The most walkable, flexible, and food-focused place to stay at Walt Disney World.
If EPCOT is a big part of your Walt Disney World trip—or you just love great food, drinks, and a more relaxed atmosphere—the EPCOT Resort Area is one of the best places you can stay.
This area offers something no other part of Disney property can match: the ability to walk straight into EPCOT and even over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
But not every “EPCOT-area” resort offers the same level of convenience. Some are steps away. Others rely on Skyliner or boats.
Let’s break it all down so you can choose the right fit for your trip.
Quick Facts About the EPCOT Resort Area
- Location: Between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Crescent Lake area)
- Resorts: Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, Art of Animation
- Resort Categories: Deluxe, Moderate, Value
- Transportation: Walking paths, Skyliner, boats, buses
- Best For: EPCOT access, dining, festivals, walkability
- Eligible for Military Discounts: Yes (Disney-owned resorts; Swan & Dolphin offer separate military rates)
Location Overview
The EPCOT Resort Area sits around Crescent Lake, positioned directly between EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and along the Disney Skyliner gondola line.
EPCOT’s International Gateway from the Disney Skyliner
This location is one of the most strategic on all of Walt Disney World property.
From here, you can:
- Walk into EPCOT through the International Gateway
- Walk or boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Use the Skyliner for quick transportation to both parks
It’s also one of the most enjoyable areas to spend time outside the parks, with restaurants, entertainment, and scenic walking paths all around the lake.
Transportation: The Most Flexible Area at Disney World
No other resort area offers as many transportation options as this one.
EPCOT International Gateway Skyliner Station
Depending on where you stay, you may have access to:
- Walking: Direct paths to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (Deluxe resorts)
- Skyliner: Fast access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (select resorts)
- Boats (Friendships): Scenic water transportation between resorts and parks
- Buses: Available to all parks and Disney Springs
This flexibility is a major advantage—if one option is crowded, you usually have another.
For many guests, this makes park days significantly easier and less stressful.
The Resorts (By Location Type)
Walkable Deluxe Resorts (Crescent Lake)
These resorts offer the highest level of convenience, with direct walking access to EPCOT and easy access to Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
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Yacht Club offers a relaxed, nautical theme and one of the best overall locations on property. You’re just a short walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway and have easy access to Hollywood Studios.
Best for: Easy EPCOT access and quieter Deluxe atmosphere
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort
Beach Club shares the same prime location but adds one of Disney’s best pools: Stormalong Bay. It’s especially popular with families.
Best for: Pool lovers and EPCOT convenience
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
BoardWalk Inn offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, entertainment, and nighttime energy right outside your door.
Best for: Nightlife, dining, and entertainment
Non-Disney Deluxe Alternatives
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
These three resorts offer Deluxe-level accommodations in the same prime location, often at a lower price point than Disney-owned Deluxe Resorts.
They are within walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and offer similar transportation options.
Best for: Value at a Deluxe location
Skyliner Resorts (Nearby, Not Walkable)
These resorts are not within walking distance of EPCOT’s main entrances but offer Skyliner access to the International Gateway.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Riviera is a Deluxe resort with its own Skyliner station and quick access to EPCOT.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
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The Caribbean is the Skyliner hub, offering direct access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century is a Value Resort with Skyliner access, offering one of the best price-to-convenience ratios on property.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation Resort is a Value Resort with family suites and Skyliner access, ideal for larger families.
Who Should Stay in the EPCOT Resort Area?
This is one of the most versatile areas at Walt Disney World—but it’s especially ideal for certain types of trips.
You should strongly consider staying here if:
- EPCOT is a major focus of your trip
- You plan to visit multiple parks in the same day
- You enjoy dining, festivals, and evening entertainment
- You want the ability to walk to a park
- You prefer flexible transportation options
You may want to consider other areas if:
- Magic Kingdom is your primary park
- You’re looking for the lowest possible price
- You prefer a quieter, more isolated resort experience
Military Discount Considerations
Most Disney-owned resorts in this area are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discount, though availability can vary.
Here’s how this area typically works for military families:
- Yacht & Beach Club / BoardWalk: Limited availability but strong location value
- Skyliner Resorts: Often easier to book with discounts and better availability
- Swan & Dolphin: Offer separate military rates and can be a strong value alternative
This area gives you multiple ways to balance cost and convenience, which is a big advantage when planning a military-discounted trip.
If you want help comparing these options, we recommend working with a military-focused Disney travel specialist:
The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists
Final Thoughts
The EPCOT Resort Area is one of the most convenient and enjoyable places to stay at Walt Disney World.
With walkable access, flexible transportation, and some of the best dining and entertainment outside the parks, it offers a completely different kind of Disney experience.
If your trip is centered around EPCOT—or you just want the most flexibility in how you get around—this area is hard to beat.
Be sure to see:
Have you stayed in the EPCOT Resort Area? Which resort is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Read about all the Disney Resort Areas:
- How Disney World Resort Areas Work
- Magic Kingdom Resort Area Hotels
- Animal Kingdom Resort Area Hotels
- Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
- BoardWalk Area Resorts
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Area Resorts
- Disney World Monorail Resorts
- Disney World Skyliner Resorts
Walt Disney World Resort Overviews
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Do WDW Room View Categories Matter?
- MDT Tested & Approved Resorts
- Walt Disney World Resort Guest Benefits
- Walt Disney World Resort Theming
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
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