Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a waterfront resort hotel near EPCOT theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Guests at this turn-of-the-century, Atlantic City-themed resort can enjoy a variety of transportation options to Epcot, one of the four theme parks at Disney World. Proximity to EPCOT is one of the main attractions of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, allowing for quick and convenient access to the park’s numerous attractions and international pavilions.
For access to Epcot, you can take advantage of several transportation methods. The most direct is by foot; a leisurely stroll will get you to the park’s back entrance, known as the International Gateway, in approximately five to ten minutes. This entrance brings you directly into the World Showcase area of Epcot, near France and the United Kingdom pavilions.
In addition to walking, you have the option to ride a Friendship Boat. These boats offer a scenic ride across Crescent Lake, dropping you off at the same International Gateway. The boat ride provides a relaxing alternative to walking, with boats departing every 15 to 30 minutes from the dock located just steps from the hotel. As a Disney’s BoardWalk Inn guest, you enjoy these complimentary transportation services throughout your vacation, enhancing the magic and convenience of your Disney World experience.
Free Bus Service
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a complimentary bus service to transport you to various locations within the resort, including Epcot.
Extensive Coverage by Buses
The Disney Bus service operates daily and provides continuous transportation between Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Epcot. This mode of transport is designed to ensure that you can move easily from your Disney Hotel to the park without any hassle.
- Frequency: Buses typically arrive at each bus stop every 20 minutes.
- Hours of Operation: Service starts 45 minutes before park opening, including Extra Magic Hours, and ends one hour after park closing.
Remember to check the bus schedule posted at your Disney Hotel for any updates during your stay. The Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian Village Resort, like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, also benefit from the same extensive bus transportation services, providing a seamless link to Epcot.
Water Transportation
Guests at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn enjoy a distinctive mode of transportation to Epcot: water travel.
Unique Travel by Boats
You have the opportunity to board a Friendship Boat, a convenient and leisurely form of transportation connecting Disney’s BoardWalk Inn with Epcot. The boats traverse Crescent Lake, a naturalistic body of water enveloped by the EPCOT Resorts area. Not only a practical transport option, this service is an attraction in its own right, presenting picturesque views during your journey.
- First: Locate the boat docks situated a short distance from the hotel lobby. These are your gateway to the EPCOT International Gateway entrance.
- Second: The Friendship Boats typically depart every 15-20 minutes, but intervals may vary with the season and time of day.
- Third: As you embark on the Friendship Boat, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings on Crescent Lake. The boat ride offers a panoramic spectacle of the BoardWalk, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
- Fourth: On arrival, the boat docks at the International Gateway, providing you a less crowded alternative entrance to Epcot, especially convenient during peak times.
Each boat is designed for comfort, with open-air seating areas and ample space to accommodate your party and strollers if necessary. Remember, the boat service is a free amenity for guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and other nearby EPCOT Resorts.
Monorail Connections
The Disney Monorail serves as a high-speed, public transit monorail system within the Walt Disney World Resort, including a stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) which provides direct connection to Epcot.
Monorail Efficiency
You can expect a seamless monorail ride from the Transportation Center to Epcot. The monorail operates with high frequency, reducing wait times and delivering you to your destination with efficiency. The journey to EPCOT is direct and typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on the time of day and crowd levels.
To utilize the monorail from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn:
- Board the complimentary shuttle or take a short walk to the nearest monorail station at Epcot’s main entrance.
- Transfer at the Magic Kingdom station for a ride to the Transportation Center.
- Switch to the EPCOT Monorail Line at the Transportation Center for your final destination.
The Magic Kingdom monorail loop offers scenic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom Park, providing you not just a commute, but a unique experience as well. Upon reaching the TTC, you will find clear signs guiding you to the correct platform for the EPCOT Monorail Line.
You will find the monorail not only efficient but also a quintessential part of the Disney experience. As an iconic symbol of Disney’s commitment to innovative transportation, you may enjoy picturesque vistas of the resort during your travel.
Disney Skyliner Travel
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system providing guests with transportation to EPCOT from various Disney resorts.
Scenic Skyliner Routes
Your journey to EPCOT via the Disney Skyliner starts with the knowledge that it’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience offering panoramic views. When you board the Skyliner at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you’re embarking on a scenic adventure.
- Art of Animation & Caribbean Beach Resort: Your route will include a changeover at the Skyliner station at Caribbean Beach Resort. Here, you can appreciate vibrant themes and landscapes unique to each station.
- Direct Skyliner Access: You transfer to the line heading to Epcot. Expect aerial views of Walt Disney World Resort as you glide effortlessly towards your destination.
Walking Paths
Walking is defined as the act of moving along by using one’s feet at a pace slower than a run. The Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a convenient walking path that leads directly to Epcot, providing you with a scenic route to the park.
Enjoyable Walk Routes
The walking path from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to EPCOT is a paved, well-maintained route that is suitable for guests of all ages. As you set out on this path, you’ll find that it offers a pleasant journey with views of the resort’s picturesque waterways and landscaping.
- Wheelchairs and strollers can navigate this path easily, thanks to its smooth and flat surface. This makes the walking experience enjoyable for guests with mobility devices or for those visiting with young children.
- Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as the walk typically takes about 15 minutes, depending on your pace. Benches along the route provide spots for rest if needed.
- The path is well-lit in the evenings, allowing for safe passage after dark. You will appreciate the peaceful ambiance as you stroll beneath the twinkle of overhead lights.
- During your walk, look out for the various entertainments and dining options available along the Boardwalk. These can offer delightful distractions if you wish to explore or grab a bite.
Remember, this walking path is not only convenient but also adds a touch of magic to your day with the sights and sounds of the Disney’s BoardWalk area greeting you on your way to Epcot.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services offer a convenient option to travel from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to Epcot.
Uber and Lyft Options
Uber and Lyft are the primary ride-sharing providers available to take you to nearby destinations. These services operate with an array of vehicle choices to cater to your preferences and group size. If you’re heading to Disney Springs, theme parks, or restaurants, using Uber or Lyft can be an efficient choice.
- To Request a Ride: Open the respective app (Uber or Lyft), enter your destination, and choose your desired car option.
- Price Estimation: Prior to booking, both apps provide fare estimates, so you can choose the service that best fits your budget.
- Pick-Up Locations: Designated pick-up areas at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are clearly marked for your convenience.
- Wait Times: Wait times are typically minimal, but may increase during peak park hours or special events.
Remember, ride availability can vary, but both Uber and Lyft typically have drivers available around the clock. When planning your trip to Epcot, it’s worthwhile to compare both services for the best rates and wait times.
Taxi Service Options
Guests at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn have access to convenient taxi services for direct, personalized transportation to Epcot.
Taxi Travel Flexibility
Taxi: A taxi is a car for hire with a driver, offering a private ride to passengers. Cab: This term is synonymous with taxi and often used interchangeably. When you choose a taxi or cab, you benefit from flexible departure times and direct access to Epcot’s International Gateway, which is an entrance located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase. To summon a taxi:
- Contact the Valet: Venture to the valet desk at the BoardWalk Inn, where staff can swiftly arrange a taxi for you.
- Wait at the Designated Area: Taxis usually collect passengers at a designated pick-up location, which is promptly communicated by the valet service.
- Inform the Driver: Tell your driver you wish to be dropped off at the International Gateway for the most expedient entry into Epcot.
Personal Vehicle Use
When staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, utilizing your personal vehicle to visit nearby attractions such as EPCOT is an option that offers flexibility and convenience.
Parking and Resort Access
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn provides various parking services for your vehicle, including self-parking and valet services. Initially, when you approach the resort, you will be greeted at the gate and directed towards the parking areas.
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Self-Parking: Locate the self-parking lot adjacent to the resort. This area facilitates your daily commute to and from Epcot, ensuring ease of access to your vehicle at any time.
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Valet Parking: Opt for valet service for an added fee if you prefer convenience. Your vehicle will be parked by an attendant, and you can retrieve it by presenting your ticket to the valet stand.
In both parking offerings, guests of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and the adjacent Beach Club can seamlessly transition from their lodging to EPCOT by traveling just a short distance. Ensure that you have your resort reservation or confirmation of dining/hotel activities ready to show if required at the gate.
For Beach Club guests specifically, the parking lot services are similarly structured, ensuring a consistent experience across both resorts. Whether you choose self-parking or valet, your proximity to EPCOT remains one of the key benefits of staying at these resorts.
Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service is a personal ride service offered at the Walt Disney World Resort, providing guests with direct transportation to various Disney locations.
Premium Direct Travel
Minnie Van Service offers a premium, direct travel option to EPCOT from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. As a Deluxe Resort guest, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of door-to-door service. This exclusive offering includes:
- Fast Travel: You reach EPCOT quickly, without additional stops at other resorts.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The service extends to other destinations at Disney, including Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
- Enhanced Comfort: Deluxe transportation with vehicles that can accommodate up to six passengers.
- Personalized Service: Each Minnie Van comes with a friendly, Disney-trained Cast Member as your driver.
To utilize this service, simply begin by:
- Accessing the Lyft app on your mobile device.
- Selecting the Minnie Van service option within the app.
- Booking your ride and meeting your driver at the designated BoardWalk Inn pickup area.
Remember, the Minnie Van service operates within the Walt Disney World Resort, including parks, water parks, and select surrounding areas.
Car Service Options
When staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you can experience the elegance and convenience of luxury private transportation to Epcot.
Luxury Car Transport
Car services offer a range of options for guests looking to travel from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to nearby Disney attractions, including Epcot. These services provide an exclusive mode of transportation that stands apart from the complimentary Disney transport systems. Hire a luxury car for a comfortable, swift journey to Epcot, which is less than a mile away from the BoardWalk Inn. Key points to consider are the availability of service, cost, and the experience they offer:
- Reserve Your Ride: Book your luxury car in advance to guarantee availability. You can schedule a pickup at your preferred time.
- Cost: Expect to pay a premium for the private experience compared to other transport options. Prices vary based on distance and service level.
- Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: If you’re visiting the Yacht or Beach Club Resorts, these car services can easily accommodate transportation to and from these destinations as well.
- Polynesian Resort: Should your itinerary include a stop at the Polynesian Resort, luxury car transport can be arranged there with the same level of comfort and convenience.
Luxury car services provide an elevated travel option, emphasizing comfort and personal attention. Most services include a professional chauffeur, pristine vehicle, and direct route, ensuring a prompt arrival at EPCOT or any other Disney destination.
