Should I rethink late day arrival @ Epcot?

[kldmom2000]

We are due to land @ MCO @ 11:35am on 9/29 and we are taking a town car to the YC.... hoping to be there by 1pm at the latest.... our girls really wanted to go in Stormalong Bay first for a couple of hours and then head into Epcot around 3/4pm (it's an EMH night there). Now I'm second guessing that whole plan with it being the first day of the F & W festival AND EMH??? We really wanted to ride Soarin for the first time, but what are the chances that all the fastpasses will be gone if we arrive at 4pm and try for one??? We're saving the MK for the next day as it's my younger DD"s 4th bday & that's where she wants to go that day (we only have 4.5 days in WDW this time ) Not sure now if I should revamp my itinerary??? Just how packed and insane do you think Epcot will be that night? (It's also a MNSSHP night @ MK)

 

[magiroux]

First day of F&W AND EMH?!?!?!?!!! I would definately re-think that one. EMH in itself would be enough for me to avoid Epcot after Noontime. IMO, I think it is VERY possible that all FP's will be distributed by 4PM. Even if there were more to be distributed, I am thinking your return time will be VERY late into the EMH's. You mentioned you wanted to be at MK the next day. Do you want to make you and your family dead tired the next day just for one ride.

Perhaps, if riding Soarin is your main goal here, you could go to Epcot before going to YC, if you already have passes, or directly after you check in. It is alot of walking to just get FP's, though.

I know it is a tough decision because it is such a great ride...good luck.

 

[shyjade]

I agree, it's going to be insanely busy. Months ago when we booked our trip I planned 9/29 to be our "Epcot day" but have since revised our plan. Because we are only going for 3 nights, we will still go to Epcot that morning and try to ride Soarin' first thing. We plan on going to Epcot on our arrival day (Wed.) to "do" as much as we can before the crowds hit on the 29th. With any luck we can get on Soarin' the first afternoon and not fight the masses at all on the 29th. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[flortlebap]

I would say don't rely on FP's being available. Even if they *might* be, that would be enough to keep me away.

You could have a small standby line, but it's unlikely. Coudl yo uget there any earlier?

 

[frndofpooh]

We were there that day last year and it was really crowded. By one o'clock all of the FP's were gone ! You may want to change the plan around a bit!

 

[rlovew]

With it being the first day of F&W it wiull be very busy with locals as the day goes on, plus all the people for late EMH. I would suggest either trying for another park that evening or going in the afternoon and enjoying the pool in the evening.

 

[tinkerbell211]

We are one day behind you! We were planning to spend our arrival day (eta 2pm) at Epcot, too. There's no EMH there, but it's Sat and 2nd day of F&W. I'd already considered changing parks, but have res. for Princess Dinner in Norway on Sat (it's DN4 1st trip to WDW).
What do you think?

 

[Karnak]

It is my considered opinion (having been in Epcot on three different EMH evenings, all of which were packed), that I would switch parks, avoiding both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on that first day. Since the Animal Kingdom probably closes at about 5:00 or 6:00 that evening, that only leaves the Studios.

So, I'd make a dinner reservation at the Brown Derby for about 7:00, and plan on doing a few of the attractions in the park with the remaining time, being sure to take it easy ... no running! You may want, however, to hold Fantasmic!, and most of the other major attractions, for your full day at the Studios, since you have a day at the Magic Kingdom coming up and don't want to be beat to start with.

In any case ...

Enjoy.