How realistic is it to view Fantasmic then go to Illuminations?

[dpic]

During our upcoming trip, it would work great with our schedule to view Illuminations the same night as Fantasmic. Fantasmic starts at 7:30 and Illuminations is at 9:00. We'll have about an hour from the end of Fanstasmic to get over to Epcot.

Is this "doable?" Has anyone tried this?

Thanks!

 

[Magickndm]

I don't think you're including the mass exodus after Fantasmic, that could take 15 minutes just there. I assume you'll be taking the boat to Epcot? I don't know, I seriously doubt you could do all that in 45 minutes and get a good spot to view the show. Most people stake out a place about a half an hour before the show.

 

[kbkids]

Never tried it myself - my kids are too little to rush them that much - but I have seen people on here before talking about doing it, so it is doable. From what I remember, they sat towards the rear of Fantasmic, didn't have strollers to pick up, then walked to Epcot (very quickly). I think you could pull it up. I wouldn't wait for the boat at MGM though - I'd walk it.

 

[patrickbrian184]

I think that it is doable if you walk it. The boats will be packed, and waiting for those will take up time. You won't get the best view for Illuminations, but you will be able to stake out a spot further back from the lagoon.

 

[Magickndm]

The walk from MGM to the Boardwalk alone is a mile just so you know.

 

[Maverick]

It can be done. Sit at the rear of the Fantasmic theater as close to the exit as possible. Stay ahead of the crowd leaving and you should be on one of the first boats.

If I were doing it, I would drive to MGM and then to Epcot controlling my own destiny with transportation. Then I don't have to fight the mass exodus from either location.

Hope this helps!

 

[Daveskier]

How long is Fantasmic? We have dinner reservations at H&V w/the Fantasmic package and then a specialty cruise leaving at Boardwalk at 8:15 for illuminations. I'm thinking this might be too much to do.
I think Fantasmic starts at 6:30 pm in November when we're there?
Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[PanamaMike]

During my last visit (Jan 2000) I attended the 7pm Fantasmic, walked to the MGM parking lot, drove to the Epcot parking lot, rode Spacehip Earth and Test Track, did some pin trading and then strolled to World Showcase and watched the 9pm Illuminations. I had 90 minutes. You have 60. I'd say it can be done.

 

[kbkids]

You know, just thinking about it - we saw Fantasmic at 7:00 - left and waited in a very long line to get on the bus back to the resort - we actually let one bus go and waited for the second because it was so crowded - got back to the resort, changed into bathing suits - and we were at the pool at CBR when the Illuminations started going off. So, I think you've got plenty of time - just go as quickly as possible, but I don't think you'll have to break your neck to get there though.

 

[Desnik]

We did it! Last Nov. we saw the 7pm show of Fantasmic, then made it to see Illuminations. And we had our 2 kids, DS 8mo, and DD 5yo at the time. Yes we also had a stroller to find after the show! We were even all the way at the end of the theater! We walked from MGM, through the walkway to the BW, stopped and got ice cream at the sweet shop on the BW. Then walked through the International gateway and had grabbed a great spot with time to spare! I should add that I had DS in his Baby Bjorn carrier and we put DD in the stroller. She would've never made the walk. DH and I find the walk to be easy and we are not "walkers" normally. We had no car to worry about because we stay at the BW. And it was a nice walk back from Epcot.

 

[fwm]

We went to an 8:00 Pm showing of Fantasmic, then walked over to Epcot in plenty of time for Illuminations at 9:00.

 

[debloco]

Very possible. We left Fantasmic! and then hopped a cab over to Epcot. About $5 if I remember right and no waiting for a bus or boat. Made it in plenty of time for Illuminations. Of course, once we got there, DD and her friend wanted to do Mission Space and Test Track again...oh well.

CLC Tiger Pom Mom

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

This is good to know
May have to try this for my upcoming trip. We are going to the 6:20 Fantasmic show & Illuminations is at 9. What a cool way to end the evening

 

[JamesD]

We've done it many times, with no problems. It is not necessary to get a good 'spot' to watch Illuminations. Anywhere that you can stand upwind of the fireworks is all you need!
Heck, we've watched the SpectroMagic Parade from the entrance to the MK at 8 pm, and made it to Epcot in time to see Illuminations. In fact, we had 10 minutes to spare. You've got to move though, you can't stop to shop or eat, you'll never make it!
Have a great trip!

 

[wdwcindy]

I have, as a solo spectator, seen the Fantasmic! show at 8:00 and walked over to EPCOT to see Illuminations at 9:00. Fantasmic! lasts not quite 30 minutes and I walked to EPCOT and watched Illuminations from the bridge between UK and France.

wdwcindy

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

There was one night recently where I saw Fantasmic at 8, Illuminations at 9, and Wishes at 10. (I did miss the finale of both Fantasmic and Illuminations, saving me about 3-4 minutes each time, but I had seen both shows before and I knew how they ended) My post about the experience was titled "You may be right, I may be crazy".

With Fantasmic at 7:30, you should be able to make it to Epcot in plenty of time for a 9pm Illuminations.

 

[24KK9]

Yep, we've done it. We were there a few years ago with two other adults, and while we were watching Fantasmic they asked if it would be possible to see Illuminations also. It was in January and it was unseasonably cold, so we had extra incentive to walk quickly.

 

[Pig Pen]

We tried it once while staying at the Dolphin. Left Fantasmic after an 8:00 pm show, trampled a bunch of people to get out of MGM and literally RAN to Epcot via the walkway to the Boardwalk area.

We only made it as far as JellyRolls before we heard the music start up so we watched what we could from there.

If Fantasmic is at 7:30, you should have time to get to Epcot by 9:00.

We had an awesome view from the Dolphin though...we watched Illuminations from there and could see bits and pieces of Fantasmic as well.

 

[Daveskier]

WOW, Thanks for all the great replies. Obviously it is doable to see both. Especially since Fantasmic is only 30 minutes and starts at 6:30. So, if we have an illuminations cruise set up for 8:00, does anyone know if it is possible for the boat to pick us up at MGM? They only gave us the choice of a pick up at Boardwalk marina or yachtclub marina when I made the reservations. But, it would be great to just get picked up right outside MGM. Should I call reservations to inquire about this? Or, is it just not done?

If we walk over from MGM to Boardwalk Marina, is the path well marked? I'm good with directions but have never walked from MGM, only bussed back to the transportation center.

 

[24KK9]

We did the Breathless cruise last Christmas and it was wonderful but COLD! You'll need a blanket because the wind coming off that water is really chilly. We weren't cold until we got on the boat. Fortunately blankets were provided, otherwise we would have frozen. The Breathless didn't stop after leaving the dock at the YC...maybe the pontoon boats do?