Leaving EPCOT after Illuminations

[Wendy31]

Hi!

We will be at WDW from 6/13 through 6/20, and I know it's a bit early to be planning so obsessively already... but once you make your resort reservations & make your dining ADR's, you just get so excited, it's hard to stop planning & scheming!

We're staying in a cabin at FW as we did last May. Last year, our "worst" (it's Disney - can it really be that bad?) experience w/ Disney transportation was after Illuminations.

After the show, there was this mad crush of people all racing to make it out of the World Showcase & through Future World to the front gate. And it took us an insanely long time to make it back to our cabin - monorail to TTC to ferry boat to MK to resort boat to internal bus & finally back to our cabin... Once we were off the monorail at the TTC, we decided to take the ferry back to the MK (DH says this is because the monorail going back to MK was down, but I don't remember this.)

Illuminations was over around 9:20 - we were back to our cabin around 10:45 or so. I want to think that it took us about an hour & 1/2 to arrive back, but maybe my mind is exagerating. ("Seriously, guys, the fish was *this* big!" ) Surely, it wouldn't have taken that long...

So, this year, I'm trying to think of a better way. We plan to see Illuminations on Father's Day. It is an evening EMH for MK. We will have spent the day at AK & plan to have dinner at San Angel Inn at EPCOT (so we won't have been there for the whole day - just going in for the evening). Here are our options:

1. Do it exactly as we did last year

This is DH's vote. He claims that because the monorail line running from the TTC to the MK was down, the crowds were more congested than usual.

2. Drive ourselves

We'll have our van & an AAA Diamond Parking Pass, so we can drive to & park at EPCOT. DH doesn't like this idea for 2 reasons: (1) Since we won't be arriving to EPCOT until the early evening, all the close AAA parking will probably be gone anyway, and, (2) since everyone else who drove will be leaving the parking lot at the same time, it will take just as long as the monorail route. (But I'll be in our comfortable van & not squished in the monorail!)

3. Leave from the International Gateway

We can take a resort boat to the Beach Club (maybe even have ice cream at Beaches & Cream) & then ride a bus back to MK where we would then ride our resort boat back to FW. DH is afraid that there may not be buses leaving the Beach Club & going to the MK. I say, that because it's an evening EMH for MK, there will be, & we'll be fine. He says that, regardless, a boat to the Beach Club & then a bus to the MK will still take as long as the monorail route. Maybe - but will it be less crowded? Also, we've never been to the Beach Club & don't know where the bus station is in relation to where the resort boat docks.

Also, of a concern to me is the fact that we're not guests of the Beach Club, so is this kind of thing frowned upon? In addition to avoiding some crowds, I was kind of looking at this as an opportunity to see another resort area, but, just like I wouldn't park at a resort & then go to the parks, I wouldn't want to use a resort's transportation if it really is specifically for the resort guests.

So opinions? Anyone else ever done anything like this? Suggestions?

Thanks!!

 

[mtdevine615]

I'm a little confused. In the first part you said EMH is at MK but in the last part you said EMH is at Epcot. I know what you mean about the crowds after Illuminations it can be much a nightmare. If EMH is at MK the buses will run 2 hours after the park closes. So you would be able to go down to Beachs & Cream and then check out the BC, then grab the bus to the MK. I don't understand why you just didn't grab the bus at Epcot for FW last year instead of going all over WDW trying to get back, but hey I wasn't there. An ice cream sounds good to me. Have fun!!!!

 

[KimR]

Wow, if I were you I'd either drive or take the bus. When we stay at GF, we always drive to and from EPCOT and believe me, it is MUCH quicker than what you've described. I've never timed it, but I'm sure we were back in our room before 10:00.

 

[Wendy31]

Oops! I made a mistake typing - it's an evening EMH for MK (not EPCOT). I'll go back & edit!

And, yeah, funny we didn't even think about the FW bus... there's just something about the monorail - "Hey, look, let's go get on the monorail!" Fun for all! I don't even think I realized there was a FW bus that went outside of FW... (We had our van & drove to MGM & AK, rode the boat to MK, & rode the boat to CR to get on the monorail when we went to EPCOT.)

 

[BYC]

If you enter Epcot to Fort Wilderness in the Laughing Place, it shows it to be a 14 minute bus ride.

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.asp?action=rts

 

[waste]

as for using the resort transportation, I don't think it's a big deal (at least you are staying on grounds ). I feel like visiting resorts can be part of the experience. We had reservations for restaurants at all four of the Deluxe resorts, and got to go to all of them - using the bus and monorail, of course. Of course, using the buses just when everyone else is trying to get home can be a little mean, since there are long lines and waits.

as for getting out of Illuminations: The monorail over to MK shouldn't take too long. We did the exact same thing: finished Illuminations, and we even tried to get to MK in time for Wishes at 10pm. We barely made it, but made it. the monorail will be a little packed, but unless it's a specially busy night, it shouldn't be too bad; and besides, the conductors/operators rarely allow so many people into each rail car that you it'll be packed tight.

 

[Robo]

This one is EASY.

In JUNE, the Dis/MGM Studio will still be open (or just "closed") after IllumiNations. (Check the closing times before you do this.)

Take the Friendship from the Epcot International Gateway to the Dis/MGM Studio. (You'll be back in WS already and there shouldn't be "too many" folks going that way.) The boat-ride takes 30 minutes.

From the dock, you'll exit the boat right near the Studio's bus lot.

Take the bus from the Studio directly to Ft. Wilderness' Pioneer Hall.

Change to your internal FtW bus.

As far as going to another resort for ANY reason (other than "pool-hopping", which IS a no-no)... if you get "frowned-upon" it won't be by Disney.

 

[suevee]

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, do valet parking at the Beach or Yacht resort. That way you don't have to find parking when you get there and afterwards you just walk out the International Gate and pick up your car at the resort from the valet. Valet parking is good for 24 hours.

 

[disnut8]

I'd drive. If you get there in the afternoon, you'll probably get a spot close to the entrance. Closer than if you got there in the morning. There aren't any parking lot people to direct traffic after a certain time. So you can cruise the aisles for a spot. That eliminates your husband's first concern. After Illuminations, just take your sweet time getting out. Last New Year's Day night, I stayed behind with my son and his family while they tried to finish up their pressed penny collection. We didn't get out of Epcot until around 10:30 or so. No one rushes you. By that time, the traffic is gone. Get some pastries before Illuminations and enjoy them after the show. Second concern gone.

 

[keishashadow]

I'd vote for the bus to the campgrounds. You could always splurge for a taxi.

I hate to wait for transportation and get creeped out by the mass exodus out of the parks after parades & fireworks.
I always "encourage" my family to leave before Illum/Fantasmic/Fireworks are over. They may grumble on the way out but, always are thrilled to be on the first "bus out of Dodge" watching the mob race to transportation as we head back to our resort.

 

[Lizzybee]

Ya know I never thought about going out the International Gate. I guess we could have taken a bus from there to DTD and then to POR, would have been much quicker. The crowd after exiting WS kind of bottle necks and it gets so slow, I started moo'ing because I felt like cattle. Some people heard me and I heard other random moo's in the crowd. Maybe I was a little tired after a long day at EPCOT, maybe that made me a lil punchy, but it was kinda fun.

 

[disfamily3]

Since we have a rental car usually...we drive over to Boardwalk resort and valet park...grab the boat to Epcot go through the international gate and after illuminations is over we ride the boat back to the boardwalk. We usually grab a bite to eat or just hang out along the boardwalk. They have face painting usually set up (for the kids) and also arcade games along the boardwalk. Then when ready to leave get our car and go back to the FW lodge. Just a suggestion.

 

[DisFlan]

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, do valet parking at the Beach or Yacht resort. That way you don't have to find parking when you get there and afterwards you just walk out the International Gate and pick up your car at the resort from the valet. Valet parking is good for 24 hours.

BC, YC and BW valet and resort parking is intended to be for guests of these resorts, people dining there or folks enjoying the nightlife on the Boardwalk. If you aren't a guest staying there, you may be given a pass (for non-valet parking) that limits your time to park there to about 3 hours.

I don't mean to sound critical, but these lots, including valet, often and quickly fill to capacity. It's more than irritating when you can't find a parking space at your own resort because the slots were taken by people who are only there for a "shortcut" to Epcot or the Studios. We respect parking access at other resorts, please respect ours - park in the Epcot or Studio lots, or use Disney transportation.

DisFlan

 

[Azure]

Reminds me of wishes. And yet they don't keep the buses running that late. I'd wait 5-10 minutes and let the mad mob of people out first. I got frustrated because people were smashing into me grrr!! Anyways, just have a plan prepared.

 

[suevee]

DISFLAN

I am sorry to disagree but the valet parking may be used by anyone. Often valet parking does not fill up. I used it on my trip in June 05 with my grandson. I didn't want to carry a 40 pound child late at night by myself.

I wanted to make sure it was okay so before I used it I called Disney to ask their policy, then to make sure I called the resort's management desk to make sure it was okay. Then when I arrived I made sure again through the valet service and the resort management desk that I was allowed to park there. All said that it was fine because the valet parking does not fill up and was there for all resort guests.

That is why when you pay valet at one resort it is valid for all the other resorts as well for that day. Valet parking is separate from the regular parking and resort guests do not have access to the valet parking area unless they are paying for it through valet services. So I was told there was no problem.

I checked, double checked and triple checked to make sure I was not breaking any rules.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

I would say that driving is the fastest and probably least stressful way to get back. It is generally what we do now with kids because they don't like waiting that long for the busses.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I would say that driving is the fastest and probably least stressful way to get back. It is generally what we do now with kids because they don't like waiting that long for the busses.

The only problem is that everyone is pouring out the main Epcot exit at the same time. We always avoid this situation at all the theme parks by staying in the park for about 20 minutes or so after the finale. This way the crowds are much lower when you get to the exit.
In this case to get back to FW I would exit at the International Gateway and take a taxi from any of the Epcot resorts. This has to be a lot faster than trying to get out the main entrance to either a bus or a car. If you watch Illuminations near the United Kingdom the International Gateway is right there. They could be back at their resort in no time.

 

[Robo]

Since nobody seemed to NOTICE this, I'll post it again:

In JUNE, the Dis/MGM Studios will still be open (till 10pm) after IllumiNations.

Take the Friendship from the Epcot International Gateway to the Dis/MGM Studio. (You'll be back in WS already and there shouldn't be "too many" folks going that way.) The boat-ride takes 30 minutes to the Studios.

From the dock, you'll exit the boat right near the Studios' bus lot.

Take the bus from the Studio directly to Ft. Wilderness' Pioneer Hall.

Change to your internal FtW bus.

 

[Wendy31]

Thanks so much for all the replies!!

... as for using the resort transportation, I don't think it's a big deal (at least you are staying on grounds ). I feel like visiting resorts can be part of the experience. We had reservations for restaurants at all four of the Deluxe resorts, and got to go to all of them - using the bus and monorail, of course. Of course, using the buses just when everyone else is trying to get home can be a little mean, since there are long lines and waits.

See, I love visiting the other resorts too! So fun! So, I was actually viewing my "great idea" as not only a better way to get out of Epcot but also a chance to see a different resort area - even if it would be at night.

If we rode the resort bus over to the Beach Club, would there be a bus going to MK & would there be long lines & waits at the resort? I was thinking that since it would be around 9:30, there wouldn't be that much of a wait since most people would be coming from the parks & not going to the parks. (DH is just afraid that there wouldn't be a bus going to MK.)

... as for getting out of Illuminations: The monorail over to MK shouldn't take too long. We did the exact same thing: finished Illuminations, and we even tried to get to MK in time for Wishes at 10pm. We barely made it, but made it. the monorail will be a little packed, but unless it's a specially busy night, it shouldn't be too bad; and besides, the conductors/operators rarely allow so many people into each rail car that you it'll be packed tight.

We never had any problems w/ transportation (buses, monorails, or boats) last year except for after Illuminations. The monorail was packed! It was standing room only in our "cab". I was sitting w/ DS on my lap & DH was standing w/ DD. An elderly couple boarded just behind us, so I stood so the lady could sit & put DS between me & the rail in the middle - so then the eldery man, DD, DS, DH, & I were standing on 1 side w/ people sitting behind us & there were 2 people standing on the other side w/ people sitting behind them. Then another family of 5, just before the door closes, decide they can squeeze in too. It was an awful ride back to the TTC! And that's kind of what I'm trying to avoid this time.

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, do valet parking at the Beach or Yacht resort. That way you don't have to find parking when you get there and afterwards you just walk out the International Gate and pick up your car at the resort from the valet. Valet parking is good for 24 hours.

Since we have a rental car usually...we drive over to Boardwalk resort and valet park...grab the boat to Epcot go through the international gate and after illuminations is over we ride the boat back to the boardwalk. We usually grab a bite to eat or just hang out along the boardwalk. They have face painting usually set up (for the kids) and also arcade games along the boardwalk. Then when ready to leave get our car and go back to the FW lodge. Just a suggestion.

DH wouldn't want to spend the extra money. Just kidding! (He's actually pretty great about $$ - his philosophy is "It's only money!") But I'm not sure either one of us would feel comfortable doing this. Is it really okay w/ Disney?

Last year, we didn't make it to the Boardwalk area, and I think it looks like a really fun place. So I wouldn't mind strolling down the Boardwallk at all - However, since it's going to be after Illuminations, would there still be anything open/happening? This is the kind of thing I was hoping to do at the Beach Club - maybe eat some ice cream at Beaches & Cream. But, after asking about that, I was told that it was extremely crowded after Illuminations. And, w/ a 6 & 4 year old, we wouldn't want to be out terribly late.

BC, YC and BW valet and resort parking is intended to be for guests of these resorts, people dining there or folks enjoying the nightlife on the Boardwalk. If you aren't a guest staying there, you may be given a pass (for non-valet parking) that limits your time to park there to about 3 hours. I don't mean to sound critical, but these lots, including valet, often and quickly fill to capacity. It's more than irritating when you can't find a parking space at your own resort because the slots were taken by people who are only there for a "shortcut" to Epcot or the Studios. We respect parking access at other resorts, please respect ours - park in the Epcot or Studio lots, or use Disney transportation.

That's what I was afraid of. I wouldn't want to take up someone else's parking place.

I'd drive. If you get there in the afternoon, you'll probably get a spot close to the entrance. Closer than if you got there in the morning. There aren't any parking lot people to direct traffic after a certain time. So you can cruise the aisles for a spot. That eliminates your husband's first concern. After Illuminations, just take your sweet time getting out. Last New Year's Day night, I stayed behind with my son and his family while they tried to finish up their pressed penny collection. We didn't get out of Epcot until around 10:30 or so. No one rushes you. By that time, the traffic is gone. Get some pastries before Illuminations and enjoy them after the show. Second concern gone.

I would say that driving is the fastest and probably least stressful way to get back. It is generally what we do now with kids because they don't like waiting that long for the busses.

The only problem is that everyone is pouring out the main Epcot exit at the same time. We always avoid this situation at all the theme parks by staying in the park for about 20 minutes or so after the finale. This way the crowds are much lower when you get to the exit.

I'm kind of leaning toward driving too. DH is just afraid that, since we won't be arriving until around 6:00 pm (we have a dinner ADR at 6:30 pm), there won't be AAA Diamond Parking left. He's also thinking that, w/ everyone else who drove also leaving at the same time, it will be the same "bottleneck" scenario - just of a different variety. Hmm... something to think about...

In JUNE, the Dis/MGM Studio will still be open (or just "closed") after IllumiNations. (Check the closing times before you do this.) Take the Friendship from the Epcot International Gateway to the Dis/MGM Studio. (You'll be back in WS already and there shouldn't be "too many" folks going that way.) The boat-ride takes 30 minutes. From the dock, you'll exit the boat right near the Studio's bus lot. Take the bus from the Studio directly to Ft. Wilderness' Pioneer Hall. Change to your internal FtW bus.

This is not a bad idea either. MGM closes at 10:00 pm. Is the bus ride to MGM longer than the bus ride to the Beach Club? However, at the Beach Club, we wouldn't be able to get directly on the bus to FW, would we?

I hate to wait for transportation and get creeped out by the mass exodus out of the parks after parades & fireworks.

The crowd after exiting WS kind of bottle necks and it gets so slow, I started moo'ing because I felt like cattle. Some people heard me and I heard other random moo's in the crowd. Maybe I was a little tired after a long day at EPCOT, maybe that made me a lil punchy, but it was kinda fun.

It's kind of surreal, isn't it? Last year, we watched Illuminations kind of in between Canada & Mexico (I think, if I'm remembering correctly), so we were kind of close to the exit/entrance of the WS into Future World. But I can't imagine being on the other side of the WS trying to get all the way out.

Last year, I just started giggling! I got separated from DH & DS (in his stroller), so I pulled over w/ DD (in her stroller) so that they could catch up to us. I'm MUCH better at weaving in & out of crowds than DH is! Anyway, it's really such a funny sight - all the masses trying so hard to get out & get ahead of everyone else... and you just start to feel a little crazy. So, when DH caught up to me, I was laughing like a loon. And, really, the mass exodus out of the park didn't bother me as much as the crammed, we-can't-fit anymore-people-if-we-wreck-we're-all-going-to-die, jam-packed monorail.

Reminds me of wishes. And yet they don't keep the buses running that late. I'd wait 5-10 minutes and let the mad mob of people out first. I got frustrated because people were smashing into me grrr!! Anyways, just have a plan prepared.

How late do the buses run after the parks close? This night will be the evening EMH for MK. If we do the above & ride the boat to MGM (which closes at 10:00 pm), would we be okay if we didn't get there right at 10:00 pm? And, if we did get there right at 10:00 pm, would we end up in the same mess w/ everyone trying to leave MGM at the same time? (Currently, there is only 1 "Fantasmic" scheduled for this night.)

Have a plan! Work the plan!

In this case to get back to FW I would exit at the International Gateway and take a taxi from any of the Epcot resorts. This has to be a lot faster than trying to get out the main entrance to either a bus or a car. If you watch Illuminations near the United Kingdom the International Gateway is right there. They could be back at their resort in no time.

Hmm... This is what I was originally thinking too, except I had us boarding an MK bus & then riding our resort boat back to FW. But the taxi would be much faster. As would probably just driving to EPCOT, but that somehow seems less "magical" than using the Disney transportation.

And, of course, if we exit out the International Gateway, we'll miss the CM's waving bye-bye to us at the main exit... *sniff* But, then, last year, we completely missed the International Gateway, so it would be a totally different experience for us if we were to leave from there...

Decisions, decisions...

Have a plan! Work the plan! Right?

 

[DisFlan]

I wanted to make sure it was okay so before I used it I called Disney to ask their policy, then to make sure I called the resort's management desk to make sure it was okay. Then when I arrived I made sure again through the valet service and the resort management desk that I was allowed to park there. All said that it was fine because the valet parking does not fill up and was there for all resort guests.

I wasn't talking so much about "rules" as I was common courtesy. Thank you for calling and checking first. This is a very good idea. During slower times, those lots may not be as crowded, but believe me, they DO fill up when things get busy.

We've been forced to park WAY down the hill from BW in the general overflow parking across the street (like half a mile+ away) because valet and the closer resort parking were full. And two hours later (after the parks close), the lots were MUCH less full. It's a pretty good bet that those slots weren't filled by BW guests. One of us then makes the trek back out to move our car into valet parking because we don't like having to carry stuff that far, either.

DisFlan