Logistically possible??? Ohhhh Tyler, need your expertise

[debster812]

And of course all of you other super knowledgeable transportation gurus.

I have a whirlwind 2 night, 2 and a half days to spend at WDW. I will arrive in Orlando around 5pm Saturday night. I will be meeting up with some DISers on Sunday the 6th at MK, so that is where I will end the evening on Sunday.

My question is twofold (maybe 8fold by the time I get around to it)

I was thinking of driving to MGM and seeing Fantasmic! at 7:30, leave MGM via boat when it is over, and go to EPCOT to catch Illuminations at 9.

A.) Is this logistically possible?
B.) When Illuminations is over, will I be able to take the boat back to MGM to get my car?
C.) Am I totally crazy for trying to do this?

Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Well, although it's possible, it involves a lot of running with the crowds.

When you get done with Fantasmic, it will be 8:00, and everyone else will have the same idea as you... hop the bus/boat, and head over to Epcot. As such, the line for the boat, and bus will be very long.

After Illuminations, the only option for a return trip to the Studios will be via bus.

If you have a car, you might as well just drive from the Studios to Epcot after Fantasmic. It'll save you the return trip.

 

[debster812]

You mean I was not being super original??? *gasp*

Thanks for the info Tyler, I do appreciate it.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Or why don't you drive to Epcot and park there, then take the boat to MGM for Fantasmic? That way, when you return to Epcot, your car will already be there.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by debster812
I have a whirlwind 2 night, 2 and a half days to spend at WDW.

...seeing Fantasmic! at 7:30, leave MGM via boat when it is over, and go to EPCOT to catch Illuminations at 9.

Please, please PLEASE, do NOT sit at the back of Fantasmic, and stand up to make a quick exit just before it ends.

I use a wheelchair and have to sit right at the back. I have now seen Fantasmic three times, but have NEVER seen the very end because people stood up in front of me.

Andrew

 

[debster812]

Andrew--I would NEVER. I have never seen Fantasmic, and want to see the whole thing, and blocking someone else's view is just plain rude! Sorry that keeps happening to you.

Golden Oldie--that is a good idea too, just do it in reverse. That might be the plan!!

 

[erikthewise]

I agree with parking at Epcot, and possibly with taking the boat to MGM. But DON'T EVEN THINK about taking the boat back to Epcot! Just walk! (Assuming you're able.)

There is a pathway from MGM to Boardwalk that starts where the bus stops begin. It descends down to the canal, follows it under Buena Vista Drive, and comes out behind Boardwalk Villas. From there it's easy to get to Epcot. Total distance: 1-1.25 miles. Even if you're enough of a linebacker to get through the crowds and onto the first boat, walking is quicker and stress-free.

Of course, if you're a real trooper, you could walk down to MGM from Epcot before Fantasmic as well. Just go to the end of the Boardwalk, turn left, and keep walking.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Fantasmic is only 30 minutes long? I guess I was thinking it was at least an hour. Time sure flies when I'm having fun!

Brenda

 

[Gillian]

Andrew, I don't think we had the wheelchair section behind us, but if we did, I apologize for getting up near the end! We sat near the top and on the end and ran up to the back when the fireworks started because they scared our son & he got upset. That's all there is at the very end.

 

[bobcat]

Walk to Epcot. Even if the boat is at the dock and you are able to get on right away it is still quicker to walk. And I personally think the walkway by Y&BC is a little shorter and very pretty at night. It takes about 20 min to walk and at least 25-30 for the boat trip.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Actually I did this once-saw both Fantasmic and Illuminations in the same night. But like others have suggested, I walked from MGM to Epcot International Gateway. And I was alone, so I was able to walk briskly (no little feet or stroller). Even at that, it took about 20 minutes, but I got there in time. After Illuminations, I'd expect you could walk back. And frankly, I enjoyed the walk-helped justify all that pastry!