International Gateway Question...

[TheInvernessie]

Hey all,
I've got a question about the friendship launches between Epcot and Hollywood. During my upcoming trip, my friend and I are planning to head over to Hollywood Studios after dinner in Epcot. My question is (because I literally can't find it on the Disney site, maybe I'm blind...) what are the hours for the launches, and about how long do they take. We're headed back to Hollywood Studios for the Star Wars Spectacular, so I'm curious.
Thanks!

 

[AngiTN]

Just the travel time is about 30 min, not counting waiting time
It runs for 1 hour after park closes
Walking is faster, though not always a popular choice after all the walking one is already doing when at the parks

 

[focusondisney]

The launches run an hour after park closing. From Epcot to DS takes about 1/2 hour. I don't know where you are staying, but just keep in mind how you will get back if you are driving. You will not be able to walk thru Epcot to get back to the parking lot if it is after park closing.

 

[TheInvernessie]

Just the travel time is about 30 min, not counting waiting time
It runs for 1 hour after park closes
Walking is faster, though not always a popular choice after all the walking one is already doing when at the parks

Thank you so much! I gathered walking was faster...didn't necessarily want to do it, but we'll probably take it by chance and see how the lines are.

 

[PanamaMike]

Walking at a leisurely pace should take the average person 25-30 mins (it's a mile from IG to HS entrance and being a fast walker I usually do it in 17-18 mins) so if there is a boat ready to be boarded when you get to the dock, boat vs. walking time is about the same. If you have to wait for a boat, the walk is faster.

Except for the bench at the stern of the boat which holds 5 or 6 adults, the rest of the boat is enclosed and can be quite warm on hot, sunny days.

 

[disnut8]

I just wanted to add for the "walking versus boating" theme - if you walk, there are no benches or water fountains along the way. So, once you get past the Boardwalk, you will need to walk or stop and sit in the grass for a while. Yes, this is from experience on a very hot day. The OP shouldn't have a problem but adding it for others who might want to do this summer.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've made it, from the IG, to DHS, with a stop in my room at BWVs, in 18 mins! But, I was cranking.Watched IllumiNations, then needed to get to dhs before they closed to see Osborne Lights!
If you get to the dock as the boat is pulling away, it could be 15-20 mi s before the next one gets there. I have left that area at the same time as the boat...the boat beat me to BW, but I got to DHS about 8 mins before it did.
Walking at an average pace will take you about 18-20 mins. The boat takes 25 mins.
Yes, it is a very steamy walk during the warmer months.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

Keep in mind sometimes you have to wait for a boat so that will add to the travel time. We often walk it and beat it.

 

[Branflakes]

We always walk. And always have water. It's a pleasant walk imo. The boat, as was mentioned, can be very uncomfortable due to the heat. Even on a relatively mild day. And takes the same or less time wise.

 

[SoCalDisneyFan2708]

On my last day of my first trip to WDW this past February after watching SW fireworks I ran barefoot from HS to Epcot to catch Illuminations. It took me less than 10 min and when I got through the IG to my viewing place in Epcot I realized I didn't have to rush so much my spot (the bridge between France and England). I'm used to having to get to shows an hour+ early DLR to get a good spot. But I wasn't too mad at myself. It gave me time to go get one of my fav foods at WDW.... the fish and chips place in England.

Also I'll add I wouldn't have been able to run like that if the rest of my party was with me. They went back home a day earlier than me.

 

[AngiTN]

I've made it, from the IG, to DHS, with a stop in my room at BWVs, in 18 mins! But, I was cranking.Watched IllumiNations, then needed to get to dhs before they closed to see Osborne Lights!
If you get to the dock as the boat is pulling away, it could be 15-20 mi s before the next one gets there. I have left that area at the same time as the boat...the boat beat me to BW, but I got to DHS about 8 mins before it did.
Walking at an average pace will take you about 18-20 mins. The boat takes 25 mins.
Yes, it is a very steamy walk during the warmer months.

Same here. We've left Epcot as a boat pulled away from the docks and we made it to HS before that boat even pulled within sight of the entrance. And I walk VERY slowly
I usually opt to boat since I appreciate any break off my feet I can get but if we need to get there fast, we walk, even if a boat is there loading.

 

[chris benton]

The walk can be pretty "sweet" if you stop into Ample Hills on the way - just sayin.

 

[AngiTN]

The walk can be pretty "sweet" if you stop into Ample Hills on the way - just sayin.

Or now, the Abracadabra Bar
Or both.
though maybe not quicker