Travel Time Between Parks

[jerzeystar09]

I'm going in October and on my first night I'm hoping to catch Fantasmic at 7 and jet to Epcot for Illuminations at 10.

About how long would it take to get between parks and what would the best route be? Does the boat run then?

 

[Robo]

I'm going in October and on my first night I'm hoping to catch Fantasmic at 7 and jet to Epcot for Illuminations at 10.

1. About how long would it take to get between parks and what would the best route be?
2. Does the boat run then?

1. Figure it will take 15-25 minutes to get to the DHS front gates from the Fantasmic! theater after the half-hour show.
(So, that would be about 7:45pm to 7:55pm.)

2. Yes , but the boat will be BUSY following F!
You might have to wait for a 2nd or 3rd boat (they will dock approx. 15-25 minutes apart.)
You can wait on the boat (which, once boarded and underway, will take 25-35 minutes to get to Epcot's International Gateway.
Or, you can WALK from DHS to Epcot's International Gateway.
(Figure the walk will take 20-35 min., depending on your walking pace.)

Once at Epcot, you need to go through security bag-check and the ticket gate.
Then, find a spot around the Lagoon to watch IllumiNations.
Can you make it by 10pm?
Yes. (But, weigh your options carefully in relation to timing.)

 

[PlutoFan10]

There will be a line for the boat, but that's the best way to get to Epcot (via International Gateway). There will be multiple stops so it may take about 30 minutes to get there, unless you want to take a long walk. You could get off the boat at Yacht/Beach Club and take the 10 minute walk from the boat dock to Epcot. That would allow you to skip the stop at Boardwalk before Epcot.

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[tlmadden73]

Depending on your situation (children, strollers, etc.). It may be easier and quicker to walk. The walk between DHS and Epcot isn't that far or long and depending on the wait for boats it may actually be a lot quicker.

I mean you are walking around parks all day and night, what's another mile or two?

 

[Robo]

Does the DHS/Epcot park to park bus no longer run, or is that not a viable option?

It runs.
But, that bus will terminate at the Epcot bus loading, a considerable walk in itself from the Epcot front gates.

And, then, the front gates are a long distance from many of the better IllumiNations viewing locations in World Showcase.

 

[jerzeystar09]

Thanks for all the suggestions! It's a solo trip, so I'm winging most everything. Just thinking of some possibilities.

 

[CAS239]

I'd walk. You'll get there quicker than if you have to wait for the boat.

 

[RedOne3781]

Since you mentioned you are going solo, I would walk. It is a bit of a hike, but it is quite nice especially once you reach the Boardwalk/Yacht&Beach area.

Even walking slowly, you should get there in plenty of time.

 

[DrunkJam]

I'm glad some people have been able to help. I initially thought you called your post time travel between parks (it's early, I'm still in bed) and I thought...surely even Disney can not...

 

[disnut8]

Illuminations is at 10? Just used to it being at 9.

 

[Robo]

Illuminations is at 10? Just used to it being at 9.

I double-checked that before I answered.
It is moved to 10PM on selected evenings in/around October.