Illuminations or hop to MK?

[tentaguasu]

On my "Epcot Day" at WDW, it turns out that MK will be open until midnight.

Of course this is a totally subjective question, but given the choice, would you stay at Epcot for Illuminations at 9pm or stay until 6pm or so, and then hop over to MK?

I've only seen illuminations once, and I'd love to see it again, but we're on a 3 day trip, with only one dedicated MK day... so it feels like maybe I can pretty much "do Epcot" from rope drop to 6pm and still work in almost a half day of MK activities. (I'm sleeping in the next morning, so I can go until close no problem.)

Or do you think Illuminations is worth it?

Also, if I do leave early, is it worth it to head out through the Boardwalk area for a quick look-see? I've never seen that area before, but I assume from there it's a bus ride to MK, versus taking the monorail.

 

[newdeal]

Skip Illuminations. As for the Boardwalk you can take a boat to get there but I am not sure how far the bus stop is from the actual boardwalk area, and to be honest its not that special anyway

 

[Clare Voince]

If my trip was that short, I wouldn't waste any time on the parades/fireworks.. they are just too time consuming, because of having to stake out a spot in advance. But then I'm not a huge fan of them to begin with.

The Boardwalk is nothing special. It's a nice walk with a pretty view of crescent lake, but if your trip is that short I wouldn't waste the time on it. If you do decide to check it out, yes, you can take the BWI bus to MK instead of the monorail.

 

[Baptist]

Illuminations is good. However, I love to park hop between MK and Epcot.

I strongly suggest to use the Monorail. Going through the international gateway and then taking a bus from the Boardwalk will be a waste of time. The Boardwalk is a great place to stay. However, it's not a great destination. On a short stay, you should skip it.

Have a great time!

 

[PanamaMike]

I love Illuminations.

I have never staked out a spot so I don't feel fireworks are "too time consuming". Arrive at World Showcase Lagoon shortly before 9:00, stand somewhere that isn't directly under a tree and look up.

I do agree there's not much of a draw at the Boardwalk but depending where you are when Illuminations ends, walking to the Beach Club hotel and catching a bus to the MK can be a quicker option vs. riding the monorail. There can be a very long line at the monorail station after Illuminations and if you're near the International Gateway, the Beach Club is a shorter walk then getting to the front entrance.

As you say you feel you could be done with Epcot by 6 pm another option is to start your day at the MK, spend a few hours there and hop to Epcot around noon, then after Illuminations, go back to the MK for the last couple of hours.

 

[Hopefully]

I love Illuminations. It is my favorite nighttime show. I would hop to MK after Illuminations, not at 6 PM. You can still get in a few hours at MK
For such a short trip I would not hop to the Boardwalk. Save it for a longer trip
I agree you do not need to "stake out" Illuminations an hour in advance. Found a place near the lagoon somewhat close to the International Gateway. Then when Illuminations end, walk to the Beach Club and catch a MK bus. I agree that would be quicker than the crowded Monorail when Illuminations ends.
Have Fun