Fantasmic & Illuminations on the same night?

[jeffemy]

Am I being unrealistic to think we can pull this off? I know a lot of factors come into play here: weather & hours to name a couple, but if everyting is optimal, what are the best chances of actually succeding? Anyone else ever try this?

We are going in June and I know last year there was an 11:00 Fantasmic and I saw lots of people leaving Epcot after Illuminations who were headed to MGM. My concern is with the crowds, do we stand a chance of making it in time? Any opinions or suggestions?

 

[cleo]

It must be possible, but I would think it's not too likely. People line up for Fantasmic up to 120 minutes before showtime during the busy season, and with the crowds leaving Epcot I would plan on at least 45 minutes to get through the gates at MGM.

If you walked over to the Boardwalk or Y&B Club and took the boat to MGM you might fare better, assuming you're taking Disney transportation back to your resort. I would still think it might be hard to get a seat that late in the proceedings, but it's worth a try if you can't swing both shows any other way.

 

[jeffemy]

Originally posted by cleo
It must be possible, but I would think it's not too likely. People line up for Fantasmic up to 120 minutes before showtime during the busy season, and with the crowds leaving Epcot I would plan on at least 45 minutes to get through the gates at MGM.

If you walked over to the Boardwalk or Y&B Club and took the boat to MGM you might fare better, assuming you're taking Disney transportation back to your resort. I would still think it might be hard to get a seat that late in the proceedings, but it's worth a try if you can't swing both shows any other way.

I had heard the later showing isn't that crowded. Do they still line up that early for the 11:00? We are using WDW transportation, and staying at AKL. We plan on seeing both on seperate nights, but I wanted a back-up plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate. The night we plan to see Illuminations, I have a ps at Rose & Crown so maybe we'll try the boat from the Y&B club.If it doesn't work-no biggie

I'm probably over- obsessing , but I've been bitten by the planning bug and can't stop "Disney Dreaming" LOL!!

 

[drusba]

If there are two showings of Fantasmic, the second one never fills and you can walk in at the last minute -- this is true always. Whether they will actually have that second Fantasmic in June is still subject to question with the squeeze on hours that has been occurring. Also, last year that second Fantasmic was at 10:30 in June not 11 and did not exist early in the month and then for the rest of the month there were two Fantasmics only on Wednesday and Sunday. In any event, you can get from Epcot after Illuminations to MGM in time to make that second one if there is one although fastest way at that time is often to walk unless you can catch that first boat after Illumniations (it fills very quickly)

 

[Synonymous]

We did both in November (slower season, of course), but in reverse. We saw Fantasmic at, I think 7:00, then walked back to Beach Club, had some Ice Cream, and walked (jogged, really) to Epcot for Illuminations. It was quite an experience; great for our last night there.

 

[Tara8595]

My Mom has had great success doing this by taking a taxi from MGM to Beach Club ($5) or the reverse. It's quick, cheap and you don't have to do any walking.

 

[dgaston]

Last October, with a rental car, we ate at Boma, zipped into Fantasmic, and then drove to Epcot for Illuminations. Our AP meant we didn't have to pay for parking. I don't think we could have managed it with Disney transportation.

 

[Spanky]

For us disney fanatics - one firework show a night is not enough. I have done Fantasmic and Illuminations together two times. I am a big walker and just walked between the two parks. I also have done Illuminations at 9 and then taken the monorail to the MK for the 10 PM fireworks several times last July. When you arrive at the TTC wait for the boat rather than taking the monorail to the MK. I was the only passenger on the boat on the way back to the MK - pretty special & the view from the top of the boat is great! When you dock at the MK and there are all those people waiting for the boat to leave the park before the firework crowd and YOU are the only person getting off - gee, it must me how the movie stars feel. You can really enter the parks fast as very few people arrive that late in the evening. Just us disney fanatics......