Epcot Resort Experts ??????

[Jordan's MOM]

We had never really considered an epcot resort but I don't know why. I am hearing such good reviews here. A couple of questions please.

Am I correct that you can walk to Epcot and MGM from most of these resorts or is that just the boardwalk resort? How long is the walk.

How is the bus service to the other parks?

Is it possible to access the monorail without walking thought epcot and catching it in front of the park?

What about the Swan and Dolphin discount? I teach in a private school. Would this be considered for the discount or is it just state or federal employees?

What's my best choice for a family of three that likes to spend lots of time at Epcot . Money is a issue.

Thanks for any help.

Jordan's mom

 

[lorilori]

Hi Jordan's MOM - We LOVE staying at the Swan or Dolphin, always the most affordable with either a teacher rate or entertainment rate. You can walk to Epcot/MGM from any of the boardwalk area resorts. Neither walk takes that long, maybe 10-15 minutes, we still have one in the stroller so we're probably not as quick as others. We find the boat to MGM is quicker than the walk. Bus service from the Swan and Dolphin to MK is okay getting there. The bus stops at the other boardwalk resorts on the way, at least in does in October/November, not sure about other times of the year. However, coming back to the hotel after a long day at MK is the best since the bus goes to the Swan first. I do not think you can get to the Epcot monorail without walking through Epcot. Just a side note, when we were there last month, stayed at the Swan (wonderful) and went to MK twice. The second time we just didn't feel like riding the bus to the other hotels (3 yr. old was kinda cranky), so we walked outside and got a cab for $16. Couldn't do it all the time, but that time was definitely worth it!

 

[mikesmom]

We've stayed at Boardwalk. Walk to Epcot is about 10 minutes leisurely stroll (from Beach Club it would be shorter). Walk to MGM is more like 20 minutes (walk from Beach or Yacht would be longer, maybe too long unless you like to walk).

Swan/Dolphin is closer to MGM. There is a lovely boat that picks up at all these resorts and takes you to Epcot or MGM if you don't feel like walking.

None of these is a budget hotel. Swan/Dolphin has the discounts you mentioned. Sometimes there are AP discounts for some of these. Another way to keep the costs down is to rent from A DVC owner at Beach Club or Boardwalk villas.

 

[Sue in WV]

We stayed at the BWV and found it so convenient. The first couple of days we did walk to Epcot, but as the vacation rolled on we utilized the ferry. We hardly had to wait for a bus - I'd say not more than a 10-minute wait.

The Boardwalk area has so much going on at night. From juggling to fire eating, there was a lot of participation with the crowd. There were also carnival games and so many choices of places to eat. We can't wait to go again - Sue.

 

[Calcio]

Hello Jordan's Mom

My understanding is the teacher's discount at the Swan or Dolphin requires you to show a teacher's certificate upon check in. I found this somewhere through the disboards site, when I was trying to find out if the discount applies to College Professors (it doesn't). The discounts are a great deal, making an EPCOT resort price like a moderate resort.

As our only child has gotten older, we've become EPCOT resort types. The bus to the MK is fast and easy, and the walk to EPCOT from BWI is 10 minutes at most (faster than the boat). From the Swan and Dolphin I'd guess the walk to EPCOT is 15 minutes max. Plus you get to come in at the International Gateway, much less congested. Staying at the Swan or Dolphin makes you the last pick up on the way to MGM (beware crowds at certain times) and the first drop off from MGM.

At night the Boardwalk is very active, a nice place to spend the late evening.

Good luck

 

[KathyR]

We love the EPCOT resort area!!! The walk from BWV is not bad in either direction. Going to/from EPCOT once outside the walk is maybe 5 minutes or so walking at a decent pace w/our 5 and 7 y/o kids, so we can only go so fast. We don't walk fast, but we don't leisurly stroll either. The walk to/from MGM is about a 12 minute walk for us to/from BWV. We raced the boat heading back to BWV a few weeks ago with some family! We (husband, kids and I) walked at our regular pace while the rest of my extended family took the boat. We beat them by just over 7 minutes LOL! Both walks are nice and convenient! We always figure we walk so much in the parks what is anothere few minutes, but I understand why some folks would want to take the boat.

IMO the boat ride to EPCOT is useless from the BW/YC/BC resorts. The S/D are further from EPCOT, so you may want to use it there. We would walk from there too though. It would add another 5 minutes to the EPCOT walk I would estimate. MGM would be about 5 minutes closer as well.

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by Calcio
Hello Jordan's Mom

My understanding is the teacher's discount at the Swan or Dolphin requires you to show a teacher's certificate upon check in. I found this somewhere through the disboards site, when I was trying to find out if the discount applies to College Professors (it doesn't).

Calcio--

I hope you are wrong about this. I am a college professor and have reservations for the Dolphin in March. I was told that I qualify.

 

[Greg K.]

We've stayed at both BoardWalk and the Beach Club. The walk to Epcot from both is very easy and quick -- about 10 minutes. A little longer to MGM. I'd only take the boat if it was RIGHT THERE AT THE DOCK ... otherwise you could spend more time waiting for it than it would take to get to the parks on foot.

Both resorts are VERY kid-friendly and have a delightful atmosphere.

But the best bang for your buck could well be at the S&D ... their rates are a little lower, and since they are not Disney-owned, they offer some discounts you can't get elsewhere. I'd check 'em out. But they are also a slightly longer walk to Epcot.

 

[princess angel]

mainebound - you should be fine! I once called the Dolphin to find out (my Mom is a teacher) they told me that any kind of teacher... I'm sure you are OK.

the Epcot resorts are wonderful! if you want to save $$ then stay at the Swan or Dolphin w/the teachers discount! it will be about a 10-15 minute walk to both Epcot and MGM!
they are deluxe resorts too!

if you want a Disney resort, then go during value season and if a great discount comes out you can get a standard room at the BWI, YC or BC for around $169 a night!

these resorts have good bus service. it is about 15 minutes to MK, and the same to AK.
I never wait more than 5 - 10 minutes for a bus.

have a great time !!!

Laura

 

[Mouseteacher]

Epcot resorts are awesome for all of the previous posts reasons. I have stayed at the Boardwalk Inn and just recently at the Dolphin on the teacher rate. I, too, teach in a private (Catholic)school. Upon check-in, I showed my MA state teacher certificate which is required to teach in Catholic schools in MA. They didn't ask me where I taught; they just told me to bring my active state teaching certificate as proof to receive the discount.

I would stay at Swan/Dolphin again as long as they offer teacher rate. Epcot resorts are the best for easy access to two theme parks, dining and entertainment.

Yes, you must walk through World Showcase to Future World to the main entrance to reach the monorail.

 

[J&J]

The walk from Boardwalk to MGM is about 1 mile, well lighted at night. Easy walk or boat ride from Swan/Dophin,YC, and BC to Ecpot. Buses to other parks. The monorail can only be reached from the front part of Ecpot. Swan/Dophin will accept your pay check record that you are a teacher or your union card.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Thanks So Much for all the wonderful advice and suggestions. You answered so many of my questions. Looks like we may go for one of these great choices. Still love to hear what others have to say about these resorts.


Jordan's mom

 

[Calcio]

Hello Mainebound

I hope I'm wrong on this. A couple of months past I was fishing through web sites, and of course I can't remember where I saw the teacher certificate requirement for the discount. If you find out for certain, please post the information. It would be nice to have the opportunity to stay at the Swan or Dolphin at the discount rate.

A Maine college professor, eh? Bowdoin? USM? Bates? Colby? UM?

Thanks

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mainebound

Originally posted by Calcio
Hello Jordan's Mom

My understanding is the teacher's discount at the Swan or Dolphin requires you to show a teacher's certificate upon check in. I found this somewhere through the disboards site, when I was trying to find out if the discount applies to College Professors (it doesn't).

Calcio--

I hope you are wrong about this. I am a college professor and have reservations for the Dolphin in March. I was told that I qualify.

You are FINE! Teaching, is Teaching, and any Educational Teacher is qualified! Have a wonderful time.

 

[Terry S]

All the Epcot resorts are great, but our favorite is the Beach Club. Love the bright themeing of the Beach Club and also love being able to walk along the beach in my barefeet. (Can't swim there, but still nice to have)

 

[heffie]

Just back from Beach Club. We' ve also stayed at the Boarwalk. Loved them both. If we had to choose, we'd probably give s slight nod to Boardwalk. Both have great pools. Both so close to Epcot, boatride away from MGM. I don't think you could go wrong with ANY Epcot resort! If you plan to spend alot of time at Epcot, I would strongly recommend one of these. Make sore you hit Baches & Cream at Beach Club though!

 

[erikthewise]

Concerning the walkway, I would guess 12-15 minutes from Boardwalk Villas to MGM gate, somewhat longer from the other Epcot resorts. If you walk faster, you'll get there faster! See my post http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=286996
for more details.

Mainebound, Please let us know whether you get your teacher's discount as a professor!