Epcot info and q about Illuminations

[whirlthepearl]

New AP holder heading to Epcot Saturday with kids, arriving around 11am with FPs secured for Nemo, Turtle Talk, and Soarin, but I don't have a great sense of the park. I know that it's divided into the rides area and world showcase area (which also has Frozen), that HS and Epcot are very close (you can take a boat or walk between them, but maybe the boat is closed right now?), and that there is a boardwalk area that has resorts and restaurants very close. Do people usually pop out of Epcot and go walk around the boardwalk? Is it too much to try to fit the boardwalk in on this trip, especially if it's Flower and Garden? Any tips for doing Flower and Garden with kids?

Also what's the deal with Illuminations? I hear a ton about strategies for HEA, but any tips for watching this? If we can park hop, are we better off heading to HS for Fantasmic rather than Illuminations? Thanks!

 

[pitpat]

not necessary to check out the Boardwalk yet, there is more than enough to keep you busy in Epcot.

Illuminations is a fireworks show that takes place around a big lake, so anywhere you can see the middle of the lake, you can see the show.

Fantasmic is a Disney character themed show that takes place in an outdoor amphitheater. Definitely worth seeing, but if you have a HS day, do it then. You should be able to get it as an extra FP later in the afternoon after you've used your 3 or more FPs.

 

[PSUGuy]

I have to disagree with the notion about skipping Board Walk. We stay there every trip just because it's like a miniature park in itself. We enjoy the acts on the 'boards, the Belle Vue Lounge, ESPN Club plus you can see the aerials of Illuminations from several spots. As for seeing Illuminations in WS, the bridge between the UK and France is a great spot but get there early. The 2nd level in Canada is a recent favotite of ours.

Bill From PA

 

[AngiTN]

New AP holder heading to Epcot Saturday with kids, arriving around 11am with FPs secured for Nemo, Turtle Talk, and Soarin, but I don't have a great sense of the park. I know that it's divided into the rides area and world showcase area (which also has Frozen), that HS and Epcot are very close (you can take a boat or walk between them, but maybe the boat is closed right now?), and that there is a boardwalk area that has resorts and restaurants very close. Do people usually pop out of Epcot and go walk around the boardwalk? Is it too much to try to fit the boardwalk in on this trip, especially if it's Flower and Garden? Any tips for doing Flower and Garden with kids?

Also what's the deal with Illuminations? I hear a ton about strategies for HEA, but any tips for watching this? If we can park hop, are we better off heading to HS for Fantasmic rather than Illuminations? Thanks!

If it wasn't F&G, then sure, head out and check out the Boardwalk.
During F&G, nope, stay in Epcot and experience the one park.
Obviously, since you are asking these basic questions, you've not been, or not been in a long time. Don't try to spread yourself too thin.
Another obviously, you are an AP holder. You'll be back. Check out the other things later. Take it slow. No sense in rushing through it all.
Take time to "smell the flower (and garden)" and enjoy the extra eats out there during this festival only. The Boardwalk is there all the time.
I wouldn't even hop over to HS this time.

As for watching Illuminations, as long as you can see the lake clearly, you'll have a good view. With it being "in the round" there are a lot of very clear views.