcot day? Thanks!

Just relax and stop over-thinking this.

 

[NYCANC]

You sound like my DH! thanks!

 

[subtchr]

I agree with Robo that this plan is very doable, and worth leaving in place if meeting the Beast is a big priority for your family.

However, even with the relative efficiency of the monorail, it WILL take a big chunk out of your day to travel from Epcot to MK and back again. Depending where you are in Epcot, it could take at least 15-20 minutes to exit the main gate and walk up the ramp to the monorail. After arriving at the TTC, you have to switch to the MK monorail, or take the ferry. Then through bag check, and walk back to BOG by 4:45. Then, after dinner, reverse the entire process. Lots of extra walking and at least an hour and a half of extra time just for the travel.

Having said that, my boys at that age LOVED the monorail. My oldest, now almost 30 and a respected engineer, would have been happy riding it all day long. Staying at the CR, you will have plenty of opportunities to ride it, but if it all sounds fun you to, then go for it!

Our favorite park is Epcot, so I'd hate to cut time out of an Epcot day to do this, but you know your family best. It's definitely doable, just consider all the implications.

And have fun!