Hi there, Jessica! I’m so happy you found us here at planDisney to ask your question about your January vacation to Walt Disney World!
On most days, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is open at least an hour before EPCOT. So, I would recommend that you plan to park at Hollywood Studios. I highly suggest upgrading your parking to the
preferred lot, as it is located right next to the Disney Skyliner, making the trip to EPCOT that much easier.
When going from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT, you have three options, all of which should be up and running since DHS will be opening. First, you can ride the
Disney Skyliner. You will need to transfer gondolas at the Caribbean Beach Skyliner station and continue on to EPCOT. This is probably the most enjoyable way to travel, and also will require the least amount of walking.
Another way is to walk from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT. There is a sidewalk that will take you along the waterway, past Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and around Crescent Lake to EPCOT’s International Gateway. The walk is pleasant, flat, and about a mile.
The final way to get to EPCOT would be by boat. If you are lucky enough to see a boat approaching, this is a viable option. Otherwise, waiting for a boat is not the quickest way by any means. The boat will take you from Hollywood Studios to the Swan/Dolphin hotels, then Disney's Boardwalk Inn, Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, and finally to EPCOT.
On a recent visit, my family decided to “race” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to EPCOT. I rode the boat (happened to be docked, so I JUST made it), my son rode the Disney Skyliner, and my husband walked the path. We all arrived to EPCOT within minutes of each other, so really any transportation option is efficient.
I hope this helps with planning for your January visit to
The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Happy Traveling,
Tracy