Park hopping is one of the best ways to make the most of a Walt Disney World vacation. Knowing the best way to get between parks with kids is a necessary skill because time is money when it comes to your family Disney vacation. Many park hops include Disney bus transportation which can kill a ton of time, but luckily knowing how to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios with kids isn’t one of those. Read on for three easy (non bus) ways to get between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
How to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios by Land – Walkway
Did you know that Epcot and Hollywood Studios are the only Disney World parks that are within walking distance of each other?
There is a pathway from Epcot’s international gateway to Hollywood Studio’s entrance. The walk will take you through Disney’s Boardwalk area around Crescent Lake and along the Friendship Boat waterway. It’s about a 20 minute walk if you’re taking your time.
Note that there are only a few small areas of shade.
To walk between these parks, exit Epcot through the international gateway and then head towards the Boardwalk. Take this opportunity to grab a cold drink or iced coffee for the road. You’ll end up at the front entrance of Hollywood Studios. Reverse this to get from Hollywood Studios to Epcot.
The International Gateway usually has no line for entry which is always a plus.
*Disney Pro Tip: Cut through the Boardwalk Inn’s main pool area and catch up with the walking path in progress instead of walking all the way down the Boardwalk towards Disney’s Swan and Dolphin and over the waterway bridge to enter the path.
Disney resorts connected to Epcot and Hollywood by walking paths:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (they share the best pool on property)
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Boardwalk Villas
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel & Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
How to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios by Air – Disney Skyliner Gondolas
If you like to be on your own schedule or just want a break from the crowds, Disney’s Skyliner is a perfect choice.
The Skyliner runs continuously, so even if you see long lines, there isn’t more than a few minutes wait. It’s quiet, relaxing and offers a birds eye view of the parks and surrounding resorts.
It’s super fun to catch a glimpse of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on your ride into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll also get a great view of the Epcot resort area and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. As you leave Epcot, don’t forget to turn around for an eye level view of Spaceship Earth.
There are Skyliner stations at the entrance to Hollywood Studios and Epcot’s International Gateway. You’ll change Skyliner lines at the Carribbean Beach Main Terminal. It’s huge and breezy with beautiful, typically line-free bathrooms and a Joffrey’s right on site. When it comes to Joffrey’s, if you know, you know and if you don’t, you will. You’ll ride through the Riviera Resort Station and can certainly get off to take a look around or grab a bite to eat, but if you’re on a time crunch, stay on your gondola and ride right on through.
Can you bring a stroller on the Skyliner?
Yep. Single strollers can roll onto the gondola in their open position, but double strollers will need to be folded up before you get on. If you have a napping baby in a single stroller, hopping on a Skyline ride is kind of the perfect Disney midday break without going back to your resort.
Important Skyliner Info
Keep in mind that the Skyliner does not run in inclement weather so if the sky is looking iffy maybe take your chances with walking or hop off at the Carribbean Beach station. It can actually be a great way to ride out the daily Florida rainstorm. Remember, if you went to Disney and it didn’t rain, you didn’t really go to Disney!
Disney Resort Hotels on the Disney Skyline Gondola System:
- Art of Animation (A perfect resort for toddlers)
- Pop Century (Classic value resort with some modern updates)
- Disney’s Riviera Resort (Disney’s beautiful new Disney Vacation Club Resort)
- Disney’s Carribbean Beach Resort (A classic moderate resort with easy access to the Skyliner system)
How to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios by Sea – Friendship Boats
You can also take a boat ride between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. These rides are relaxing and offer some great views. I’d plan on about a half hour for the boat ride.
These Friendship Boats follow the same route always. They go from Epcot to Hollywood Studios, stopping at resorts along the way and then turn around and go back through that same route to get back to Epcot.
Friendship Boat route from Epcot to Hollywood Studios:
- Epcot (via International Gateway)
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts
- Swan and Dolphin Resort and Swan Reserve
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
They will follow that same route backwards to get from Hollywood Studios to Epcot. If you’re in a time crunch and have older kids that can ‘hoof it’, you’ll often be faster walking. But, if you’re looking to relax and aren’t crunched for time, Friendship Boat rides are fun. Weather can affect the boat schedules so just keep that in mind if it’s not pleasant outside.
Strollers on Friendship Boats
The WDW website says that strollers have to be folded up and stowed so definitely plan on that. However, we have had some luck with being able to roll our single stroller right one during less crowded times.
Other Options
There are other ways to hop between Epcot and Hollywood Studios but the three transportation options above are the best, in our opinion.
Bus
There is Disney transportation bus service between parks but there can be long wait times and the arrival times listed on the My Disney Experience App aren’t always accurate. Bus Stops at both parks are covered so if you have a long wait, you can escape the sun for a little bit. If you’re hopping between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, the buses are really best left for getting to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom area resorts and Disney Springs area resorts.
Minnie Van
Minnie Van service is now run via Lyft. It is important to note that Minnie Vans are not free. Minnie Vans service has recently restarted and I’m glad they’re bringing this service back because there are definitely instances when it’s worth the cost. We have not personally used Minnie Van service yet. My current thought process is since there are multiple free and easy ways to get between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, I’d save the money for snacks!
Uber or Lyft
You can always ‘Uber it’ between parks, however, IMO it’s not the most efficient method from a time or cost perspective. There are times where Uber or Lyft are worth it while on property but this is not one of them.
Your Own Car
If you rented a car, you can drive to the parks. Disney parks are not short on parking lots, so finding a spot shouldn’t be an issue. During peak crowd seasons, however, the traffic can be intense around park opening and when the park closes. If you’re driving, keep that in mind and adjust your schedule so you’re not sitting in a massive line of cars. Parking at the parks is included if you are a Disney Resort Guest or Annual Passholder.
How to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios for Magic Kingdom area resort guests
If you’re staying in a Magic Kingdom area resort, it’s possible to do an Epcot/Hollywood Studios park day without using Disney bus transportation or driving. First, check park closing times for Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
“The Walt Disney World Monorail System operates from 30 minutes prior to earliest park opening until one hour after latest park closing.”
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/monorail-transportation/
Take the monorail from your resort to Epcot (you’ll switch lines at the Transportation and Ticket Center). At about 1:15pm, head over to Hollywood Studios to be there right when park hopping begins. Enjoy the park for awhile, then head back to Epcot with enough time to watch Harmonious. End the day with a monorail ride back to your resort.
Magic Kingdom Resort area includes the following Disney hotels:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Disney Vacation Club resort at the Contemporary. It is monorail accessible via the main Contemporary atrium.)
Conclusion
Even though time is money when it comes to Disney theme parks, it’s always a good idea to overestimate your travel time. The entire Walt Disney World property is much larger than you think and having to rush to make a reservation is always no bueno. You can always ask a cast member for help and directions.
Note: The walkway, Skyliner and Friendship Boats all end up at Epcot’s International Gateway. This is back entrance to the park and it opens into the World Showcase right between the France pavilion and United Kingdom. Head to the left when you enter If you’re looking to head to the park entrance, World Nature, World Celebration or World Discovery. You’ll pass by the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions on your way there.
There are multiple options when considering how to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios and vice versa. Depending on your schedule, your family’s needs and the weather, there is sure to be a great option for you. Happy Park Hopping!
