MGM + Epcot Whirlwind Tour Stratgies?

[coolspot]

Hi all,

I'm heading down to Orlando for a conference and I jumped at the opportunity to goto Disney World for the weekend I've been to Disney World about 4 times during my childhood ... but that was ~10 years ago! Time flies

I'm planning on taking my girlfriend to MGM Studios and a bit of Epcot for the day. Here is my plan:

8:00 - 4:00pm - MGM studios (Morning Extra Magic Hour):
Muppet Vision 3-D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour
Indiana Jones ™ Epic Stunt Spectacular
The Great Movie Ride

I think I might skip the Tower of Terror because my GF isn't too keen on the idea. Is the animation tour still offered?

Around 4 - 4:30, I'm thinking of hitching a ride to Epcot. At Epcot, I'll be targetting two rides - Soarin' and Mission to Space.

Epcot's FutureWorld closes at 7:30 for the day - and IllumiNations is at 9:00. Do you think there is time to book a dinner (I'm thinking Coral Reef), or should I just grab food at a counter service place? There is a restaurant with a great view of the fireworks too right - but I can't recall the name.

9:00pm IllumiNations. Right after the show, jump on the monorail for the Magic Kingdom to see the SpectroMagic parade at 10:00pm? Is it possible to make it over to the Magic Kingdom ~30 minutes to see the parade in time?

I guess the plan is a bit ambitious - but is it possible?

How are the crowds + wait times in late October?

Thanks!

 

[MidgeD79]

Hi. I think you have plenty of time set aside for MGM, in fact maybe too much time. If you shorten your time at MGM, that will leave you lots of time at EPCOT for a table service dinner. San Angel Inn at Mexico is a very romantic place for dinner with that special person. I personally don't like MGM and rather spend a day at Magic Kingdom, but that's just my opinion. Are you only going for 1 day? I am going on my first solo trip in Dec. for about 52 hours. I have been to WDW lots of times with my kids, so I know what I want to do and I realize I can't get it all done.. I'll just have to plan more solo trips. If your girlfriend has never been, this will give her an idea of what WDW is all about. Have fun planning.

 

[rlovew]

I'm planning on taking my girlfriend to MGM Studios and a bit of Epcot for the day. Here is my plan:

8:00 - 4:00pm - MGM studios (Morning Extra Magic Hour):
Muppet Vision 3-D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour
Indiana Jones ™ Epic Stunt Spectacular
The Great Movie Ride

Around 4 - 4:30, I'm thinking of hitching a ride to Epcot. At Epcot, I'll be targetting two rides - Soarin' and Mission to Space.

Thanks!

If you arrive at 8am then I would follow this order:
1. Rock n Rollar (8:15)
2. Great Movie Ride (8:40)
3. Muppets (9:20)
then you will have to look at the time schedule and plan when to get to the first Indi show, when to do the animation tour (usually doesn't open till 10), and when to do the backlot tour (also usually doesn't open till 10). From what I know the first Indi show is at about 11:30 and you should be able to walk up and get in without a FP or anything you should be able to do both of the other tours before this and leave after Indi.

Even fitting all of these in you should be able to leave MGM by 1pm.

When you arrive at EPCOT go immeadiately for a FP for Soarin, then go to Mission Space, standby waits have been less than 20 minutes any time I have been there in October.

You will be at EPCOT during the food and wine festival which is a fun event- grab an afternoon snack at the festival booths- there is plenty to choose from. The restraunt that has a great view of illuminations is Rose and Crown in Great Britain, but in October you will find plenty of great spots to view illuminations.

 

[coolspot]

I personally don't like MGM and rather spend a day at Magic Kingdom, but that's just my opinion. Are you only going for 1 day?

I like Magic Kingdom too... My GF's been to Disney World once before when she was ~12. Her brother wanted to spend 2 days at Magic Kingdom so her family had to skip out on MGM. Ever since that trip ... she has been set on visiting MGM.

Unfortunately yes ... only spending 1 day at Disney World. The rest of the "trip" is for work purposes

 

[coolspot]

If you arrive at 8am then I would follow this order:
1. Rock n Rollar (8:15)
2. Great Movie Ride (8:40)
3. Muppets (9:20)

Great info - just what I wanted to know

but in October you will find plenty of great spots to view illuminations.

Do you think I can make it to the magic kingdom after illuminations to catch the spectromagic parade?