Ferry – Hollywood Studios, Swan & Dolphin, Boardwalk, Epcot

A lot of people do not know there’s a back entrance to Epcot, but there is! =) It’s called The International Gateway and it’s located between France and the UK at Epcot. The only way to get here is to either walk from one of the nearby Resorts (about 10 minutes) or from Hollywood Studios (that would be a long walk), or to take the Ferry from one of the Resorts or Hollywood Studios.
Using the Ferry is a great alternative to getting to Epcot from Hollywood Studios, especially if you want to bypass Future World and be in the World Showcase. If you take the bus from Hollywood Studios, it’s going to drop you off in front where the World Showcase is at the main entrance to the Park.
There’s no AC on the Ferry, but even during the summertime, there’s usually a nice breeze blowing through it. You can sit at the back of the Ferry outside, but there’s very limited seating, so you’ll need to be one of the first people in line to get one of those seats.
It’s a nice, leisurely ride and a great opportunity to get off your aching feet for a while or to give your little one a chance for a nap. It takes about 20 minutes to get from Hollywood Studios to Epcot or vice versa because it does make a quick stop at the following Disney Resorts: The Yacht and Beach Club, The Boardwalk, and The Swan and Dolphin. You can get on or off at any of these stops. Those who are staying at these Resorts generally use this mode of transportation to and from Hollywood Studios and Epcot as it’s generally faster than taking one of the buses.
During the cooler months, many who stay at these Resorts op to take the 10 minute stroll to Epcot. It is more than a little «stroll» to Hollywood Studios, it’s about a 15 – 20 minute walk. That’s still not bad, but don’t forget to factor in how much walking you’ll be doing once you actually make it inside the Park.
Also, if you parked at Downtown Disney to avoid the $ 17 a day parking fee, the best course of action to get back to Downtown Disney at the end of the night if you happen to be at the World Showcase at Epcot or at Hollywood Studios is to take the Ferry from the back of Epcot or from Hollywood Studios to the Swan and Dolphin. Head to the Swan and grab a bus to Downtown Disney. Fact: Disney Buses at the Parks will only take you to other Parks or Disney Resorts. They do not go to Downtown Disney. You have to go to a Resort to catch a bus to Downtown Disney.