My husband and I would constantly disagree about how to get from Epcot to Hollywood Studios. Every time we’d go to the park, he and I would “discuss” which way was best.
I know that getting around Disney World can be confusing. Especially when you aren’t used to all of the parks. But, honestly, he’s used to the parks as we’ve been several times.
See the thing is in Walt Disney World it is incredibly easy, once you actually get the bigger picture of how things are laid out.
There are a few ways to accomplish this. So the question isn’t necessarily what the best way to get to Hollywood Studios from Epcot is. The question is how long do you have to get there or maybe what is your preferred mode of transportation.
While a couple of these routes have you leaving Epcot through the International Gateway (AKA – Epcot’s backdoor). There are some other ways that can get you there that are usually shorter. It all depends on crowds and how close you are to the International Gateway, to begin with.
There is a path that runs between UK Pavilion and the bridge to the France Pavilion. (Look for the Well Traveller shop on the map)
That might be your best option. Especially if you are in the back of the park already. But there are a few caveats.
The Leisurely Way
If you would like to and have the time to walk between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is a very nicely paved, waterside path that connects both theme parks. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk once you leave from the International Gateway.
When you are exiting Epcot, head straight, you’ll see a bridge on your left. If you follow that path, keeping with the signs, it will take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Check out this fun video that kind of tours you through what the walk is like. It’s very relaxing.
The Fun Way
I’m a big fan of boats at Disney World. They can get you where you need to go in a way that is efficient, yet provides a fun and beautiful ride as well.
If you would rather take a boat then you’ll basically head the same direction. Exiting Epcot through the International Gateway, look on your left for the Friendship boat launch.
This is where you’ll see guests who are going to be picked up to go to resorts along Crescent Lake as well as to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The boat takes about the same amount of time that walking does and is perfect for those with disabilities or if you just want a nice leisurely ride.
The only downside with the boat is that it makes several stops once you get to the Swan and Dolphin resorts. So it might seem like it’s taking longer than it actually is.
If you’d like to see the actual boat ride and approximately how long it takes watch the video below from Resort TV 1.
The Relaxing Way
In 2019 DIsney opened the Skyliner transportation system. On the Skyliner you will board a gondola and be taken on an adenture high above the ground to youe destination. There are Skyliner stations at Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort and between Pop Century and Art of Animation.
If you want to travel between Hollywood Studios and Epcot you will hop on at Hollywood Studios and be taken first to the hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. There you will need to transfer to the Epcot line of the Skyliner. It should be noted that the Skyliner station for Epcot is located in the back of the park at the International Gateway near France.
This is my personal favorite mode of transportation. I love how calm and relaxing the ride is. You get some of the best sights from the Skyliner as well. However, if you are not a fan of heights like my husband, this may not be the best way to get around.
The Minnie Way! (currently not running)
If you happen to find that you are short on time and need to get there the quickest route possible. Then my suggestion is to use a Minnie Van. It’s one of the newest ways to get around Disney World and in some cases, it’s the most convenient.
So where do the Minnie Van’s pick up at Epcot?
If you happen to be near the front of the park at Epcot then you can grab one near where the buses are located out in front of the park.
If you are closer to the back of the park, though, it would make more sense to walk through the International Gateway and find your way over to the Beach Club Resort to pick up a Minnie Van there instead of working your legs out even more and walking all the way back to the front door of Epcot.
If you’d like to read more about them make sure to check out our article on Minnie Vans before you leave.
Conclusion
As I mentioned earlier, getting around Disney World is easy if you know the lay of the land. Hopefully, we’ve given you the answer to this question and more in this article. If you like reading about Disney World and Disney Travel Planning make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest as well!
