Getting out of Epcot

[KCMiller]

Hi,

We'll be at Epcot on NYE - very exciting, yes, but I hate the crowds going for the parking lot. We are driving, and staying off property. Does anyone have any creative ideas for us? We've never been to WDW before, so we're totally newbies, but I have to believe that all you experts have ways around the herd <g>.

So, if it was you, where would you park?

thanks much,

KC

 

[MHopkins2]

I would park in either the Epcot parking lot or the TTC, whichever strikes your fancy that day. Then just find something to occupy your group for 15 or 20 minutes after Illuminations. The majority of the "herd" will have moved out, and you can leisurely stroll back towards the Future World entrance without worrying about losing anyone in the crush.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

A few things... get to Epcot EARLY. Once you get into the park, do not leave! Epcot usually fills to capacity (or when it gets close, Disney Resort Guests Only). Once you leave, you're not guaranteed admission again.

You should be fine parking at Epcot itself. And if you get there early, you won't need to take the tram to get to/from the car.

The problem with Epcot is not so much getting to the car at the end of the night... it's getting out of the parking lot. For some reason, traffic seems to back up on the 536 side (heading off to I-4 and 535)

My advice would be to follow the signs for Animal Kingdom, and get to I4 or 192 that way. (If that's where you're going... not quite sure about that)

If you really do need to get to 535, expect some traffic delays.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you are headed north towards Orlando or even to the hotels just behind Downtown Disney, going around the horn from Epcot to World Drive to 192 and back to 4 is five or so miles more which has to add at least five minutes to your trip that way.

But if you are staying offsite on 192 west of WDW, leaving Epcot via World Drive is better (follow a few Magic Kingdom signs but then favor Animal Kingdom signs.)

Staying offsite on 192 east of WDW, the less congested way is btter.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[nuthut]

As a NYE veteran over the last 10 years, get there early, Resort guests already have an one hour advantage over you. Other years the expressway has been backed up by 7am and the park full to non resort guests by 9am. My suggestion is to stay on site.....

 

[#1hockeymom]

Go out the back entrance (International Gateway) and walk or take the boat to whatever resort you know the best. If you don't know any of the EPCOT resorts, the swan is very small and just a quick walk through will get you to the front entrance.
Last November I did this with my mother and it saved our weary bones and feet! We got off the boat at the Swan/Dolphin, walked through the Swan hotel while I quickly pointed out highlights of our last trip and promptly asked for a taxi to take us back to our room at AKL. It was a 16 dollar fare in a towncar which was a very pleasant ride, especially when my mother found out our driver was from the same area that she grew up in western NY.

Debbie

 

[KCMiller]

Thanks for all the tips. We're staying at the Marriott Orlando World Resort, but have never been even to Orlando before, much less WDW. It sounds like I should be more concerned about getting IN than getting OUT.

Question - if Future World opens at 8, and World showcase opens at 9:30, can you enter Future world via the entrance up by the World Showcase, and is this usually less crowded? I know that Epcot is going to be the early entry park on the 31st - how do they do early entry if there are 2 separate opening times?

Thanks,

KC, who is a little

 

[betterlatethannever]

Originally posted by KCMiller
Thanks for all the tips. We're staying at the Marriott Orlando World Resort, but have never been even to Orlando before, much less WDW. It sounds like I should be more concerned about getting IN than getting OUT.

Question - if Future World opens at 8, and World showcase opens at 9:30, can you enter Future world via the entrance up by the World Showcase, and is this usually less crowded? I know that Epcot is going to be the early entry park on the 31st - how do they do early entry if there are 2 separate opening times?

Thanks,

KC, who is a little

The entrance at WS opens the same time as the front. There are ropes to direct you to FW from that entrance.

HOWEVER, since you are staying offsite, you will only be able to park in the Epcot parking lot. The hotels will limit parking in their lots (especially on NYE) to the usual 3 hours.

Have a fun trip.

Ed

 

[KCMiller]

What about if I valet park at the Swan? Is there a time limit if you valet park your vehicle?

KC