Is it possible to see Illuminations and Fantasmic on the same night?

[DisneyDreamer]

If there's a 10:30 showing of Fantasmic, would it be possible to see most or all of Illuminations (starts at 9:00), then make it in time to see the 2nd showing of Fantasmic at 10:30?

If so, how would you recommend making the connection: walking, taxi, boat, or ???

(We're going the 3rd week in June, if that's a factor in your opinion.)

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I'm not sure what kind of seats you would get for Fantasmic, but I think you could do it.

I would watch Illuminations from somewhere near France or UK, so you will be near the International Gateway. As soon as Illuminations is over, high tail it to the boat dock. Hopefully, you won't have much wait for a boat. Hop off at its first stop and transfer to a MGM boat. When you get to MGM, head back as quickly as you can.

You could walk, but it is a long way. I don't know if you can get a taxi from the from of Epcot or not.

 

[DisneyDreamer]

for your help. I was wondering if we could catch a cab from YC/BC.(?)

Anyone else have an opionion on this? . . .

 

[travelbug]

I think you could do it too. I agree with CoolDisneyCat that you should watch Illuminations from the area right by International Gateway so you can exit right away and beat the crowds. Illuminations is only 15-20 min. long. Even if you walked the whole way over to MGM, you could do that pretty comfortably in about 30 min. Or you could take the boat, which is a 20 minute ride including all stops. It's a matter of how long you have to wait for a boat, although they usually seem to be pretty prompt having boats ready right after Illuminations.

Another point in your favor is that when there are 2 showings of Fantasmic, the later showing generally has less people attending. So your chance for a decent seat should be good.

I hope it all works out for you. Good luck, and have a great trip.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Yes, you can get a cab at BC/YC with no problem.

But, I really think the boat or even walking would be quicker. You have to walk to the front of the hotel and then wait for the cab. The other ways are free, too.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

If you take the boat outside the International Gateway exit I do not believe that you have to change boats. This boat should take you to the Yacht/Beach Clubs, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin and then on to the Studios.
Unless you catch a boat immediately it's probably faster to walk, but I agree with another post that from Epcot it is close to a 30 minute walk.

 

[dcmbshafe]

I wonder if you did an "Illuminations Cruise" whether they would drop you off at MGM afterwards??? How cool would that be?

 

[Synonymous]

That's a loooong walk when you're trying to make it in time for a show. Take the boat. I agree that switching to a cab wouldn't be worth the effort.

 

[DisneyDreamer]

your input! We'll watch Illuminations near the International Gateway, then try to take the boat.

How far from the International Gateway exit is the boat dock? I'm assuming it's not as far as YC/BC.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's great-the boat dock is right outside the IG exit, down to your left. Hardly any distance at all. And the one night I did the 10:30 showing of Fantasmic, the weekend after Memorial Day, it was less than 2/3 full-no trouble getting good seats. I don't think we cued up until close to 10:00, and our seats were fine.