Transportation question - hopping parks for dinner?

[JenniBB]

On the day we have planned to spend at Epcot we have an ADR (7:45pm) at 50's Diner in HS. What time should we get the bus over there? I'm thinking we'll hop on line around 7? Will the buses come frequently enough for us to make it to dinner? Or should we hop on line earlier?
Before anyone makes the suggestion, we have another ADR at HS on another day (11:30 lunch at SciFi- DIFFERENT day) so we can't simply change the park we visit for the day of the 50s Diner ADR.

I just want to make sure we allow enough travel time.


Thanks so much!!!

 

[doconeill]

I'd probably leave myself an hour just in case.

Depending on your mobility and location in Epcot, you could exit through the International Gateway and walk to DHS in perhaps 30 minutes, or take the Friendship boat from there in about the same time or less depending on if it is there waiting for you.

 

[JenniBB]

I'd probably leave myself an hour just in case.

Depending on your mobility and location in Epcot, you could exit through the International Gateway and walk to DHS in perhaps 30 minutes, or take the Friendship boat from there in about the same time or less depending on if it is there waiting for you.

So the Friendship Boat goes between HS and Epcot? SWEET! If it is docked in Epcot we'll try that first! Thanks a bunch! The last time I was in WDW was 1992 - lots to forget, and lots new!.

 

[doconeill]

So the Friendship Boat goes between HS and Epcot? SWEET! If it is docked in Epcot we'll try that first! Thanks a bunch! The last time I was in WDW was 1992 - lots to forget, and lots new!.

Yes, although not specifically in Epcot...it docks right by the ticket booths at the International Gateway, which is the back entrance between the UK and France.

FYI, it also stops at the BC/YC, BW and Swan&Dolphin - it's not a direct run.

 

[AJKMOM]

So the Friendship Boat goes between HS and Epcot? SWEET! If it is docked in Epcot we'll try that first! Thanks a bunch! The last time I was in WDW was 1992 - lots to forget, and lots new!.

Friendship Boat picks up at Epcot, then stops at (I forget the order) YC/BC, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, then on to Hollywood Studios. If you aren't too tired, you can walk it, too. Just exit the International Gateway, go over the bridge and stay to the left. You will see signs for the Studios.

 

[JenniBB]

Yes, although not specifically in Epcot...it docks right by the ticket booths at the International Gateway, which is the back entrance between the UK and France.

I recall where that is on the maps I have been "Studying" for the last 3 months! We arrive in the MK on Aug 22 and I am busy getting my plans together (Me, DH and 3 kiddos).

Thanks for your prompt help, Doc!

 

[Leeanne]

We were there a year ago and if I remember correctly, the boats drop off at Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk, BC, YC, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, ect. I could be wrong but I think thats right.

 

[doconeill]

We were there a year ago and if I remember correctly, the boats drop off at Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk, BC, YC, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, ect. I could be wrong but I think thats right.

I'm pretty sure they always stop at the hotels between each run between the parks - they don't go direct.

And you forgot the Swan and Dolphin, which I believe is the stop next to DHS IIRC.

BC and YC are the same stop.

I think it is: Epcot, BW, BC/YC, S&D, DHS, and then the reverse.

 

[CleveRocks]

I think it is: Epcot, BW, BC/YC, S&D, DHS, and then the reverse.

This is what I recall, too.

 

[JenniBB]

This is what I recall, too.

So then would a bus actually be faster?? Can we get a bus that goes directly to HS? Or do the buses make stops everyplace also. Seems like it would be more efficient to have a separate bus going to each location?

 

[doconeill]

I don't know if the bus is necessarily faster - especially if you are already in the World Showcase at the time and you'd have to walk all the way to the front of the park. If you are at the front of the park however, the bus is faster.

The resort stops are pretty quick and it is a nice ride. And you can also walk as mentioned previously.

No matter what, I would still leave 60 minutes time just to deal with the variables.

 

[B&WMickey]

You’re probably better off allowing for an hour. Better safe than sorry. Most transportation estimates are essentially estimates from front door to front door, remember, you need to allow enough time to walk from the bus to the entrance to DHS and then to the restaurant as well. If you’re travelling with kids do you need to pick up a stroller too? This may add a minute or two to your time.

 

[brerrabbit]

We just got back last night and can tell you because we took the boat from Epcot to DS and back the other way several times. It take 25 minutes from leaving the dock at the International Gateway to get to the dock at DS. I really feel the boat is faster, especially if you have to walk from the back of Epcot to the front to get on the bus.

 

[jamstew]

I really feel the boat is faster, especially if you have to walk from the back of Epcot to the front to get on the bus.

I agree.

 

[CathieArms]

We always give ourselves a full hour. So, for 7:45 ADRs, I'd leave no later than 6:45.

 

[Robo]

 

[Planogirl]

I agree, take the boat but allow some time. It's a wonderful opportunity to rest a little and is way more pleasant than the bus.