HS and Epcot in One Day

[Ladcassidy]

Don't beat yourself up over your choices. Make your FP+ tonight for times and attractions that seem appealing and convenient now. You will be able to modify times, attractions -- even your park -- for a while yet. Neither EPCOT or DHS have FP+ that run out at the 60-day mark.

 

[grecorj]

I agree that you should RD HS and then head to Epcot in the PM. If you choose to use your FP+ for HS I think you should plan on 1) very long line for Soarin' in the afternoon OR 2) trying to do Soarin' during Illuminations (could still be long, but hopefully shorter than afternoon).

 

[tstottle]

Thanks! So right, I can change the Ep/HS plan around...I hadn't really realized this, and am kind of driving myself crazy here trying to figure it out with no family input (although they are quite over all of my questions and will just do as I say...but I dno't want to make a plan that runs them ragged and is un-doable).

Anyway, just found this, below, from another thread on this forum. Is this true:
"Hi...

Trying to come up with a good touring strategy during crowded time (spring break 2 Saturdays from now). Of course, constrained by tiering... Will probablyl do rope drop but might attempt to ride stand by in the evening.

How is the typical wait at Soarin and test track while illuminations is running? Still long? About about single rider at Test Track?

Thanks in advance..."
----
"On regular hours evenings, the attractions close when IllumiNations begins.

(If you are already standing in the attraction queue at closing time, you can continue to stand in that
line until you ride the attraction.)"

 

[MrKnight]

OK, you guys are right. Two walks=too much. And good point about we like more rides at HS so start there. Thanks Mr.Knight, that's a great plan and a lot of other good ideas here too. Soarin is a must do, but hopefully if we see it during Illuminations we will be OK, or like you say just put up with a line (blasphemy!) And if we all feel sad about not being at HS when it's dark, I suppose we could trek over there for one last ToT if we really want to...that's one of our little traditions, ToT at park closing. We'll have a car so maybe it makes sense to drive...hopefully we could get a decent spot at HS after 9pm. Thanks so much! Any opinions on driving/walking/busing?

My pleasure! In regards to transportation from park-to-park, I would recommend just using WDW transportation due to the close proximity of both parks, technically you have THREE options to get from DHS to Epcot:

1. Friendship Boat to International Gateway (Fastest)
2. Bus to Epcot Main Entrance
3. Walk to International Gateway (Slowest)

The Friendship Boats (if you stay on for the entire trip) take about 15-20 minutes from the moment it leaves the DHS dock to the moment that it arrives at the International Gateway dock, HOWEVER, you CAN cut this time in half by just getting off at the Y&B dock and walking the rest of the way to the International Gateway, it is so close!!! The only reason why the full boat ride takes this long is due to docking at the three Epcot Area Resorts prior to docking at Epcot.

The Bus may take 10-15 minutes tops BUT you have to factor in the hassles of using the Main Entrance (longer security/turnstile queues, crowds at bus station, etc.).. This is why in general the Friendship Boat is faster and it takes you to the International Gateway which is Epcot's smaller secondary entrance which has minimal lines for security/turnstile and direct access into WC between UK and France..

 

[tstottle]

OOh thanks, I love that kind of info. Think the boat is faster than driving our own car? (it's definitely more relaxing)