Hi Nan,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! How fun that you're planning to be at "The Most Magical Place on Earth" to ring in the New Year!
I'm happy to let you know that yes, you'll be able to catch a bus directly from
Epcot to
Disney Springs any time after 4:00 p.m. Just head out of the main entrance and head over to the left to find the
buses. You'll find that one arrives approximately every twenty minutes, so if you miss one, it won't be too long until the next one arrives. Now, to get back to Epcot, there will not be a direct bus from Disney Springs. I'd recommend hopping on a bus heading to Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Beach Club Resort, or Disney's Yacht Club Resort. All three of those Resort hotels are within walking distance of the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, so it will be just a short five to ten minute walk to get back into the park. Of course, you could always grab a bus to any other Disney Resort hotel, then switch buses once you arrive at the Resort hotel to take the one to Epcot. Don't forget that the
Minnie Van Service is available for a small fee, too. It's a
great way to get around the Walt Disney World Resort in adorable polka-dotted style!
One other thing to think about is that park closures due to capacity are possible that time of year. It's a very popular time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, and while Epcot has not closed for that reason for many years, I want you to be aware that it's
possible that once you leave, you wouldn't be allowed back in. Other than the potential capacity issue, it's absolutely fine for you to leave a theme park and return to the same park later in the same day without a Park Hopper Option ticket.
I'm sending some pixie dust that you find the
perfect place to enjoy your New Years Eve dinner, Nan, and that you have the most magical
New Years Eve celebration ever!
Missy