One-day, Epcot-only trip

[Prose]

Thanks to my amazing DH, I am planning an alone trip to FL in early June. I will be staying in Clearwater. I'm thinking that I may take one day and drive over to spend the day at Epcot. Having only ever done the uber-planner, stay onsite type trips, I am a little lost. I am thinking I'll get there at rope drop, get a FP for Soarin' (I will not have tickets ahead of time, in case I change my mind), then ride single-rider at TT. I will probably spend the rest of the day in World Showcase, just shopping and enjoying the performers and the atmosphere. I don't need any ADRs, since I will stick to quick service meals and snacks. So here are my questions:

• FP Soarin and single-rider TT, or vice versa?
• Park at main entrance or valet at IG area resort? I may or may not stay for Illuminations.
• The one souvenir I must get is the ceramic travel mug from Starbucks (the one with the Mickeys, not the monorail one). Pick it up at Fountainview during the day or run by Downtown Disney at 8am so I can leave it in the car?
• World Showcase - left to right or right to left ? I know it doesn't matter, just wondered how everyone else does it. I want to catch as many of the performers as possible.
• Google maps estimates 90 minutes for the drive - about right? I have no problem leaving my hotel super-early.
• If I do stay for Illuminations, I am thinking valet at the BW or BC and watch from the France-UK bridge to make a quick exit. Will that work?

Thanks! Winging it is a new experience for me!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

You're still an uber-planner.

 

[robndani]

I would come in through IG resort area. Then some of your other questions will be answered. I wouldn't try to get to DTD that early in the morning. Too much rushing around in my opinion. I would allow for a little more time since there may be rush hour traffic in the morning (if it's during the week). It took us 2 hours from Tampa airport to Disney last year.
I think left or right depends on your FP. Going left from IG is so much quicker. I would probably go left and head to the rides, then take the long way back.

Have fun!

 

[Prose]

ou're still an uber-planner.

Ha! Busted! It is a hard habit to break....

 

[Elevationist]

FP Soarin and single-rider TT, or vice versa?

I don't think there is a visa-a-versa here, since Soarin' doesn't have a Single Rider line. Definitely get your FP+ for it, and then take advantage of the single rider line over at Test Track.