Walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via Disney’s Boardwalk (Photos + Map)
Guests have options when traveling between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. One of those options is to take the walking path. Surprisingly, the walking path averages about the same time it takes the boats. If you walk at a steady pace, you might even beat the boat, depending on your timing. However, it is a long walk, with almost 100% of it in direct sunlight. So you’ll want to consider the weather, time of day, and whether or not you’re up to it.
Below, we’ll take a photo walk from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot. Along the way, we’ll pass Disney’s Boardwalk and take in the views of stunning Crescent Lake. This is the most straightforward way to reach Epcot. However, if you like, you can also walk around the opposite side of the lake past the Beach and Yacht Club. Both routes are direct and will get you to the same place. In the map below, you can see where we veer right at the Boardwalk. You could continue straight across the bridge and keep along the water to end up in the same place. It is a 1.1-mile walk between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
It took 25 minutes to walk between the parks. However, note that I paused occasionally to take a few photos. From Hollywood Studios, the walking path begins at the far left side of the bus stop. When you exit the park, you’ll pass the Skyliner station and then stay to the left. You’ll see the pathway near bus stops 1-8.
You can see how the walkway is in direct sun.
Now and then, you’ll briefly encounter minimal shade.
We’ll approach the overpass that travels under Buena Vista Drive.
This spot always feels like you walked into an air-conditioned room.
Here is a look back at how far we’ve gone.
Here’s the continuation of the walkway ahead of us with the Swan Hotel in the backdrop.
Around this area, the Skyliner turn station is to the right.
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are visible in the distance.
Related: Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn comes into view on your immediate right.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Boardwalk, you can take any of these small staircases to access the resort or return to your room. You’ll have to wind your way around the pool area. We have a separate article with pictures of the shortcut from the Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios.
Related: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
We’ll continue toward the bridge. If you’re staying at the Swan and Dolphin or the Swan Reserve, you’d take the bridge on your left to return to your hotel.
Because I had half my senses this afternoon, I thought to pause here and take a screenshot of how far I had walked. Therefore, we have the following distances:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Swan and Dolphin Bridge (0.65 miles)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn (0.65 miles)
If you stay at Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club, you will continue straight across an upcoming bridge. You will be at the Yacht Club Resort in approximately five minutes. It’s a 6-minute walk from the Yacht Club to the International Gateway at Epcot.
Related: Disney’s Yacht Club Review
Since we are going to Disney’s Boardwalk, we’ll take a hard right before the pair of bridges.
We have reached the Boardwalk!
This is a beautiful area and a favorite place to enjoy. However, there is some confusion about the Boardwalk. While it’s a fun area, you won’t find a ton of stuff to do here. It is more lively in the evening when entertainers are available.
Related: Disney’s Boardwalk vs. Disney Springs
The views of the Beach and Yacht Club in the distance are remarkable.
Disney’s Boardwalk isn’t too shabby, either.
We’ll continue along the Boardwalk.
We’ll pass by the Friendship Boats. The boats are a pleasant alternative, but they do make a couple of extra stops on the route. If you’re worn out at this point, Epcot is the next stop past the Boardwalk.
Related: Disney’s Friendship Boats Route
Here is another look back at how far we’ve come. It’s always interesting to see the distance.
As we exit the Boardwalk, we’ll pass this gazebo area. It’s a beautiful venue.
Then, you’ll walk up an incline to cross the bridge to Epcot.
It’s not that steep. But if you’ve been walking for a while in the hot sun, you might get out of breath.
At the top of the bridge, you can look to the left toward the Beach and Yacht Club. The Beach Club is the pretty blue building on the right.
Related: Disney’s Beach Club Review
On the right side of the bridge, we get our first glimpse of Epcot.
We’ll take a hard right to access the International Gateway.
Related: Epcot’s International Gateway Entrance
Similar to Hollywood Studios, we’ll pass the Skyliner station for Epcot.
The Skyliner is another option for traveling between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. So, for a quick recap, you can walk, take the Skyliner (requires a transfer), or take the FriendShips between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking is the most direct route.
Related: Taking the Skyliner Between Epcot and Hollywood Studios
On the right-hand side of the International Gateway, you’ll see the Friendship Boat dock.
At this point, you’ll go through security as you enter the park. Overall, it took 25 minutes and was a 1.1-mile walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via Disney’s Boardwalk.
Hopefully, this photo tour of the walk between Epcot and Hollywood Studios gave you an idea of what to expect. This is one of our favorite places to walk at Walt Disney World. However, remember, if it looks as though a potential rain or thunderstorm is approaching the area, you do not want to get caught up here in the rain. It could be a considerable distance before you reach a place to shelter.
For more information on getting around Walt Disney World, check out our entire list of Disney World Transportation Guides. Some of our other popular articles include:
- The Fastest Park-Hopping Route Between Epcot and Hollywood Studios
- Disney Springs Transportation Options
- Taking the Monorail (Directions and Photos)
- How to Get from Jambo House to Kidani Village
- Parking at Disney World
- Taking the Magic Kingdom Ferryboat
In the comments:
Would you enjoy walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot during your vacation? Did you find this article helpful? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts or experiences.
