Epcot resorts?

[DNSDisney]

Which resorts are considered Epcot resorts and what are there distance (guesstimation?) to Epcot and MGM?
Thinking of splitting our stay next summer and don't have a clue about any of the resorts that aren't on the monorail.


Thanks
Sharon

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The Epcot resorts are the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin.
They are all an easy walk to Epcot.....Beach Club .. 5 minutes, Yacht Club .. 7 minutes, Boardwalk ..10 minutes and Swan/Dolphin maybe 12 minutes. You could also take the boat over, but it's much quicker to walk. I read a suggestion last week that makes a lot of sense. Take the walkway by the water instead of over the bridge to get to the International Gateway of Epcot. It's an easier walk not having to "climb" over the bridge.
For Disney Studios the walk is much longer. Boardwalk is the closest...guessing 15 minutes since we only did the walk once. Swan/Dolphin just a couple of minutes more. Beach and Yacht clubs maybe 20 minutes. The walkway is along the side of the Boardwalk and takes you right to the main gate. If a boat is coming you may want to take it instead of walking since there is a whole lot of walking already to do at WDW.
We love the Epcot resorts because you have two parks withing easy reach. Also the entertainment and food variety can't be beat in the hotels and the Boardwalk area.

 

[safetymom]

Caribbean Beach is considered an Epcot resort also.

 

[wdwphanatic]

... are a bit closer to MGM than the Boardwalk. Although I never did the walk, it always seemed that the S/D were the last stop before you reach MGM Studios on the boat. Also, depending upon whether you're talking about Boardwalk Inn or Boardwalk Villas, there's a bit of a difference in terms of the time factor to either MGM or Epcot. BWI rooms are very close to Epcot (5-7 minutes) and quite a hike from MGM, while some BWV rooms can be a fairly long walk to Epcot (10-12 minutes) and not so bad to MGM. It's kind of the same thing with Yacht Club and Beach Club. While BC is very close to Epcot (5 minutes), YC rooms can be a lot farther away (10-12 minutes)...

Anyway, the only Epcot resort that hasn't been mentioned is Beach Club Villas (a home-away-from-home resort that opened last July). It's the closest of all the properties to Epcot (can be less than a 5-minute walk). The Boardwalk Villas are also a home-away-from-home property, fyi. Both of these resorts offer studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas as opposed to traditional hotel accommodations. We have rented points before through Disney Vacation Club members and stayed at BWV and BCV and have really enjoyed them.

Just wanted to clarify that although Caribbean Beach is considered an Epcot resort, you still have to take a bus to reach Epcot... It's unlike the other properties in that respect. Also, though I'm sure you already know, the Swan and Dolphin are not Disney-owned resorts. Guests who stay there can take advantage of early entry mornings and Disney transportation, however.

Hope some of this information helps... Let me know if you have any additional questions, however!!

Have fun planning your vacation,
Sarah

 

[Calcio]

I'm a bit of a fast walker, or at least my wife thinks I am. From my room at the BWI last month it was a 12 minute walk to MGM, and 5 minutes to the International Gateway at EPCOT.

My favorite things about the EPCOT resorts are the activity. Nice restaurants, active restaurants, activities, and nice pools. They also allow quick acess and return to 2 of the 3 traditional parks. It's very nice to walk out of your room at 8:45, walk in MGM at 9:00, do what you want early, then walk back to your room at 11:00 where you can relax.

Although CBR is an EPCOT resort, it's location is no more convenient than any other resort on property. You can walk to the Boardwalk from CBR, but it's not convenient, and requires you to cross one vary busy street (there are traffic lights, and a sidewalk all the way to the fire station from the Boardwalk). You end up relying on bus service, which can be spotty. The CBR is a nice moderate resort, and I'm sure even nicer since room and court refurbishment, but it's not the same as the Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club for access to food and fun.

Good luck with your planning and decision.

 

[CarolMN]

If you are walking, the BWV are closer to MGM than are the Swan or Dolphin. The walkway is on the BWV side of the canal. If your room overlooks the quiet pool, you are only 5-7 minutes from the MGM entrance. My SIL & I are averageto slow walkers. We made it from our room (overlooking the BWV/BWI entrance lobby) to the MGM turnstiles in less than 10 minutes, every time.

Those coming from the Swan/Dolphin must cross the canal and catch the walkway behind the Atlantic Dance/Jellyrolls. That adds about 5 minutes to the walk.

If you are taking the boat, the Swan/Dolphin dock is closest to MGM. It is the last stop before the MGM dock and the first stop from the MGM dock.

 

[wdwphanatic]

... I always assumed because the S/D was the last stop on the boat before you get to MGM that it was closer than BW. I also had no idea that the walk to MGM was that short from BW. We had 2 kiddies under the age of 7 last year, and we figured it would be too much to try to do the walk on top of touring the parks... Guess I was wrong! Thanks for clarifying!

 

[onceuponadream]

How is the bus transportation from the Epcot resorts?? I know the resorts share bus service so was wondering if that poses a problem (especially on EMH mornings when everyone is trying to make the first bus)? Also, could you elaborate on the boat service (specifically from the Dolphin)? I know the resort is close to MGM but because of the stops at other resorts does it add time to the boat ride (as compared to a 15 minute bus ride from a moderate resort)?

 

[finnie48]

Hi,
The Swan/Dolphin is the last launch stop on the way to the Studios and the first stop on its return, so you can ignore the other resorts unless you want to visit or continue on to Epcot. Bob