Germany to DHS....

[Metalliman98]

So for an upcoming trip we plan to spend a day at Epcot, capped by dinner at Biergarten at 5:30, then hop to DHS for the Star Wars fireworks. Times were recently posted and the fireworks are at 8. With the dinner at 5:30, will that allow enough time to eat, hop over, and get a decent viewing spot?

 

[tlmadden73]

All just guesses at times:

60-90 minutes for dinner at a Table Service restaurant.
10-15 minutes walk to friendship boat launch (half a mile or so).
10-15 minutes wait for next boat (unless you get lucky)
15-25 minute boat ride (remember it has several stops on the way). I simply can't remember how long this ride takes since most of the time I wasn't in a rush.
5-10 minutes to walk to DHS entrance and get in.
5-10 minutes to find a spot.

Summary: It will be tight, but doable without rushing dinner. And since you'd be arriving probably 15-30 minutes before the show starts, "finding a good spot" is relative.

If you want to walk off dinner (and depending on your party makeup), it may be quicker to just walk all the way to DHS instead of waiting/getting the boat. Maybe 35-45 minutes depending on your pace (about 2 miles from Germany I think). But after a long day at Epcot and a heavy meal at Germany .. that just may not be in the cards.

 

[HopperFan]

Since it's a buffet you can certainly control your time.
After you order your drinks tell your server, go ahead and get check.
As soon as you are done eating then you can leave.
I would exit out the International Gateway and WALK to DHS (1 mile).
Go over bridge towards Boardwalk and follow the signs.
Usually takes us no more than 20 or so minutes to walk it.
We did this New Years Eve to catch buses at DHS where it would be less crowded.
Even exhausted after all day in park and with bum knee I think it only took us 25 minutes.

 

[need2travel]

I second the walking as long as everyone in your party is able. It's nice & easy, out the Int'l Gateway in the World Showcase, along the Boardwalk & then along the path that follows the water right to HS. DH & I have done this walk many times & find it nicer/easier than waiting for the boat. I believe if you take the boat you also have to stop at the resorts before heading to HS. Maybe someone else can confirm this?

 

[yulilin3]

If you decide to walk to DHS, like @HopperFan said, go towards Boardwalk and cut through the main pool. If you are not familiar once you get to the Boardwalk grassy area where they rent the bikes,pass the art gallery, make a right and that will put you closer to DHS than walking the entire length of the Boardwalk all the way to Atlantic Dance Hall.
I'm sure @Robo has a map in his thread. Once out of International Gateway the walk is about 20 minutes

 

[HopperFan]

If you decide to walk to DHS, like @HopperFan said, go towards Boardwalk and cut through the main pool. If you are not familiar once you get to the Boardwalk grassy area where they rent the bikes,pass the art gallery, make a right and that will put you closer to DHS than walking the entire length of the Boardwalk all the way to Atlantic Dance Hall.
I'm sure @Robo has a map in his thread. Once out of International Gateway the walk is about 20 minutes

Haha, that is what we always do ...... but I was afraid I would not explain it well or confuse them. You gave great markers.

 

[HopperFan]

From Robo's maps

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-maps-by-robo.3545729/#post-56460969

HOT PINK

 

[DavidNYC]

You CAN do it. But you may also find yourself rushing through Biergarden more than you'd want to. If you actually get in at 5:30 - you can still have 90 minutes for dinner which is fine and probably 30-40 minutes to DHS which gets you there with 15-20 to spare. And agreed - DO NOT take the boat if you're able walkers. I can usually beat the boat when we leave at the same time and it's rare that there's one right there anyway. As for whether you can get a good spot - depends how close to the fireworks you arrive and how Fantasmic is scheduled that night.

 

[amberpi]

All in, from Germany to DHS - probably a 30 minute walk, especially if you cut through the Boardwalk, and I think its a really pleasant walk. You're eating super duper early, so should be able to get in and out expeditiously.