MGM to Epcot after Fantasmic

[jbethke]

What is the best and fastest way to get from MGM after the Fantasmic show to Epcot.

Will we be able to get from MGM to Epcot in time to see Illuminations? How long will it take to get to Epcot from MGM?

 

[drusba]

If you want to get to Illuminations then fastest way after Fantasmic is to walk. There is a walkway that runs along the canal to the BoardWalk and then you walk down the boardwalk to the Epcot entrance at International Gateway. That will take about 25 minutes after you get out of MGM (which following Fantasmic can itself take 10 to 15 minutes). There is a boat that makes the trip but it stops at the Epcot resorts and because of huge crowds at the time it may take 45 minutes to an hour to get to Epcot. There is also a bus that makes the run but it goes to Epcot's front entrance and there can be long wait for bus because of crowds.

Whether you can make Illuminations after Fanatasmic, I can't tell you becuase you do not say when you are going or when Fantasmic starts (Illuminations starts at 9). Fantasmic lasts about 30 to 35 minutes and often starts 5 minutes late so if Fantasmic's scheduled starting time is 7:30 or before you can possibly make it to Epcot in time by walking. If it starts at 8, forget it.

 

[jbethke]

We will be at MGM on December2nd. Fantasmic starts at 6pm and we plan on catching the Osborne lights on the way out. With that said I would think since Fantasmic is about 40 minutes and I estimate another 20 minutes catching the Osborne lights, we should be able to be out of MGM part by 7:30pm.

Illuninations starts at 9:00pm so I think we can make it, I just really wanted to know the best way to get from MGM to Epcot in the shortest time.

I didn't know that you could walk, I haven't been to MGM in years. Would walking be too hard for a senior with a slightly bad leg and two small kids ages 3 and 6?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by jbethke
We will be at MGM on December2nd. Fantasmic starts at 6pm and we plan on catching the Osborne lights on the way out. With that said I would think since Fantasmic is about 40 minutes and I estimate another 20 minutes catching the Osborne lights, we should be able to be out of MGM part by 7:30pm.

Illuninations starts at 9:00pm so I think we can make it, I just really wanted to know the best way to get from MGM to Epcot in the shortest time.

I didn't know that you could walk, I haven't been to MGM in years. Would walking be too hard for a senior with a slightly bad leg and two small kids ages 3 and 6?

It's about a mile and one half to walk from the MGM entrance to the International Gateway Entrance of EPCOT. I'm assuming that at least the 3 year old will have a stroller, but based on my active (and very fit) 6 year old nephew, that's a lot of walking for the 6 year old. You may end up carrying him/her if you do not have a second / double stroller.

FWIW, I think you are really pushing it (to attempt, Fantasmic, the Lights and Illuminations on the same evening) especially if you have a senior with a bad leg and two small children in your party. IMHO, you have underestimated the time to walk to the back of MGM and get through the Osborne Lights. Remember, most of the others who attend Fantasmic will be doing the same thing. That will make for a crowded walk (slow) to and through the Lights. I think you will need at least an hour and 15 minutes to see the Lights after Fantasmic and get back to the MGM entrance.

Illuminations starts at 9:30 p.m. in December (due to the CP), so perhaps that extra 1/2 hour will make it possible for you to take the boat or the bus to EPCOT and still see Illuminations.

Good luck and best wishes!

 

[Tara8595]

If I were you, I'd watch Fantasmic, see the lights after, then grab a taxi right outside the MGM gate. It would be a really cheap fare for them to take you to the Beach Club, which is really pretty much right across the street and past the Boardwalk entrance. Then walk through the Beach Club lobby and head left through the International gateway. No walking, no waiting and minimal cost.

Good luck. I hope you can see it all. My Mom will be there next week and this is what I suggested to her too - she has the same plan as you.

Oh - and also, something that would help is sitting near the top center on an aisle at Fantasmic. Then, at the end when Mickey says, "Some imagination, huh?" - grab the kids and beeline for the exit to get a 5-second jump on the crowd. It will make all the difference in the world. Then you can head over to the lights and be first in.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Disney offers two ways to get from the Studios to Epcot...

The travel time for the boat will be about 35 minutes, plus wait time (5-15 mins). But, the benefit is that it will take you right to the World Showcase. (You can also get out at the Y/B Club or Boardwalk... whichever stop is first, and then it's a hop skip & jump to the entrance)

It's only a 10 min bus ride (plus 5-15mins wait time)... however, the bus drops you off at the Front of the park... so you'd still have to walk all the way to the back side of the park.

 

[erikthewise]

The walk from MGM to Epcot is about 1 1/4 miles. For healthy people ages 10+ who don't mind a bit of a hike, it's by far the best way to get there, particularly after dark when you don't have to worry about the sun beating down on you.
(http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=286996)

But for a senior with a dubious leg and two small children, no way! Did I mention that it's uphill? Particularly the last 1/4 mile.

 

[jbethke]

Sounds like our best option will be to take the boat. Thanks so much for all your replys.

 

[cressy]

The taxi is a great option if time gets tight, lines for the boat are long, etc. It cost $5.00 plus tip to get four of us from MGM to the Boardwalk in 5 minutes; at a time when EVERYONE was exiting MGM, I would have gratefully agreed to pay anything!!