Parking at Epcot vs. taking Skyliner (if not staying on property)

[fredandkell]

Hi, I'm headed solo to Epcot this week (yay!). I haven't been since, oh....1993?!

Is Epcot like Universal where you can park at resort properties, even if you're not staying there? Like, I know you can park at Royal Pacific even if you're not a guest, just paying a higher day rate.

With that in mind, is it possible to park somewhere like the Caribbean Beach resort, ride the Skyliner, and enter Epcot from the International Pavilion entrance (e.g. closer to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure)? Or should I just park in the normal lot and come in the front.

I want to ride it all and do it all and stay all day. And of course minimize lines. But have no intention of doing Genie + unless I get there and lines are horrendous, which I don't think they will be on a Tuesday.

Thanks for any and all help, advice, suggestions, etc.!

 

[loves to dive]

You can not park at a resort unless you are staying there or visiting to eat there.

 

[scrappinginontario]

@loves to dive is correct is that you are not able to park at a resort unless you are staying or dining there.

Also, something to keep in mind is the Epcot line of the Skyliner will be closing from Jan 23 - 28 for refurbishment.

 

[BorderTenny]

You can park at Hollywood Studios and Skyliner/Friendship Boat/walk to the International gateway entrance of Epcot.

 

[fredandkell]

Thanks, all! I feel woefully unprepared for Epcot and haven’t had time to do my normal research, so greatly appreciated!

 

[fredandkell]

You can park at Hollywood Studios and Skyliner/Friendship Boat/walk to the International gateway entrance of Epcot.

Do you think it’s better to park at Hollywood and boat it to Epcot if Remy is my rope drop objective?

 

[CarolynFH]

Do you think it’s better to park at Hollywood and boat it to Epcot if Remy is my rope drop objective?

Parking at DHS is an excellent idea for rope dropping Remy, and you have your choice of transportation modes. Walking is probably fastest. Boat vs. Skyliner could go either way, because lots of people will be wanting to catch the Epcot Skyliner at CBR the same time you are (coming from DHS, you have to get off at CBR and transfer to the Epcot line) and you might have to wait a few minutes there. The boat takes about 25 minutes because it makes 3 stops before it gets to the IG, plus if you just miss one it will be another 15-20 minutes before the next one arrives. For that reason, the boat is probably the slowest way to travel from DHS to Epcot. So be sure to add that into your plans. No matter what, I’d try to arrive at DHS at least an hour before you want to arrive at Epcot, to allow for parking the car and walking to the boat dock/Skyliner station/walkway to Epcot and then the actual travel time.

 

[fredandkell]

Parking at DHS is an excellent idea for rope dropping Remy, and you have your choice of transportation modes. Walking is probably fastest. Boat vs. Skyliner could go either way, because lots of people will be wanting to catch the Epcot Skyliner at CBR the same time you are (coming from DHS, you have to get off at CBR and transfer to the Epcot line) and you might have to wait a few minutes there. The boat takes about 25 minutes because it makes 3 stops before it gets to the IG, plus if you just miss one it will be another 15-20 minutes before the next one arrives. For that reason, the boat is probably the slowest way to travel from DHS to Epcot. So be sure to add that into your plans. No matter what, I’d try to arrive at DHS at least an hour before you want to arrive at Epcot, to allow for parking the car and walking to the boat dock/Skyliner station/walkway to Epcot and then the actual travel time.

Thank you so much! Is the walkway clearly marked from the parking lot/easy to find for someone who’s never done it before?

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you so much! Is the walkway clearly marked from the parking lot/easy to find for someone who’s never done it before?

Yes, you’ll find the walkway between the Skyliner station and the first row of bus stops. You’ll see other guests coming out after walking from the Epcot area resorts to DHS, and you probably won’t be the only one wanting to walk to Epcot, either.

 

[Mousetopia]

You can park at Hollywood Studios and Skyliner/Friendship Boat/walk to the International gateway entrance of Epcot.

This is a great idea! I might try this for Int. Gateway early entry if boat is going early enough