MGM to Epcot

[BBBFamily]

What is the easiest way to get from MGM to Epcot? We have dinner plans at MGM but want to return to Epcot afterwards to watch a show. I want to be able to plan enough time for the transition between parks - how long does it take?

We are staying at the Poly; we will have a rental car but had just planned to take the bus to MGM. We have three teenagers (13-16 yrs).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I would walk from MGM, following the canal that the boats take and enter Epcot through the International Gateway entrance. It takes about 15 minutes or so to walk. You could also take a boat, but that seems to take longer.

 

[bcsmom]

We took the boat, it takes roughly about 15 min's I guess. It stops at the swan & dolphin, BC/YC, BW, then Epcot. You could always walk, I did this a few years back & I do not remember it being that bad. I think it took about 15 to 20 minutes.

 

[jorodopo]

We walked to each at separate times from BW. If I recall properly it is about .5 mile from BW (probably either end) to each park so you are looking at about 1.5 miles from one to the other walking but you can stop half way at either the Boardwalk bakery or Beaches and cream at the yacht club for a refresher or desert
have a great trip

 

[CPer'sMom]

The Friendship boats are a 30-minute ride from park to park, making 3 stops along the way at the hotels. You can probably walk it faster but, depending upon the time of the year, the boats are a nice way to take a little break from the heat and the walking.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

It depends on how you hit the boat schedule as to whether it is faster. If there is a boat loading or just arriving, then the boat will be faster. Otherwise it is easier to walk.

You can also take the boat to the Swan/Dolphin and get off there. That saves you a little walking distance.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would walk from MGM to Epcot. It's a nice walk and only takes about 20 minutes..especially during the evening. Then you can just hop on the monorail at Epcot and go back to the Polynesian that way....get off at the TTC and walk over to the Polynesian via the little pathway.

 

[joemo]

Walking sounds nice. But where would you exit MGM?

Thanks.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The Disney-MGM Studios only has one exit/entrance. When the exit you will see the Friendship boat loading dock to your left. As noted the boat ride to Epcot takes about 30 minutes and stops at the Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, and Yacht/Beach Clubs along the route. If you want to walk keep going straight on the walkway with the water to your left and the parking lot to your right. The water will always be on your left but you will start walking away from the parking lot. Continue on this walk. After you walk under the overpass you will be on the outer border of the Boardwalk resort. You will see the Swan and Dolphin on your left on the other side of the water. Once you reach the bridge to the Swan/Dolphin you can go left towards them and then turn right towards the Yacht Club. Or you can continue on the original walk past the Boardwalk. Either way will take you to the Epcot International Gateway. If you walk the Boardwalk route once you pass the ESPN Club you will need to go over a bridge (no where else to go) and then turn right. The IG of Epcot is right there. About five minutes or less from the Beach Club resort. A great walk in nice weather.

 

[slp87]

We personally take any opportunity to rest our feet and save our walking for the parks. We would probably take the boat at least to the S/D or BW then stroll along the BW before heading into Epcot. Either way, I would plan 30 - 45 minutes.

 

[BBBFamily]

Thanks for all the great suggestions & specific directions when walking!

 

[peter11435]

You could also take a bus. Taking the boat or walking will bring to the International gateway entrance of Epcot. This is essentially in the back of the park. If you would like to enter Epcot at the main entrance as it was meant to be entered (walking under the ball) then I would suggest taking the bus from MGM.

 

[byoung]

Love taking the boats.

 

[CPer'sMom]

You could also take a bus. Taking the boat or walking will bring to the International gateway entrance of Epcot. This is essentially in the back of the park. If you would like to enter Epcot at the main entrance as it was meant to be entered (walking under the ball) then I would suggest taking the bus from MGM.

Entering through the IG is far less crowded than the front of the park ~~

 

[DavidandDenise]

I would definitely walk. Your kids are old enough to handle this without slowing you down. Since you're going to Epcot for a show, you'll be able to "rest your feet" once you get there if this is a concern. Also, I guess it depends on your pace, but we always beat the boat, even when it's taking off from the dock as we leave MGM. We walk down the Boardwalk and across the bridge when we do this.

 

[peter11435]

Entering through the IG is far less crowded than the front of the park ~~

In the mornings this is very true. Most of the day however it is not that bad at the front. While I agree that it can be less crowded at the IG, it doesn't change the fact that some people may like to enter the park as it was meant to be entered.

 

[BBBFamily]

I appreciate the comment regarding the bus and being at the front entrance -- I didn't think much about WHERE in Epcot we would want to be.

We want to catch the fireworks show. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the layout of Epcot and would not know which entrance is closest to where I need to be - we might be short on time so I'll have to search for an Epcot map to see what's best (unless someone knows Epcot like the back of their hand and can tell me!).

I'm leaning towards walking because of the Beaches & Cream stop we could make on our way

 

[peter11435]

I appreciate the comment regarding the bus and being at the front entrance -- I didn't think much about WHERE in Epcot we would want to be.

We want to catch the fireworks show. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the layout of Epcot and would not know which entrance is closest to where I need to be - we might be short on time so I'll have to search for an Epcot map to see what's best (unless someone knows Epcot like the back of their hand and can tell me!).

I'm leaning towards walking because of the Beaches & Cream stop we could make on our way

If you are going for the fireworks then I would definitly suggest walking. You will be able to make your stop at Beaches & Cream and will enter Epcot in the World Showcase section which is where Illuminations takes place.

 

[TESTRACKLOVER92]

we always walked roughly 25 min because its not really as close as it looks.But the walk seems to go by faster than the boat so i recomend walking.

 

[jorodopo]

I appreciate the comment regarding the bus and being at the front entrance -- I didn't think much about WHERE in Epcot we would want to be.

We want to catch the fireworks show. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the layout of Epcot and would not know which entrance is closest to where I need to be - we might be short on time so I'll have to search for an Epcot map to see what's best (unless someone knows Epcot like the back of their hand and can tell me!).

I'm leaning towards walking because of the Beaches & Cream stop we could make on our way

You don't mention what show at EPCOT you are going back to see. If it is the Illuminations fireworks than the International entrance which is where the boats and walking put you is close to where you want to be. If you picture epcot as sort of a figure Eight the top circle being the front with the main entrance at 12. The bottom circle is the World showcase with the lake in the middle where the fireworks are centered. The international entrance is at around 8. With Great Britain being at 9 and France being at 7. Hope this helps.