Getting to Epcot from the Boardwalk?

[ellebeegee]

We have our 9th WDW trip coming up in three weeks, so we're not newbies but we just have never done this and I'm wondering how it works to get to World Showcase from the Boardwalk resort. Can you get to the Boardwalk if you're not a resort guest or don't have a meal reservation there? We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge so we're on property. I was wondering if parking at the Boardwalk and walking to World Showcase is any easier, both getting in and leaving, as our dinner will be over probably just before the park is closing, and of all the parks, Epcot is the one I most hate trying to get out of at closing time.

I just wondered how this works both as a strategy and in reality. We will be leaving Disney Studios to get to a 7 pm dinner at Le Chefs de France. We will have our own vehicle so we don't have to rely on Disney transportation.

Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[JMD]

Technically, you're not supposed to use Resort parking to get to the theme parks. Its for resort guests or guest dining at one of the Resort restuarants. So if you drive up to the security gate and tell them your parking and walking to Epcot, they won't let you in.

That said, Epcot is a short walk from the Boardwalk. Go out of the lobby and take a right onto the Boardwalk, and continue past the ESPN Zone. It's just a few minutes to the International Gateway at Epcot.

And parking at the Boardwalk can be tough, especially in the evening. The lot fills up quickly and overflow traffic is directed to the parking lot across the street.

 

[dgaston]

Alternatively, you could leave the vehicle at DHS and either walk (it takes me about 25 minutes) from DHS to Epcot and the International Gateway, or you could take the boat (a pleasant 20 minute ride) that stops at Dolphin/Swan. Yacht and Beach, Boardwalk and finally Epcot.

I have never been refused parking at the Boardwalk.

 

[BrightScouter]

Personally, if I were going to drive someplace, I would probably drive to HS, then, take the boat to Epcot. Then take the boat back to HS afterward. I don't think it is worth driving to HS, then leave, walk to your car, drive to Boardwalk, walk from the lot, possibly across the street, through Boardwalk, and then around the path to Epcot. It would probably take longer than the boat ride.

 

[ellebeegee]

Alternatively, you could leave the vehicle at DHS and either walk (it takes me about 25 minutes) from DHS to Epcot and the International Gateway, or you could take the boat (a pleasant 20 minute ride) that stops at Dolphin/Swan. Yacht and Beach, Boardwalk and finally Epcot.

I have never been refused parking at the Boardwalk.

Ah, interesting. Where do you catch the boat from HS? That sounds even better. I just want to make sure we can get back to our car at HS from Epcot around closing time. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Don'tBeABaby]

You can go left...or you can go right!

 

[abner1776]

The boat dock at the DHS is to your right as you walk from the DHS parking or bus drop off towards the DHS entrance. Curve around the lake and you will see the boat dock on the far side.

The boat ride is very leisurely and you if you get a nice crew it can be very informative. It will take a good 20+ minutes to get to Epcot so it's not for someone who is in a hurry.

 

[francie57]

Another thing that you could do also, is to take the boat to the first stop at the Swan/Dolphin and get out and walk around the Boardwalk to Epcot. The walk is really nice to see all the things on the Boardwalk. We stay at the BW every year and usually walk to and from both Epcot and the Studios. The walk from the Studios is a nice walk along the waterway. It can either be a leisurely walk or as fast as you want to go.

 

[ellebeegee]

You can go left...or you can go right!

LOL! Thank you. I realize that sounds dumb. I looked at the boat dock for HS on my Passporter map. Honestly, we always go straight from the tram to the entrance at HS and I have never SEEN the lake/dock there - I didn't even know there was one.

Even if it takes 20 minutes or so, it would have to beat getting to the car, driving to Epcot, parking, walking that thousand miles to WS after being on our feet all day. We're always up for new Disney experiences. It's so nice that, even on our 9th trip, we get to experience something new. I think that is the way to go. Thank you!

 

[ellebeegee]

Another thing that you could do also, is to take the boat to the first stop at the Swan/Dolphin and get out and walk around the Boardwalk to Epcot. The walk is really nice to see all the things on the Boardwalk. We stay at the BW every year and usually walk to and from both Epcot and the Studios. The walk from the Studios is a nice walk along the waterway. It can either be a leisurely walk or as fast as you want to go.

Thank you, but I'm trying to minimize time on my feet, LOL. This will be our third day there and the day before our day off at the water park. I think taking the boat all the way around will do for us, but if we're feeling up to it, walking back through the Boardwalk after dark would be cool!

I appreciate all the suggestions.

 

[gokenin]

just a question what time is the park (HS) closing on the night that you are eating in Epcot? I dont know how long after the park closes will the boats continue to go there. They may run as long as guests are coming out of Epcot but I am not sure?