From one Illinois resident to another, welcome to planDisney Dan!
How exciting that you're planning a trip to the "Most Magical Place on Earth!" I'm not sure what month you'll be visiting, but as the weather has gotten colder here in the Midwest, I'm definitely dreaming of my next getaway to warmer weather!
If you are going to drive to the theme parks and pay for
theme park parking, I actually recommend driving over to EPCOT from Disney's Hollywood Studios so you don't have to worry about getting back for your car. Once you pay for theme park parking, it's valid for all of the theme parks for that day, so you will not have to pay again. If you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel, standard theme park parking is also included, which is such a great benefit!
If you end up staying at EPCOT until the park closes, there may not be an option to get you back to Disney's Hollywood Studios, so that's why I recommend driving over. My husband and I easily drove between both parks earlier this year, and then didn't have to worry about getting back to any of the other theme parks since our car was with us.
I highly recommend checking out the
Disney Parks Blog prior to your trip, especially if one of the wonderful EPCOT festivals will be taking place during your trip! I always love exploring the delicious Foodie Guides before my visit, and making a list of all of the snacks and treats I'll want to try.
I hope this information is helpful for your trip planning, Dan! Please don't hesitate to
come back and ask me any other questions.
Have a magical day!
Melissa