Questions about parking and parks...

[annieb727]

Ok...I realize that driving to the park you're going to is probably the fastest. And it's what I will do normally (on my solo trip)...in May when we go as a family we'll take WDW transportation.

Anyway...on my Solo trip in June (staying offsite)...here's what I am wondering...

Let's say I go to Epcot. Illuminations is at 9pm, and afterward I want to go over to the Boardwalk area and just see what's going on around there. How do I get back to my car??
Would it be better to go to my car and drive over to the hotel area?
Or would it be better to park at the Tickets & Transporation Center that morning if I plan to do that, then take WDW Transportation back to the ticket center? And how late do those buses run?

Other thought...someone had brought up going from Epcot through the international gateway and going to DHS after Illuminations for the later Fantasmic showing...if I want to do this...I have the same questions as above...How do I get back to my car?? Would it be better to park at the Tickets & Transporation Center that morning if I plan to do that, then take WDW Transportation back to the ticket center? I know if DHS is still open, there will be buses going to T&TC, right?

Are there other times you might suggest parking at T&TC instead of at the parks?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[sam_gordon]

My suggestion... drive to Boardwalk, pay for Valet parking ($14), enter Epcot through International Gateway. When Illuminations is day, leave via International Gateway back to the Boardwalk.

If you want to go to DHS, then Epcot -> Boardwalk (different boat I think or bus) -> DHS

 

[annieb727]

My suggestion... drive to Boardwalk, pay for Valet parking ($14), enter Epcot through International Gateway. When Illuminations is day, leave via International Gateway back to the Boardwalk.

If you want to go to DHS, then Epcot -> Boardwalk (different boat I think or bus) -> DHS

That will cost me a lot more...I get free parking with the AP

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't know how late DHS & MK are open. If DHS is open late, park at DHS, boat to Boardwalk, then boat/walk to Epcot. Take care of Epcot, then hangout at boardwalk until you need to get your car.

Personally, I don't think $16 ($14+ tip) is "a lot" more, but to each his own.

 

[DOOM1001]

If you park at DHS you can walk or take a boat to Epcot,you can then walk the 5 minute walk from Epcot's International Gateway to the Boardwalk.Then you can walk or take a boat back to DHS where you can grab your car.The boats will stop running about an hour after the parks close so you might have to walk,from Boardwalk to DHS it would be about a 10-15 minute walk.

 

[annieb727]

I don't know how late DHS & MK are open. If DHS is open late, park at DHS, boat to Boardwalk, then boat/walk to Epcot. Take care of Epcot, then hangout at boardwalk until you need to get your car.

Personally, I don't think $16 ($14+ tip) is "a lot" more, but to each his own.

thanks for that.

$16 is a bit more than free...but since it's not everday that i would be doing so, it might not be too big of a deal. I guess the thought immediately was $14x8 days...that's A LOT...but I only need to do it once...maybe twice. So that's really not too much more lol

 

[annieb727]

If you park at DHS you can walk or take a boat to Epcot,you can then walk the 5 minute walk from Epcot's International Gateway to the Boardwalk.Then you can walk or take a boat back to DHS where you can grab your car.The boats will stop running about an hour after the parks close so you might have to walk,from Boardwalk to DHS it would be about a 10-15 minute walk.

oh that's good to know...thanks.

 

[seashoreCM]

OkLet's say I go to Epcot. Illuminations is at 9pm, and afterward I want to go over to the Boardwalk area and just see what's going on around there. How do I get back to my car??
Would it be better to go to my car and drive over to the hotel area?
Or would it be better to park at the Tickets & Transporation Center that morning if I plan to do that, then take WDW Transportation back to the ticket center? And how late do those buses run?

Other thought...someone had brought up going from Epcot through the international gateway and going to DHS after Illuminations for the later Fantasmic showing...if I want to do this...I have the same questions as above...How do I get back to my car?? Would it be better to park at the Tickets & Transporation Center that morning if I plan to do that, then take WDW Transportation back to the ticket center? I know if DHS is still open, there will be buses going to T&TC, right?p!

Boardwalk after Illuminations: Yes, park at Epcot for the day, then after Illuminations, return to the Epcot parking lot and drive to Boardwalk. Parking at Boardwalk is perfectly okay while you are enjoying the Boardwalk restaurants and nightclubs.

Illuminations, then Fantasmic: Park at Hollywood Studios to begin with.