Boat from EPCOT to hotels?

[aviva5675]

Ive heard that you can take a nice boat ride from EPCOT near England to some of the hotels. Im not looking for transportation but actually just a nice relaxing thing to do. Anyone been on this boat? Can you just take a round trip ride? Do they check to see if you're staying at one of the hotels (we are onsite but not over there). How long would a round trip ride take? Thanks!!

 

[WillCAD]

The boats are called Friendship Launches. They use the same model boat as those that crisscross the World Showcase Lagoon.

The Friendship Launches that run around Crescent Lake have several overlapping loops that go from Epcot's International Gateway (a park entrance located between the UK and France), to the Epcot resorts (Yacht & Beach Clubs, Boardwalk, and Swan & Dolphin), and finally end up at MGM.

The boats are available to anyone. They are part of the WDW transportation system and are not restricted to Guests of the resorts; no ID is required.

A round trip to Yacht & Beach Club, Boardwalk, and back to Epcot would probably take about 40 minutes, depending on how many people get on and off the boat at each stop.

These boats are my favorite attraction at WDW. I make sure to take at least one ride on them on each trip. It's actually quicker to walk to Y&BC, S&D, or Boardwalk, but I enjoy the ride so much that I usually take the boat unless I'm in a hurry. I highly recommend it.

[click either pic for the full-size version]
MGM Boat dock

Boardwalk boat dock

 

[buckylarue]

The Friendship launches load outside the International Gateway in World Showcase, between England and France. They travel to the BoardWalk, Yacht & Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin docks, then to the Disney-MGM Studios. They return in the opposite manner. A one-way trip from Epcot to the Studios takes about 35-40 minutes, depending on how many people are boarding, etc. As long as you are either staying onsite or have any multi-day or park hopper ticket, all WDW transportation is included. It is a nice relaxing ride, especially nice on a warm day when you can grab a seat outside in the back of the boat!

 

[laceemouse]

Well, right by England is the International Gateway. If you walk through there you can board a boat which goes around to the YC, BC, BW and then to the other end of the lake which is MGM. Anyone can board them, a lot of folks go to eat at those resorts who are not staying there. We have WALKED all around the lake a couple of times but have never taken the boat so I have no idea how long the ride would last. Maybe someone else can answer you??? I have to say that we have a hard time seeing and doing everything at EPCOT even if we spend two days there. We would never take the time to go ride the boat for the fun of it, and we are not what you call commando park people. If you are taking a long Disney vacation, though, riding the boat would be fun and relaxing!!

 

[Dustin]

There is also a walkway that follows the same path.....I find that to be a very pleasant stroll.

 

[mlill]

I have a short video of the boat ride from the Epcot resorts to MGM up on Google Video. It is a very relaxing ride and it's one of our favorite things to do to relax and soak up the WDW atmosphere...

Friendship Boat Video

-Michelle