How to get back from Illuminations cruise

[mickeyfanz]

We are considering an Illuminations cruise for our next trip. We would probably do the pontoon boats from the Boardwalk.

Once the cruise is over, I was wondering how you can get back to your resort at that point. Will Epcot let you back in the gate if it is after the 9pm closing time? Will the driver drop you off in Epcot if you have a valid ticket and hand-stamp (or can he tell that)?

I just want to avoid having to take the Boardwalk bus back to Downtown Disney and then getting on another bus back to OKW. Thought maybe going to the park would get us back faster.

Any tips appreciated!

 

[December99]

If EPCOT is open still, you can go in through there. Otherwise the only option I think you have is to either go to the TTC or to Downtown Disney. When we did the cruise in February it was not that big of a deal to go to DD from Boardwalk. It gave us a chance actually to run over to the World of Disney and do some shopping also.

The cruise captain cannot drop you off at EPCOT because you have to pay after the cruise is over and that has to be done at the dock. But that was a good idea!!!

 

[KellyJ]

We have done a couple of Illuminations cruises and always just walk back through Epcot from the Boardwalk. The first time we did it, I made everyone rush to be sure and get through the gates before they closed, but there was no need. There were still plenty of people wandering in and out and shopping in the stores that are there by the gate. They just waved us on through and wished us a good night. I don't know what time they officially try to lock up or if they just wait until it looks like most people are through... maybe someone else knows for sure??

Kelly

 

[CarolMN]

If you are tired, have children to carry or are just in a hurry, consider a cab. They're easy to get from any of the hotels and will get you back to your WDW resort within 10 minutes. Estimated cost is $15, including a very generous tip.

 

[inkkognito]

When we took our last Illuminations cruise, the pontoon driver let us off at MGM. I forget why, but for some reason that was a more convenient option for several members of our party (we shared the cruise with others from DIS). We then took a bus to our destination from MGM. I don't know if this is something you can always request, or if our boat driver was just really nice.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[CarolMN]

Getting off at MGM is only an advantage if your car if parked in the MGM lot or if the MGM park is open later than EPCOT (buses still running). Lately, MGM has been closing well before Illuminations.

 

[classicpooh]

I agree with the cab suggestion, this worked well for us last August!