Hi Stephanie,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for your question.
Water transportation at Walt Disney World Resort is so magical – I just love the relaxing ride across the water, enjoying the cool breeze and beautiful views. I’m feeling relaxed just thinking about your question!
Stephanie, in my experience, the Friendship Boats between
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and
Epcot stop running one hour after whichever of the two parks closes last. So, in your example, the boats would run until 10:00 p.m., which is one hour after Epcot’s closing. As with most things related to hours of operation, I recommend checking in with a transportation Cast Member, or a Cast Member at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel if you’re staying on property, just to be sure. Because park hours can change without notice, I wouldn’t want to see you facing an unforeseen change in plans!
If your plan with the boats doesn’t work out, consider walking between the two parks. It takes my family about 20 minutes (we are pretty fast walkers, though). It’s really a lovely walk, especially in the evening when temperatures are cooler. I love the walk from Disney’s Hollywood Studios toward the Boardwalk area in particular because I know there is
Ample Hills Creamery ice cream in my future (hello, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake ice cream).
Wishing you a magical vacation (and boat trip!),
Robyn