Last minute decision to go to Epcot advice, please

[seb65]

I am in Florida now, but we aren’t having a good time due to certain circumstances. We are 1 1/2 hours away from Disney, so we’re thinking of going to Epcot for the day.
I do know tomorrow is early magic days, so I would be obviously an hour behind everyone else. Our aunt hates crowds, so I think Magic Kingdom would be out. Which leaves Epcot (as the Studios aren’t our fave and I would think there are no FOP fast passes left).
So my questions are:

1) am I crazy?
2) If I buy tickets online, can I see if I luck out on fast passes? For example, can I try tonight or would I have to wait until we arrive?

This is so last minute. Usually I am a planner, but after all, I just booked airline tickets last week after being invited here. So, I guess why not experience Disney as a spur of the moment. I will add we were on Disney last year and are going next year, so experiencing every last thing isn’t an issue for tomorrow.

Thanks for any advice to handle last minute plans.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Epcot is the best park to go to last-minute, in my opinion, because there is so much to do that does not involve rides. I am leaving on Friday and have been trying to modify my FPs for all parks and the only one I am having luck with is Epcot, so I think you will be able to get at least one Tier 1 with some refreshing effort. Walking around the World Showcase is my favorite - you don't need FPs for any of the many, many attractions there. Have a great time!

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I would go for it. If you on vacation you should be having fun! We have had good luck [good, not great] getting FPs on short notice. Even if you have to wait a long time for Soarin and Test Track it wont be the end of the world. You could focus on all the many many things to do and see in the World Showcase and also dont forget the nemo ride

 

[Miffy]

Often day-of or night-before FP+s for FoP are available. If I had one day only, I'd be at DAK for sure. It's just beautiful to walk around that park and it's not all that hard to get FP+s for the safari and Kali.

 

[clutter]

Last month, a friend and I did a very short trip, which was only going to be one park day at Epcot. We ended up upgrading our tickets to hoppers that morning. Walked around the Flower and Garden festival. Did Soarin, Land and the new Pixar (wonderful!!!!!!!) and a few other things. Went to Studios and rode Star Tours, then jumped into the standby line for TSMM. It said 40 minutes, but we were in and out in about 20 (but I believe it's closed now until TSL opens), tried to find the street actors. Then we got FP+ for Safari (couldn't convince her to do EE) and stood in line for about 90 minutes for FoP at the end of the day, and left the park after closing. Thankfully our line mates were a bunch of fun, so it went quickly.

It was a BLAST. One of the best days ever. So yes, I'd go for a day.

 

[MomOTwins]

I also just wanted to point out that pretty much every attraction that gets any kind of real wait at Epcot is in Tier 1, so fastpasses almost never sell out for every Tier 1 attraction. FEA might be gone, but Soarin or Test Track should be up for grabs. Plus, obviously, no fastpasses needed to enjoy the World Showcase!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

As others have said, Epcot is the best park for a last minute trip. You should be able to get Fps for the non tier 1s easily, keep refreshing. Even just walking around without getting on rides is fun in Epcot. Morocco restaurant usually has last minute openings available if you want a TS meal. Get there early and enjoy your day!

 

[Spencer Wright]

Epcot is the best park to go to last-minute, in my opinion, because there is so much to do that does not involve rides. I am leaving on Friday and have been trying to modify my FPs for all parks and the only one I am having luck with is Epcot, so I think you will be able to get at least one Tier 1 with some refreshing effort. Walking around the World Showcase is my favorite - you don't need FPs for any of the many, many attractions there. Have a great time!

I totally agree. Mousegears (the large merchandise location near Innoventions), is my favorite place to shop for merchandise.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Mouse Gear is the best!

 

[KeeperOfLions]

I would totally go for Epcot. It's my favorite park (or possibly a tie with MK) and definitely the best one for last minute. FPs seem easier to come by with a couple of exceptions and there are SO many other non-ride things to do.

 

[Mome Rath]

You're not crazy, go for it! Last minute plans mean to slow down and enjoy. As for Fastpasses, try the refresh strategy the day of if you don't get what you want the night before (just keep refreshing in the app or in a browser to see what comes up).

 

[momimouse27]

No question...I would go! I've always found Epcot to be easiest to deal with during crowds. It's so large, it just doesn't feel as full to me. You could grab a last minute ADR, if you can get one, and then enjoy Illuminations. I'm jealous!

 

[seb65]

Thanks all! We went for it, and we had a wonderful time. We were able to get Soarin’ as a fast pass and went to test track and frozen as single rider and then waited for 30 min for FEA. We enjoyed eating around the countries and enjoyed performances. It really brightened a trip that wasn’t what was expected.
And thanks to Disboards I was ready and aware of the snacks being checked. Made that easier!

 

[stinkpickle]

Yes, you are crazy. Send your ticket to me, so I may dispose of it properly.