Question about Epcot

[jesusluvsu2005]

I'm thinking of splitting Epcot into two visits. World showcase in one day and then future world another day. Would it shorten some of the walking to get to the World Showcase if we took the bus to Hollywood Studios and took the boat to the international gateway at Epcot? I have to admit, I didn't even know there was a boat that did that so I wanted to double check that I am thinking right about this. Then the day we go to Future World, we can just enter through the main entrance. Does that sound right? Also, where all does that boat take you? Thanks!

 

[slford00]

What I'm planning to do for my trip in September is split the park in halves, east and west, to visit over two days. One day for Soarin, Living with the Land, Nemo, Figment, etc., and then head up through Canada, U.K., France, Morocco, etc. Then head back that same way, or take one of the friendship boats from the "top" of the world showcase back to Future World (supposedly walking is faster). On the other day, do Test Track, Mission: Space, Sum of All Thrills, etc., and then head up through Norway, China, Germany, and so on.

This is how Josh on EasyWDW most recommends visiting the parks, and he's usually spot on. http://www.easywdw.com/cheatsheets/ep_cheatsheet_v3.pdf

This method allows you to still have a mix of Future World/rides with plenty of time to explore World Showcase. I'm sure you can have fun doing it the other way, though, depending on how you like to tour the park.

I've never stayed in one of the Epcot resorts and entered via the International Gate, but I can't imagine taking a bus to HS, then a boat across the lake, and entering would be faster or less of a hassle than taking the bus directly to the main gate and walking across Future World. I'm sure someone else can answer better about that though.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

For me, it's more about saving our feet from walking so much. However, if that doesn't really save on walking (not sure since we've never done it), it won't be worth it. I like your idea also. Not sure what we'll end up doing yet. Thanks!

 

[Lucius Best]

I'm thinking of splitting Epcot into two visits. World showcase in one day and then future world another day. Would it shorten some of the walking to get to the World Showcase if we took the bus to Hollywood Studios and took the boat to the international gateway at Epcot? I have to admit, I didn't even know there was a boat that did that so I wanted to double check that I am thinking right about this. Then the day we go to Future World, we can just enter through the main entrance. Does that sound right? Also, where all does that boat take you? Thanks!

You'll be spending 30+ minutes of travel to save a few minutes of walking. Bus to HS, then you need to walk to the boat launch. Then you have to stand there and wait for the boat, I don't know how often they run. The boat ride will be about 20 minutes, I don't know the order but it will be stopping at Epcot resorts YC,BC,BW,Swan&Dolphin on the way to Epcot.

 

[patty57]

It might save you a few steps, but as the PP said...you need to walk from the bus stop to the boat. The boat ride is a minimum of 20 minutes, probably longer. All-in-all, I don't know that the amount of time this would take is worthwhile for the small amount of walking it would save, but you would need to decide that.

 

[njmousefest]

Not sure if it would save anything but what about a bus to beach club or boardwalk? I think there is a walkable entrance to world showcase from there.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't think it would save you that many steps versus the amount of time. I would just go to the regular entrance and take a short break if you need to as you are walking. Or stop in Club Cool and have some free soda on the way

 

[slp87]

I agree it will take some time, but I always like doing new and different things. If you've never done it before, make it part of the fun. Just think of the boat trip as another ride. You could plan on taking the boat just one direction, maybe at the end of the day. Start in Mexico, make your way around then walk to the Boardwalk and take a moment to look around and catch the boat from there to DHS. Just make sure DHS is still open when you leave.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

It would save a little walking. The bus from DHS will stop at Dolphin/Swan, BC/YC, BWI then EP IG entrance. For even less walking, you could take a cab to BC and walk from there.

 

[Crystal824]

We often split Epcot into 2 visits. One for FW and one for WS. However, I think you would waste more time than steps saved if you went to DHS first. If you want to start the WS day in the park near the International Gateway, take a bus to Epcot and then take the boat across the WS lagoon, that might save a few steps for instead of walking all the way around.

 

[Oneanne]

I take the boat from HS to EPCOT all the time, but consider it another attraction, not just a mode of transporation, so it isn't a waste of time for me - and as others have mentioned it does take time. Coming in thru International Gateway is a whole different experience than coming in thru the front, so calm and personal, and you end up right between England and France. I'd recomend doing it at least once, so you can enjoy something new and different.

 

[DOOM1001]

I take the boat from HS to EPCOT all the time, but consider it another attraction, not just a mode of transporation, so it isn't a waste of time for me - and as others have mentioned it does take time. Coming in thru International Gateway is a whole different experience than coming in thur the front, so calm and personal, and you end you right between England and France. I'd recomend doing it at least once, so you can enjoy something new and different.

I agree with this,if you've never visited the Boardwalk area then it's worth doing for the experience.Just remember the boats are not fast,they can take 25 minutes plus with the stops at the Swan and Dolphin,Y&B Club and the Boardwalk,I can do the walk from DHS to EPCOT possibly faster and that's not taking into account what you will wait for the boat to arrive,unload and load,so you have to give yourself almost an hour,but it will save you some walking versus coming in from the EPCOT parking lot and you'll be seeing something new.

 

[W.E.D.]

We always split EPCOT into two days--FW and WS. So I think that's a great plan. But I agree with PPs that the amount of time to get to the International Gateway might not be worth it.

 

[nkereina]

Not sure if it would save anything but what about a bus to beach club or boardwalk? I think there is a walkable entrance to world showcase from there.

This is a viable option only if they will be going to World Showcase from MK or AK. It would save them a few steps to bus to BC and then walk to IG. If they are coming from DHS, they might as well just take the boat over. If they are coming from their resort, there would not be a bus that runs to another resort, so they might as well bus straight to Epcot.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

For us it's DHS in the morning...boat ride to IG at EP then some Yorkshire County Fish on the way to shopping in Japan. We really like the boat ride. Of course we like the boat ride from OKW to DTD also. Maybe we are just boat people!

 

[PeasandCarrots]

I'm thinking of splitting Epcot into two visits. World showcase in one day and then future world another day. Would it shorten some of the walking to get to the World Showcase if we took the bus to Hollywood Studios and took the boat to the international gateway at Epcot? I have to admit, I didn't even know there was a boat that did that so I wanted to double check that I am thinking right about this. Then the day we go to Future World, we can just enter through the main entrance. Does that sound right? Also, where all does that boat take you? Thanks!

Yes there is a boat that does that and it also stops at all of the Epcot resorts on the way to Epcot (Swan and Dolphin, Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht club). If you are already at another park, take a bus to Boardwalk or Beach Club and just walk the 5 minutes to the International Gateway entrance (between England and France) or bus to Boardwalk and >5 min boat ride to the IG. If you are at your hotel, take a bus to HS and grab the boat. The boat ride isn't terribly long but it does take a bit of time because of all of the stops at the resorts. Honestly I think just walking through future world would be faster, but if you are trying to save walking and don't mind the time sink it would work. I do love going in via the International Gateway because there's rarely a line at bag check or at the tickets.

 

[slp87]

Another thought.....since WS doesn't open till 11:00, that gives you plenty of time to get to DHS and take the boat. The International Gateway opens at regular park opening, but if you're only doing WS, no rush! I say go for it!!

 

[danny1649]

In my opinion Epcot is a two day park.Just so much to experience and do.Two days gives you the time to see so much without feeling rushed and stress of trying to doit all in a day.Just my opinion which is like a elbow everyone has one.pleased don't get over stressed and have a magical vacation. Danny

 

[texasroni75]

We don't rush through the parks, and are pretty mellow with lines, etc. However, the one time we took the boat between DHS and Epcot, I swear it took nearly an hour with all the stops. It was pleasant and gave us a nice view of the hotels at the various stops along the way that we had never seen before, but it really ate up a huge chunk of our time.

 

[mom2cgj]

This is exactly what we are planning to do! Since WS opens later, we can have a "lazy" morning, which will include a nice boat ride from HS to EPCOT. I'm allowing plenty of time (probably a good hour) just in case, and if we happen to get to Epcot earlier than anticipated, we'll head to France for a treat at the bakery - I believe they still open earlier?