Possible to see Star Wars Fireworks and Illuminations the same night?

[dawgsgirl]

Has anyone tried this? Leave DHS immediately and get to Epcot in time for Illuminations?

 

[hiroMYhero]

If the SW fireworks are at 8:00, you would have plenty of time. They only last 10 minutes and you can head out of DHS and walk to International Gateway in about 20 minutes.

 

[eastendlights]

It takes more like 30 minutes to walk from DHS to Epcot. That would be from the entrance of DHS so the trip from the fireworks to Epcot entrance to actually making in through the gate and to the fireworks would be longer. I think it would be quite a stretch to make it, IMO.

Here is the actual mileage.

Swan and Dolphin Resort to DHS entrance
18 mins - 0.83 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Yacht and Beach Club Resort lighthouse area
7 mins - 0.28 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Epcot International Gateway (via Yacht and Beach club)
12.5 mins - 0.52 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Epcot International Gateway (via the Boardwalk)
11.5 mins - 0.49 miles

Yacht and Beach Club Resort to Epcot International Gateway
5.5 mins - 0.24 miles

 

[hiroMYhero]

A person doesn't have to walk all around the Boardwalk to get to IG. The route cuts through BWI's pool area and most can walk from DHS entrance to IG in 20 minutes. I've walked it many times in close to 15 minutes.

The main walkway bypasses the Swan/Dolphin resorts so S/D isn't a good point of reference. @Robo has the map with the shortest route highlighted.

 

[eastendlights]

I must be a slow walker then. We stay at BC or YC 90% of our trips and have made the walk from DHS back to the resorts countless times. There is no way I could walk from the center of DHS and into Epcot in 20 minutes.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I think it's because you have to backtrack to get to S/D over that overpass and then around. No overpass and the cut-through of the pool area of BWI takes off a few minutes.

The OP also benefits from not having to be near the Center Stage area of DHS. The SW fireworks does not include a show/stage portion - only fireworks which can be seen anywhere along Hollywood Blvd.

 

[eastendlights]

So do you actually walk through the lobby at BWI to do this? Where do you leave the path by the water? I wonder if this would make the walk to BC/YC shorter too. We have a Fantasmic lunch package followed by dinner at Yachtsman's for our upcoming trip and we need to hustle out to make our ADR.

 

[hiroMYhero]

So do you actually walk through the lobby at BWI to do this? Where do you leave the path by the water? I wonder if this would make the walk to BC/YC shorter too. We have a Fantasmic lunch package followed by dinner at Yachtsman's for our upcoming trip and we need to hustle out to make our ADR.

As you're walking along the pathway, you'll pass the BWI tennis courts. There is an adjacent service road that runs parallel to the walking path. There are steps that lead to the service road and as you see the BW pool, cut over and walk around the pool and out into the courtyard area where the Wyland Gallery is located. From there, continue on around Flying Fish and the rest of the Boardwalk area to BC/YC.

I'm not really sure if that shortens the walk for you. You won't be backtracking through S/D but you'll be walking around the lake.

What will get you out faster at Fantasmic is to wait a couple of minutes after Fantasmic ends and then walk across the very front of the amphitheater to exit up the last set of stairs - the last section of Standby. You won't be stuck in the huge crowd trying to exit out the main exit/concession area.

 

[eastendlights]

As you're walking along the pathway, you'll pass the BWI tennis courts. There is an adjacent service road that runs parallel to the walking path. There are steps that lead to the service road and as you see the BW pool, cut over and walk around the pool and out into the courtyard area where the Wyland Gallery is located. From there, continue on around Flying Fish and the rest of the Boardwalk area to BC/YC.

I'm not really sure if that shortens the walk for you. You won't be backtracking through S/D but you'll be walking around the lake.

What will get you out faster at Fantasmic is to wait a couple of minutes after Fantasmic ends and then walk across the very front of the amphitheater to exit up the last set of stairs - the last section of Standby. You won't be stuck in the huge crowd trying to exit out the main exit/concession area.

Do you mean facing the stage and going to the right?

 

[hiroMYhero]

Do you mean facing the stage and going to the right?

Yes; far right until you reach the very last stairway.

 

[eastendlights]

That is the way we usually exit. The dinner package seats used to be on that side up until a few years ago. Now they are right in the middle-better seats- but it is harder to get out once it is over without going down first. I think wars have been fought with less complicated battle plans-LOL. Thanks for your help!

 

[AngiTN]

You actually have a very good view of the star wars fireworks from just outside that gates. Watching from there would cut 5 or more min off your walk

 

[Robo]

 

[BuckeyeBama]

With a broken foot in a walking boot I walked from the viewing area in DHS after the fireworks and was in Epcot with 15 minutes to spare. A reasonably mobile person can do this with ease.

 

[dawgsgirl]

Thanks to all. There is always something to learn. I have a scooter, so I think I can make it!

 

[mickeymom629]

You actually have a very good view of the star wars fireworks from just outside that gates. Watching from there would cut 5 or more min off your walk

But can you still hear the music? We are here now and I would love to do this tomorrow night - see both, that is. But I don't want to diminish the Star Wars fireworks experience, since we've never seen them.

 

[Robo]

But can you still hear the music? We are here now and I would love to do this tomorrow night - see both, that is. But I don't want to diminish the Star Wars fireworks experience, since we've never seen them.

Close to the gate, it's OK.

The audio diminishes quickly as you go farther away.

Nothing beats experiencing any of the WDW fireworks shows from inside the park.

 

[okilydokily]

Not what you are looking for, but just to mention, I was on the bridge by Africa in WS and had a really nice view of the HS fireworks. No music of course. But then was able to stay and watch the Epcot ones too. Just a suggestion of a good spot to see the HS ones for anyone in Epcot.