Hi Phyllis,
Welcome to planDisney! I'm happy you're here with your question about navigating the waterways of Walt Disney World.
I sense that you're a little apprehensive about whether a journey on a
Friendship Boat from Hollywood Studios to Epcot might be more of a thrill ride than you desire. Let me put your mind at ease.
The Friendship Boats move very slowly along the waterway from Hollywood Studios and make three resort stops enroute to Epcot: at the Swan and Dolphin, at the Yacht and Beach Club, and at the BoardWalk.
The total trip usually takes about 40 minutes.
Because the boats move slowly, there's little wave action, and the only vessels in those waters generally are other Friendship Boats and an occasional Disney patrol boat.
If the boats don't seem right for you, you have a couple of other transportation options. The
Disney Skyliner travels above the ground between Hollywood Studios and Epcot's International Gateway entrance, with a transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
Or, if you'd rather walk, there's a wide paved path along the water that takes you past the BoardWalk on your way to the International Gateway. It usually takes my family about 30 minutes to make the walk, though we've been known to make a detour for a treat at
BoardWalk along the way.
There isn't regularly scheduled bus service between Hollywood Studios and Epcot, though it may occasionally be available during busy times or if the weather impedes operations of the boats or Skyliner. You can always ask a cast member if a bus is available on the day of your visit. A bus would deliver you to the front entrance of Epcot.
I hope that's useful, Phyllis. Please let us know if you have other questions as your Walt Disney World vacation nears. We're always ready to help.
Enjoy,
Wilma