The BEST Hotels to Book if You’re Going to EPCOT

There are a lot of Disney World Resorts to choose from, but if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at one particular park, your hotel choice can really impact your vacation.

If you’re a big fan of EPCOT, then there are some resorts that you’ll want to know about to make traveling to and from the park a bit easier!

These are the BEST Disney World Hotels to Stay In If You’re Going to EPCOT!

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

The first thing to know about EPCOT is that there are actually two entrances — one in the front of the park and one in the back of the park between the U.K. Pavilion and the France Pavilion. And, if you use the back entrance — called International Gateway — you’ll find yourself at Disney’s BoardWalk, which has quite a few hotels, including Disney’s Yacht Club…

…and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts!

Now, these are technically two different hotels, but they share a whole lot of amenities like a bus stop for some Disney parks (more on that later) and arguably the best pool in Disney World.

But the real draw to staying at these resorts if you’re planning to frequent EPCOT is that they’re both within walking distance (or a boat trip) to EPCOT’s back entrance, so you won’t need to take a bus! Plus, Disney boat transportation will even take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or there’s a walking path), so you have easy access to TWO parks when you stay here.

Plus, you’re even within walking distance to all the things on Disney’s BoardWalk like the new BoardWalk Deli and nighttime activities like Jellyrolls.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Located even closer to EPCOT’s World Showcase back entrance is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

This resort is themed after Atlantic City at the turn of the century and is also within walking distance to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (though EPCOT is closest) or has boat transportation to both.

And because it is located so close to the EPCOT entrance, if you plan on staying late at EPCOT or going into the park bright and early, this hotel (and Yacht & Beach) can be the best one to choose.

Plus, it can be even more advantageous to stay here if you’re visiting EPCOT for big holidays, like New Year’s Eve. You can easily watch the fireworks and walk back to your hotel to be in bed before most guests have even gotten on Disney transportation to get back to their hotel.

Learn more about Disney’s BoardWalk Inn HERE!

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

One thing to keep in mind about Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn is that they are all Disney Deluxe Resorts — so you’ll be paying a premium to be located so close to the parks. But Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin can be a great alternative!

The hotels are both located on Disney’s BoardWalk as well but are not owned by Disney — meaning the pricing can be a bit lower.

And you won’t be losing out on any of those Disney transportation perks to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — the Friendship boats also stop here! Of course, the resorts are also within walking distance to the entrances, you’ll just have a bit longer of a walk because of where they’re located.

You can potentially ditch the high Disney Deluxe prices but still have access to some Deluxe amenities.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Back in 2019, Disney opened its newest form of transportation — the Disney Skyliner. This gondola-style of transportation connects four resorts to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so staying at these hotels can also be convenient if you’re planning to frequent those parks. And, the closest resort on the Skyliner to EPCOT is Disney’s Riviera Resort.

This is one of Disney’s newest Deluxe Resorts and is inspired by Europe — one of Walt Disney’s inspirations. Plus, it boasts some standout food options!

One thing to keep in mind about Disney’s Skyliner transportation is that the lines can get long in the mornings and in the evenings when most people are heading between the hotel and park, so you might have some added travel time to get to EPCOT. And if there is inclement weather or any other issues with the Skyliner, guests will need to take Disney bus transportation.

But there are a few tips and tricks to avoid those lines like getting to the station early and trying not to travel during popular times of the day.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is another EPCOT area resort that is connected to the park (and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) by the Disney Skyliner. And this is the only EPCOT area hotel that is considered a Moderate Resort where you’ll find some lower rates.

If you’ve got younger kids this can be a great resort to stay in because they also offer Pirate Themed Rooms, which add some fun to the stay though they are currently unavailable.

When it comes to the Skyliner transportation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach is actually considered the main Skyliner station.

While those staying at other resorts have to get on a gondola at their hotel and then switch at the main station, here you’ll have a direct line to and from the parks.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

If you’re looking to stay somewhere a bit more budget-friendly on Disney property, there are also two Value Resorts connected to EPCOT (and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) by the Disney Skyliner, including Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Now, this hotel is technically not considered an EPCOT area resort, but the Skyliner makes accessing the park easier than other hotels that only offer bus transportation.

Just keep in mind that you will have to stop at the main Skyliner station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and get in line for a second gondola to take you to the park or back. And if the Skyliner isn’t running for any reason, your bus ride will be a bit longer than if you were staying at an EPCOT area hotel.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The other Value Resort on the Disney Skyliner that takes guests to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Again, this hotel is not considered an EPCOT area hotel, but the fact that it is on the Skyliner makes it a great option for families who want to frequent the park.

Just keep in mind any of those obstacles that could add time to your transportation between the park and hotel.

And, stay tuned for more Disney planning tips, tricks, and updates!

Think Twice Before You Pass Over These Walt Disney World Hotels!

What is your favorite EPCOT area resort? Let us know in the comments!

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