EPCOT Resort Area at Walt Disney World
The EPCOT Resort Area (also called the Crescent Lake area) is one of the most popular places to stay at Walt Disney World Resort because of its walkability to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We love staying in this resort area when we will be going frequently to an EPCOT festival. It’s also home to one of our favorite resort pools on property!
Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links Moms with Mouse Ears may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
There are a number of transportation options in the EPCOT Resort area, and this area is great if you’re planning on spending a lot of time at either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
There is a boat service connecting the resorts in this area with EPCOT & Hollywood Studios. The resorts here are also within walking distance to the EPCOT International Gateway Disney Skyliner station.
EPCOT Resort Area Highlights
- Staying close to EPCOT is perfect when you’re planning a number of days to visit a festival or other EPCOT activities!
- There are a number of great transportation options in this area, in addition to being walkable to EPCOT, there is also boat transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from most of these resorts.
- Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, & BoardWalk Inn Resort are close and within short walking distance to the Disney Skyliner station at the EPCOT International Gateway entrance.
- Watch the EPCOT fireworks in the evening from the beach area, and some rooms also may have a fireworks view!
Ready to pack? Get our free Disney Packing List printable to use at home!
Resorts in the EPCOT Area
Are you thinking about staying near EPCOT? Here’s a list of the resorts we’ve stayed at, along with my thoughts and reviews, so that you can find the best fit for your family!
Download the free EPCOT Resort Area reference list to put with your planning materials!
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of our family’s favorite places to stay, especially when we want that bright, breezy, coastal feel. It’s within walking distance of EPCOT and just a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios, and we love being able to stroll over to the BoardWalk for dinner or an evening treat.
The resort has a charming New England beach house vibe that feels relaxed and welcoming for families. One of the biggest highlights is Stormalong Bay, the incredible pool area with its sand-bottom sections and winding water features. It truly feels like a mini water park right at your resort!
There are also convenient dining options like Beach Club Marketplace for quick bites and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for those classic ice cream sundaes. We also love visiting Cape May Cafe in the mornings for a fun character dining breakfast!
With its unbeatable EPCOT-area location, beautiful atmosphere, and amazing pool, Beach Club is a fantastic choice for summer travel and families who love having both convenience and fun built right into their stay.
Read more about Disney’s Beach Club Resort in my review.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a great resort when you want something that feels a little more relaxed and refined, but still completely family-friendly. It’s close to EPCOT and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios, and we love being able to stroll over to the BoardWalk from it as well.
Yacht Club has a beautiful New England seaside feel with its nautical touches and airy spaces. Guests can enjoy access to Stormalong Bay (the incredible shared pool area with Beach Club), along with several fantastic dining options like Yachtsman Steakhouse and the Ale & Compass Restaurant. With a variety of room types and its unbeatable location in the EPCOT area, it’s a wonderful choice for families who want convenience, comfort, and a touch of coastal charm all in one place.
Read more about Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in my review.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort is such a fun and lively place to stay, especially if your family loves having entertainment right outside your door. Located within walking distance of EPCOT and just a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios, there’s lots of convenience when staying in this area.
The resort has a charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic City vibe, with colorful details and a welcoming atmosphere. In the evenings on the BoardWalk, there are street performers, and entertainment, particularly on the weekends.
Guests of BoardWalk Inn Resort can enjoy the Luna Park Pool with its fun slide, and dining options like Trattoria al Forno and the BoardWalk Deli. With its unbeatable location and energetic feel, BoardWalk Inn is a wonderful option for families who want to be close to the parks while soaking up a little extra magic after dark.
Read more about Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort in my review.
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts
These resorts are not owned nor operated by Disney; they are operated by Marriott, but they are still resorts in the EPCOT area, so they deserve a mention here! If you have a lot of Marriott points stored up, these can be a great option to use your points on a Disney stay!
The Swan & Dolphin hotels offer a variety of amenities that are exclusive to their resorts, and guests staying at either of these resorts can easily walk between them to get to shopping, dining, or the Mandara Spa location at Dolphin Resort.
You’ll find lots of dining options at the resorts, particular at Dolphin Resort. Which is home to Bourbon Steak, Rosa Mexicano, and Todd English’s bluezoo. You’ll find Il Mulino and Garden Grove at the Swan Resort.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is across the street from the traditional Swan & Dolphin hotels, and is the modern alternative to those classic locations. You’ll find modern artwork and clean lines throughout this resort. What you won’t find at these three resorts are Disney character inspirations in the decor, so if that would an important part of your stay – we recommend staying at a Disney Resort instead.
These resorts are all within walking distance of EPCOT and the Boardwalk. You can also catch the boats to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from the Swan & Dolphin Resorts.
Shuttle bus service is run by the resorts themselves from all three of these resorts. (you do not have access to any other form of Disney transportation here other than the boats!) So you’ll need to check with the front desk when you check-in as to what shuttle service will be available and the times.
Our Thoughts on the EPCOT Resorts Area
If you love going to the annual EPCOT festivals, you definitely want to consider staying in the EPCOT Resort area.
With easy access to both the back gate at EPCOT International Gateway and walkable access to the Disney Skyliner, this is a convenient location to stay in!
One of our family’s favorite resorts, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, is located in the EPCOT Resort area. And Stormalong Bay, that both Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have access to, is one of the best pools on property! It’s like having a mini water park right at your resort.
This is a fantastic resort area to stay in during the summer months, when the Boardwalk is bustling with entertainment, and you’ll get the most use out of the water activities.Â
Plus, many rooms have a great view of the EPCOT fireworks at night, or you can walk down by the water to watch them in the distance as well!
Check out these articles below to help with your planning!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Let's Get Magical!
