Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question! We on the panel love helping guests to plan magical vacations.
You are asking a question about a couple of my favorite places at Walt Disney World. I love the hustle and bustle along
Disney's BoardWalk. There is so much to do at this fun area, including great dining, shopping and entertainment. Be sure to check out the new
Ample Hills Creamery - the ice cream there is so flavorful and delicious! Very nearby is
Epcot, which is a favorite theme park for my family. We love to spend an afternoon strolling around World Showcase and taking in the international pavilions.
In order to walk to the monorail entrance from Disney's BoardWalk, you do in fact need admission to Epcot. From Disney's BoardWalk, you have to walk into the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, through Epcot, and then out of the front gates of Epcot to get to the monorail entrance. Because you need to walk through the theme park, you do need theme park admission to do this.
There is convenient transportation from
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and
Disney's BoardWalk Villas to anywhere on Walt Disney World property. If you were wanting to use the monorail to get to Magic Kingdom, you can simply catch a bus from Disney's BoardWalk instead.
I hope that this information is helpful for you, Julie! Please do let us know if you have any further questions.