Can I pull this off on a FRI night?

[OB1]

I will arrive at DW on SEP 18, a Fri late afternoon. I want to end up at EPCOT, which is open late. I am not staying on site, but I can wander the world and look around past 9:00.

SO . . . . . . drive straight to DHS, staying to watch Fantasmic at 8:00. If I leave just as it is ending, can I get to EPCOT before 9:00 so I can get through the gate? It will be tight, and I do know my way around.

If not, then I have an option to do MK first, which closes at 7:00 for the Halloween party, or just hangout at EPCOT.

I am only there for 2 evenings, and I would really like to catch both night time shows. CAN IT BE DONE??

 

[Robo]

drive straight to DHS, staying to watch Fantasmic at 8:00. If I leave just as it is ending, can I get to EPCOT before 9:00 so I can get through the gate?

Unlikely.
It would be very tough, with traffic.

 

[pooch]

But if OP leaves the car at DHS & walks or boats to Epcot via IG? I ask because I am also gonna try this in November. I do plan to leave Fantasmic a little early. Come on Robo, say it'll work!
Oops, just noticed Fantasmic time. It'll be at 7 for my trip

 

[Robo]

But if OP leaves the car at DHS & walks or boats to Epcot via IG? I ask because I am also gonna try this in November. I do plan to leave Fantasmic a little early. Come on Robo, say it'll work!


Oops, just noticed Fantasmic time. It'll be at 7 for my trip

Yup.
We've done the Fantasmic! to Illuminations trip a couple of times... when there is 90 or 120 minutes between show start-times.

But, that one-hour difference... not so much.

BTW, the OP, OB1, could likely get in Epcot's gates some time after 9PM if he tells the CM that he "wants to see the rest of IllumiNations."
That would likely be easier at the International Gateway than the front gates.

 

[OB1]

good tip on the international gateway ROBO.

I was trying to figure out why DHS closes at 7:30, but Fantasmic is at 8:00. Probably having to wait for it to be dark. 7:30 start time would have made this a lot easier.

If I take the path to EPCOT, will I have to walk back to my car at 11:00?

 

[Robo]

good tip on the international gateway ROBO.

1. I was trying to figure out why DHS closes at 7:30, but Fantasmic is at 8:00. Probably having to wait for it to be dark. 7:30 start time would have made this a lot easier.

2. If I take the path to EPCOT, will I have to walk back to my car at 11:00?

1. Yup. But, it is not unusual for F! to be scheduled to start 30 min. after the DHS "closing time."

2. Yes.