Leave car at Epcot or DHS?

[soniam]

We will have a rental car for the first time in mid-March. We are staying at POR. We plan to drive to DHS for RD (no AM EMH) and take the boat to Epcot, where we will stay until close (no PM EMH). DHS hours are 9-9:30 for that day, and Epcot is 9-9. Should we park at DHS in the AM, leave the car, and then walk/boat back over to DHS parking? Thanks

 

[cranbiz]

That is a workable plan. You will be able to take the boat back as Studios is open or you also will have the option to take the bus from EPCOT to Studios.

 

[soniam]

Great! Thanks. I wasn't sure how bad getting to DHS is at closing, but it closes a bit later than Epcot that night.

 

[figment_jii]

The boat will continue to run until 1 hour after park closing, so the last boat leaving Epcot for DHS should depart the IG boat dock around 10:00 pm. In terms of crowds, it's usually okay when the park closes, because the big surge of guests show up after IllumiNations ends (usually around 9:15 pm or so). So if you get there before that, it should be fine, or if you watch from near IG, you should also be able to get to the dock ahead of the crowd. Otherwise, you can walk from IG to DHS (it's about 1.14 miles). Personally, I would take the boat!

 

[grimley1968]

Your plan is the best option, I think. It involves less walking. If you parked at EPCOT in the AM, you'd have to take a bus over to DHS or walk through EPCOT and then boat over to DHS, just to begin your day. If you park at DHS, you can go right in and start. You have only a round trip on the boat (or walking) between DHS and EPCOT to deal with in your plan. I love to park hop between DHS and EPCOT and view the boat ride as a nice little break to rest my legs.

 

[soniam]

I have to admit that I find riding the boats and monorail as fun as a lot of the rides. Thanks everyone.