The EPCOT Resort area is bursting with benefits: walkability to EPCOT’s International Gateway Entrance, walking path to Hollywood Studios, and activities and leisure experiences galore!

If Hollywood Studios and EPCOT are parks you are interested in as part of your Walt Disney World vacation experience, this area is for you!

The EPCOT resort area is mainly comprised of Deluxe Category resorts; however, the Disney Skyliner system now connects two theme parks and the Deluxe Resort area to a few Moderate and Value category resorts. Thus, this transportation system (opened in 2019) offers an opportunity to access more dining and shopping options during your stay.

Additionally, Disney’s Friendship boat system provides services around Crescent Lake, which makes stops around the EPCOT area resorts and to Hollywood Studios.

So, now that you know how accessible the area is, let’s talk top 5 things to do in this area!

1. Ride the Disney Skyliner system from beginning to end

Skyliner Resorts include:

• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas (EPCOT Resort Area)
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas (EPCOT Resort Area)
• Disney’s Yacht Club (EPCOT Resort Area)
• Marriott (Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve) (EPCOT Resort Area)
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach (Skyliner transfer station. Must make transfers depending on direction and theme park destination).
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This is a fun activity in which folks of all ages and abilities can enjoy. It’s relaxing and depending on the time of day, you may only be riding with your family (peak times families are mixed inside the gondola’s). The only time the Skyliner does not operate, is during lightning or significant wind events. Hopping in a gondola and exploring is great for a non-park day or great for an afternoon break from the park.

If you are not staying at a resort that is located along the Skyliner, there are a few ways you can still enjoy this experience:

• If you have a park reservation/ticket to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios you can temporarily leave the theme parks for a period of time and take a ride!
• Not going to the parks but staying at another Walt Disney World Resort? You can take a Disney bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios and hop on the Skyliner.
• If you have a dining reservation in the area, you can attend your meal and then walk over and hop on a gondola.

2. Enjoy a round of mini-golf!

Fantasia Gardens – Miniature golf course (located near Swan and Dolphin hotels). Many aren’t aware but a free round of mini-golf is available in your Magical Extras benefits if you have booked a Walt Disney World Travel Company vacation package. Hours of operation vary due to construction near the area. I would recommend calling ahead if you can. There is a themed 18 hole course that is appropriate for all ages and abilities and a more traditionally styled miniature course that is designed for more advanced players.

3. Walk around the Boardwalk! (Day AND Night!)

Designed like an coasta boardwalk, this area offers a large walking loop around Disney’s Crescent Lake. This is the area where Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts and the Marriott Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. Along the Boardwalk, there are a lot of great food options (both quick service or table service), shopping and the view is spectacular! You can enjoy playing games at the various booths and in the evening, enjoy the live entertainment.

4. Relax on the Crescent Lake beach front

Hammocks, bench swings and beach chairs are scattered across the Crescent Lake beach front. This makes the area an excellent spot to take a minute of calm and reset before going back to the park, a place to unwind on a non-park day, or a way to wind down before heading off to your resort room for the night.

5. Shop the Gift Shops

Each Disney Resort has it’s own gift shops and marketplaces. They all vary in size and offerings. With the Skyliner, it is very easy to pop-in to each resort and take a peek!

Those are a few of my favorite things in the EPCOT resort area but I know there is so much more to this little slice of Walt Disney World.

Tell me, have you visited this area? What are your favorite things to do in this area?