Getting to Epcot's IG from HS entrnace

[Gena001]

Hi all! Sadly, we're staying off property in September. But our hotel makes drops at Hollywood Studio only... so if we want to go to Epcot, is the easiest/quickest way the International Gateway at Epcot? If so, how do I do it? I don't need to enter HS, right?

Thank you!

 

[Ross Kratter]

How late in September? The new Disney Skyliner gondolas open on 9/29, and will take you from Hollywood Studios to the International Gateway.

 

[fla4fun]

You do not have to enter DHS. You can take the Friendship boats, or there is a walkway so you can walk, or if you are there after the Skyliner starts running you can ride that. Depending on where your hotel shuttle drops you, it may be just as close to walk, as the charter buses are the farthest stops from internal transportation.

 

[Gena001]

How late in September? The new Disney Skyliner gondolas open on 9/29, and will take you from Hollywood Studios to the International Gateway.

We'll be there before the Skyliner opens. ...maybe they will have a soft opening? A girl can dream, right?

 

[shoreward]

Currently, there are buses running from Hollywood Studios to the front entrance of Epcot, as well as the FriendShip boats, which drop off at the IG at Epcot. The bus ride is about 12 minutes long, while the boat (which has intermediate stops at Swan/Dolphin, YC/BC, & Boardwalk) takes about 35 minutes.

Departures are about every 15-20 minutes.

 

[SteveH]

Options are walking (about 1 mile), the Friendship boat dock from DHS to International Gateway, it does stop along the way at Swan/Dolphin, YC/BC & Boardwalk so it's not super fast but enjoyable, and as mentioned after Sept 29 you can take the Skyliner.

 

[Gena001]

You do not have to enter DHS.

So, you're thinking that since the shuttle will drop us farthest from the HS entrance, we're better off walking to E?

 

[Alesia]

Walking is the fastest way. Google maps gives excellent walking directions

If you prefer not to walk, I recommend the bus

 

[Gena001]

Walking is the fastest way. Google maps gives excellent walking directions

If you prefer not to walk, I recommend the bus

That works for me! Maybe we'll take the boat later in the trip!

 

[joelkfla]

You do not have to enter DHS. You can take the Friendship boats, or there is a walkway so you can walk, or if you are there after the Skyliner starts running you can ride that. Depending on where your hotel shuttle drops you, it may be just as close to walk, as the charter buses are the farthest stops from internal transportation.

You can't cut across from the charter bus area directly to the Epcot Resorts walkway. You still have to walk on the main entrance path past the Disney bus platforms and Skyliner station. The boat dock is on the opposite side of the lagoon from the buses & Skyliner, but it's a very short walk.

 

[shoreward]

To catch the boat from the drop-off area at Hollywood Studios, you'll need to walk toward the park entrance, but keep walking past the entrance, around the lake. You will see the dock and canopy in the distance. Though certainly not the quickest way to get to Epcot, it certainly is the most relaxing and scenic.

An onboard announcement on the boat advises Epcot passengers in a hurry to disembark at the Swan/Dolphin, and walk the rest of the way, passing through the Boardwalk area. Those opting to do so probably beat the boat by about 10 minutes.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Skyliner doesn't travel between Epcot and DHS. You have to ride to CBR, then transfer to the DHS gondola.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Skyliner doesn't travel between Epcot and DHS. You have to ride to CBR, then transfer to the DHS gondola.

It’s still probably the fastest route other than walking.

 

[Alesia]

It’s still probably the fastest route other than walking.

It might be faster than the boat, but I'll be very surprised if it's faster than the bus.

 

[suemom2kay]

Another option is boat to Yacht/Beach Club then walk to IG.

Boat Dock Order:

HS-S/D-Y/B-BW-EP

And the reverse:

EP-BW-Y/B-S/D-HS

 

[dburg30]

What part of Epcot are you going to? If front of park / future world take bus. If world showcase.. walk... It's a nice walk, and while it isn't super short, it's not super long..