Boardwalk to Epcot distance?

[Disney Jo]

Hi, I have walked Epcot to Boardwalk and beach club and from memory it is flat ground. Is Hollywood Studios the same and the walkway is flat? We are travelling this year in my in laws and my MIL struggles with getting out of breath with stairs and walking up hills. I just wanted to check what it is like before I suggest it to her.

 

[Ricguz]

Hi, I have walked Epcot to Boardwalk and beach club and from memory it is flat ground. Is Hollywood Studios the same and the walkway is flat? We are travelling this year in my in laws and my MIL struggles with getting out of breath with stairs and walking up hills. I just wanted to check what it is like before I suggest it to her.

From Epcot to the Boardwalk it’s slightly inclined to the top of the bridge area unless to take the left hand walkway (past the smokers). From that area on top of the bridge go left across (tiny incline) then a gradual decline to the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk to the walking path to HS, there is again a slight incline to the pathway then a flat walk to HS. From that area it’s about a 15 minute walk. Now you can always take the skyliner from Epcot directly to HS or take the boat transportation also to boardwalk and or HS. Hope that helps.

 

[CarolynFH]

Hi, I have walked Epcot to Boardwalk and beach club and from memory it is flat ground. Is Hollywood Studios the same and the walkway is flat? We are travelling this year in my in laws and my MIL struggles with getting out of breath with stairs and walking up hills. I just wanted to check what it is like before I suggest it to her.

We are in our 70s, and like your MIL DH struggles with stairs and uphill climbs. I really would suggest taking the boat from BWV to Epcot and to DHS. Otherwise she’ll arrive at the parks already exhausted! The boats are running every 15 minutes (we’re here now). If you want the Skyliner, you can boat to Epcot, and the Skyliner station is directly across the walkway from the dock.

 

[Disney Jo]

We are in our 70s, and like your MIL DH struggles with stairs and uphill climbs. I really would suggest taking the boat from BWV to Epcot and to DHS. Otherwise she’ll arrive at the parks already exhausted! The boats are running every 15 minutes (we’re here now). If you want the Skyliner, you can boat to Epcot, and the Skyliner station is directly across the walkway from the dock.

Thank you so much for sharing this and your experience. I really want to make the trip enjoyable for them and they are worried about how they will manage so anything I can plan/do as though it’s what we would normally do the better. I know if I said “let's walk will you manage”, she would instantly say yes but I don’t want her to struggle.

 

[Jimkin]

Thank you for this insight.

We are in our 70s, and like your MIL DH struggles with stairs and uphill climbs. I really would suggest taking the boat from BWV to Epcot and to DHS. Otherwise she’ll arrive at the parks already exhausted! The boats are running every 15 minutes (we’re here now). If you want the Skyliner, you can boat to Epcot, and the Skyliner station is directly across the walkway from the dock.

 

[Jimkin]

I’d also consider getting a scooter. They’re not outrageous and really make a difference. No matter how you plan there’s a lot of walking, especially at Epcot. I did that a couple years ago when I was having a hard time with both knees and it literally saved our trip. An added benefit is when walking a place to sit and rest is sometimes hard to find. With the scooter she’ll no linger need to take breaks to catch her breath and rest her legs.

Thank you so much for sharing this and your experience. I really want to make the trip enjoyable for them and they are worried about how they will manage so anything I can plan/do as though it’s what we would normally do the better. I know if I said “let's walk will you manage”, she would instantly say yes but I don’t want her to struggle.

 

[CarolynFH]

I’d also consider getting a scooter. They’re not outrageous and really make a difference. No matter how you plan there’s a lot of walking, especially at Epcot. I did that a couple years ago when I was having a hard time with both knees and it literally saved our trip. An added benefit is when walking a place to sit and rest is sometimes hard to find. With the scooter she’ll no linger need to take breaks to catch her breath and rest her legs.

I agree - definitely consider a scooter, in the parks if not at the resort, too. DH rented a scooter at AK and MK this trip, and it made a world of difference. He can walk the distances, but slowly, and uphill is especially slow. Having the scooter at AK meant we could enter the LL for Flight of Passage at 9:45 AM, ride it, and still get to Tusker House in time for our 10:25 AM ADR. We would never have made it without the scooter.

 

[Disney Jo]

Thank you. I understand renting is usually at park entrances, I least know where it is at AK, HS and MK. Have you used any companies to hire a scooter for your whole trip before that deliver to your hotel and could recommend any? Like you have both said it might be easier to have one available and then between both my MIL and FIL they can take it in turns or decide whether they need it or not and wondering if a long term hire might work out fairly reasonable compared to hiring it daily (we are there for 14 days)

 

[maxiesmom]

I think that area is the best place to be over the 4th of July. Purchase a sun reflecting umbrella. They not at all expensive and work wonders.

 

[maxiesmom]

Thank you. I understand renting is usually at park entrances, I least know where it is at AK, HS and MK. Have you used any companies to hire a scooter for your whole trip before that deliver to your hotel and could recommend any? Like you have both said it might be easier to have one available and then between both my MIL and FIL they can take it in turns or decide whether they need it or not and wondering if a long term hire might work out fairly reasonable compared to hiring it daily (we are there for 14 days)

I use Golds Mobility. If you stay at a Disney resort you do have to meet them for drop off/pick up, but I haven't found that to be a big deal at all. Otherwise, they would put you a little farther back, but the Swan and Dolphin do accept scooter drop offs without you having to be present.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Thank you. I understand renting is usually at park entrances, I least know where it is at AK, HS and MK. Have you used any companies to hire a scooter for your whole trip before that deliver to your hotel and could recommend any? Like you have both said it might be easier to have one available and then between both my MIL and FIL they can take it in turns or decide whether they need it or not and wondering if a long term hire might work out fairly reasonable compared to hiring it daily (we are there for 14 days)

From past experience with older parents, I would absolutely recommend having a rental for the entire trip - or at least not relying on getting one each day at a park. You'll be amazed how much walking there can be just getting to the main entrance of the park and back - not to mention all the other activities you'll do. Without the scooters (both had their own), they would not have been able to do nearly as much. And I tell you the truth when I say after the trip, they both said it was the best decision they made - the trip was so much more enjoyable. And we were there for 7 days - not 14. Let the scooters do some of the work for them so they can enjoy the trip more without being exhausted. And they will not be alone on the scooters - you'll notice how many scooters are being used around the parks - it's a lot. It was well worth the money....

You can find info out here regarding the different rental companies. I believe ScooterBug is the only one that will drop off/pick-up your scooter(s) with bell services at your resort (so you can get them and return them at your convenience - bell services will do the rest). All other companies will require someone from your group to meet them at a particular time and place. Have a great trip....

 

[elvispursley]

Definitely read scooter reviews in the Disabilities section. From all the reading up I’ve done and have experienced first hand, Gold Monility is terrific and the scooters were in way better shape with batteries lasting all day without going out of the green.