Park to Park Transportation

[AU Tigger]

We're taking an impulse trip to the Mouse tomorrow and want to hit MGM and then hop over to Epcot for the evening. Will someone who has been recently (since transportation options tend to change) please tell me the best way to get from MGM to Epcot? An old post mentioned the possibility of a boat...true or false?

And...would it be best to park at Epcot, since that's where we'll be last and latest?

Thanks

 

[disneyfan581]

Yes its true. Boat is the best way, enless you want to walk for about 45 minutes. As for parking there, only thing about that is that, you will have to walk through EPCOT to get to the boat and then get to MGM. So best would just be to take the bus to EPCOT if you are staying on property. If not then I guess I would park at EPCOT and then walk to the International Gateway between the UK and France, take the boat to MGM and then when you are done at MGM take the boat back and when EPCOT closes, just walk through to the front to get your car.

 

[AU Tigger]

Sounds like a plan!

Thanks

 

[mgkkgdm]

We're taking an impulse trip to the Mouse tomorrow and want to hit MGM and then hop over to Epcot for the evening. Will someone who has been recently (since transportation options tend to change) please tell me the best way to get from MGM to Epcot? An old post mentioned the possibility of a boat...true or false?

And...would it be best to park at Epcot, since that's where we'll be last and latest?

Thanks

Why not just drive?

 

[AU Tigger]

We could just drive, but I thought if there were truly a boat (not a bus!) between the 2 parks that it might be quicker and less stressful, relatively speaking. Anybody with experience is welcome to chime in on that assumption!

Another related question:
Do you have to go THROUGH Epcot to get to the International Gateway from the parking lot? If so, will that gate be accessible early in the morning when International Showcase is still closed?

Thanks for the help!

 

[disneyfan581]

actually.... thats a very good question. I dont know if they will let you through. We have never done that before. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from EPCOT to MGM. It may be quicker to drive but I'm not sure.

 

[AU Tigger]

Surely people from hotels are coming in that way? S'pose they'll let us OUT? Anybody?

 

[din]

We always walk to EPCOT since we stay at Boardwalk Villas. The international gateway is open in the morning for you to get in and walk to the front. There is defined path for you to walk from the back gate to the front.

The boat from MGM stops by Dolphin/Swan dock followed by Beach club dock, boardwalk then EPCOT. From EPCOT it is the reverse.

From MGM it may be faster if you get off at the Beach Club and walk to EPCOT. About 5 - 10 min walk.

It is a nice boat ride and on a nice day you can sit out the back of boat in the open.

I belive boats run two hours after the park close to get to MGM to get to your car. You can catch the bus from EPCOT to the resort.

Hope this helps

BTW: In case you are not aware; you need a park hopper for two parks in one day...

 

[AU Tigger]

Thanks for all your help. I called Disney, and you indeed CANNOT get to the International Gateway from within Epcot until World Showcase opens. There is however a bus that goes from Epcot to MGM early, so we'll do that. We have seasonal passes, and it's a day trip for us now. It will be VERY weird to go to parks, then come home and sleep in my own bed!

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Unfortunately, the info you received from Disney was wrong. The International Gateway has the same operating hours as the main Epcot entrance. We have stayed in the Epcot resort area many times and always use this entrance. Our last stay was in June. Although World Showcase is closed until 11am, you are directed by ropes and Cast Members towards Future World. We have used the IG on EMH mornings and then leave via the IG about an hour or so later to get to another park.
The Friendship boat service from the Epcot International Gateway and the Disney Studios begins running before both parks open.