Hola, Bonjour, and Guten Tag, Stephanie! Welcome to planDisney!
With delicious international food and incredible immersive pavilions, EPCOT's World Showcase is one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World. My family loves staying at
Disney's BoardWalk Inn or
Disney's Beach Club Resort just so we can enter through the park's back entrance, otherwise known as the International Gateway! I love waking up bright and early and strolling over to EPCOT during
Early Theme Park Entry. Entering through the International Gateway puts me right at my favorite pavilion: France!
C'est fantastique to begin my day with a ride on
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and a sweet treat at
Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie!
As you may already know,
parking at
Disney Resorts Collection hotels is reserved for registered guests of those resorts. This means you won't be able to park in the lots at Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, or Disney's Beach Club Resort. But I do have good news for you, Stephanie! You can still enter EPCOT through the International Gateway (
and ride the Disney Skyliner!) if you park at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
First, park your car in the lot at Hollywood Studios, just like you would if you were visiting that park for the day. Then, instead of entering Hollywood Studios, make your way to the Skyliner station, located just outside the park entrance near the bus loop and boat launch. The Skyliner begins running around one hour before the parks open, so you can board the Skyliner here and take it to the EPCOT station. In about 20 to 30 minutes, you'll be dropped off outside the International Gateway, and you'll be well on your way to the
2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
Alternatively, you can also walk from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT using the footpath, or take a scenic boat ride to arrive in nautical fashion! Stephanie, I am a HUGE fan of the Disney Skyliner (gotta love that wind in your hair!), but there's also something to be said for an early-morning pit stop at
The Cake Bake Shop Bakery® by Gwendolyn Rogers!
I hope this information is helpful, Stephanie, and that your "international" travels are nothing short of incredible! If you have any other planning questions, you know
where to find me right here at planDisney!
Au revoir,
Allison