boat from yacht club to hollywood studios

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Transportation to Hollywood Studios: Navigating with Ease

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is an upscale New England nautical-themed hotel located within Walt Disney World Resort. One of the primary concerns for you staying at the resort is the transportation options available to navigate around the Disney property, especially traveling to popular destinations like Hollywood Studios.

You have multiple transportation options to reach Hollywood Studios from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The most convenient and swift option is the Friendship Boat service, which provides a relaxing scenic route along Crescent Lake to Hollywood Studios. This water taxi service is included with your stay at the resort, with boats typically arriving every 15-20 minutes. The travel time is approximately 25 minutes, and the boat docks are a short walk from the resort’s main entrance.

Alternatively, you can use the bus service that runs approximately every 20 minutes from the resort to various Disney World locations, including Hollywood Studios. The bus travel time can range from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. For those preferring a bit of exercise or seeking the quickest route, walking is an option, with a well-marked, paved pathway leading from the Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios. This walk takes about 20-25 minutes.

Bus Service from Disney Resort to Disney Park or Guest Area

Disney Bus Transportation provides a convenient option for guests staying at Disney resorts to travel to various Disney parks including Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. The services are timely and designed to enhance your Disney experience by offering comfortable travel across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Overview of Disney Bus Transportation

Disney Bus Transportation is a fleet of buses offered by Walt Disney World to transport guests between Disney resorts and theme parks. The system is complimentary and operates continuously throughout the day.

• Frequency : Buses arrive at each bus stop approximately every 20 minutes.
• Operating Hours : The bus service begins 45 minutes prior to park opening and ends one hour after park closing.
• Example : At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , the bus stop is located near the front entrance of the resort.
• Travel Time : The distance covered from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios is typically a short ride, around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions within the resort.
• Accessibility : Buses are equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Remember to check the bus schedule at your resort’s bus stop for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding departure times and potential changes due to weather or special events.

Water Transportation in Disney

Guests at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort have the distinct advantage of water-based transportation to various destinations, including Hollywood Studios.

Using Friendship Boats and Ferries

Friendship Boats provide a scenic route across Crescent Lake, linking Disney’s Yacht Club Resort with Hollywood Studios . Begin your journey at the dock, typically located between the resort’s marina and the lighthouse. These boats are not only a means of transport but also an enjoyable attraction, offering leisurely rides and picturesque views of the BoardWalk Inn and Beach Club Resort .

To maximize your travel experience aboard the Friendship Boats, follow these steps:

• Locate the boat dock outside Disney’s Yacht Club Resort .
• Board the next available boat; boats arrive approximately every 15-20 minutes.
• Enjoy the ride, which typically takes about 25 minutes. You’ll pass by the Beach Club Resort and the BoardWalk Inn , with the option to disembark at either location.

Remember, the Friendship Boats also provide convenient access to other areas around Crescent Lake , facilitating exploration and travel to additional amenities, such as nearby water parks and dining venues. The service typically operates from morning until late evening, ensuring you can take advantage of the boat rides throughout your day.

Disney’s Monorail Connections

Disney’s Monorail is an iconic, high-speed public transit system operating within the Walt Disney World Resort, including connections to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa .

Routes and Efficiency of Monorails

The monorail system is designed to maximize efficiency, offering a frequent and reliable mode of transport between various destinations around the resort.

• The Resort Monorail loop includes stops at the Polynesian Village Resort , Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , and the Contemporary Resort , before continuing to Magic Kingdom park and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
• Separate lines connect the TTC with EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, ensuring direct travel to these parks.
• The monorails run at regular intervals, usually about every 10 minutes, reducing wait times.
• This elevated train travels swiftly, with the loop taking approximately 30 minutes to complete, making it one of the fastest ways to get around Disney property.

Disney Skyliner Travel

The Disney Skyliner provides an aerial gondola experience connecting multiple Disney resorts, including the Caribbean Beach Resort, to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Experience and Accessibility of the Skyliner

Your journey on the Disney Skyliner starts by boarding at select stations such as the International Gateway entrance located at Epcot. The Skyliner route progresses to the Riviera Resort , with captivating aerial views.

Stations and Routes: You can easily access the Skyliner at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, which is in proximity to the International Gateway. The stations along the way include:

• Epcot’s International Gateway
• Caribbean Beach Resort (central hub)
• Riviera Resort
• Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts

Your travel to Hollywood Studios is seamless with the Caribbean Beach Resort serving as the interchange station, where you can transfer to the line heading toward Hollywood Studios.

Accessibility: The Disney Skyliner cabins are designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-friendly cabins ensure an inclusive experience for all guests. The Skyliner operates with doors that open automatically, and cabins slow down, providing ample time for embarkation and disembarkation.

Operating Hours: The service typically begins 30 minutes prior to the earliest park opening and concludes after the last park closing, so plan your travels accordingly to ensure you reach your destination on time.

Walking Paths for Inter-Resort Travel

Guests at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort enjoy the convenience of walking directly to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This option, preferred for its scenic value and efficiency, complements the resort’s nautical theme.

Scenic and Direct Walking Routes

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort lies within a walking distance of approximately 0.8 miles to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The path ensures a relaxing stroll or an energetic walk.

• Start your journey by locating the walking path at the edge of the resort’s property, closest to the water.
• Follow the path as it meanders along the shoreline of Crescent Lake, offering views of the tranquil waters and lush landscaping.
• The path passes by Disney’s BoardWalk, a quarter-mile promenade brimming with shops and eateries, directly linking you to your destination.
• The estimated walk time is about 15 to 20 minutes, but can vary depending on your pace and any stops to enjoy the scenery.
• The route is fully paved and well-maintained, suitable for guests with strollers or wheelchairs, ensuring an accessible experience for all travelers.

Remember, you can take this short and pleasant walk at any time, whether you’re headed to the park at opening time or returning to your resort after a day of adventure.

Utilizing Ride-Sharing Services

When you need to travel from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft offer a convenient option.

Uber and Lyft as Transportation Options

Uber and Lyft function as on-demand ride services that you can request through an app on your smartphone. These platforms provide a range of vehicle options to choose from, tailored to group size or budget preferences.

• Install the Uber or Lyft app on your mobile device and create an account if you have not already done so. This is a one-time step and secures your access to their transport services.
• Select Disney’s Yacht Club Resort as your pickup location in the app. Input “Hollywood Studios” as your destination to receive a fare estimate and vehicle choices.
• For the fastest service, opt for a standard ride without any ride-pooling options. This ensures you travel directly to your destination without additional passenger stops.
• Confirm your ride choice and finalize any payment details. Remember, while both Uber and Lyft may offer similar services, costs can vary, especially during peak hours due to surge pricing.
• Review the driver details, vehicle make, and model that the app provides. Proceed to the designated pickup area, typically near the resort’s main entrance, for your ride.

Uber and Lyft rides usually take a matter of minutes to arrive once requested, and the trip to Hollywood Studios generally takes less than 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Therefore, they are considered one of the fastest ways to get there.

By selecting Lyft or Uber, you gain the flexibility to schedule your travel according to your timetable and potentially enjoy a quicker trip compared to other modes of transport. However, prices are subject to change; therefore, checking the app for the most current cost is advised. Having cash on hand for a gratuity is a recommended tip for exemplary service.

Taxi Services Within Disney World

Taxi services at Walt Disney World Resort offer a convenient transportation option.

Availability and Flexibility of Taxis

Taxis are available 24/7 at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Ensure you reserve your taxi in advance, especially during peak hours or special events, to avoid wait times. You can conveniently find a taxi at designated taxi stands throughout the resort, or you may request one from the hotel’s front desk.

Cost varies by distance traveled and taxi service company but is typically metered. Fare estimates to destinations such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios are provided by the driver at the time of service. Expect additional fees for services like large items or excess luggage. For a trip from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios, the fare tends to be within an acceptable range for quick transport.

Make sure to consider traffic conditions that might affect your travel time , especially when planning to reach the parks at opening times or before dining reservations. It’s also important to note that taxi services can be a time-efficient transportation method as they provide direct routes, unlike some other complimentary transport options that may make multiple stops.

Parking and Resort Access for Personal Vehicles

When driving to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, understanding the parking infrastructure and access guidelines ensures a smooth start to your Disney vacation.

Navigating Parking at Disney Resorts

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers ample parking for guests who choose to drive themselves, with designated parking areas for convenience. Follow these steps to navigate the resort parking:

• Locate the parking entrance as you approach the resort to ensure a seamless entry.
• Proceed to the security checkpoint , where you’ll show your reservation or proof of dining.
• After security, drive towards the main parking lot , which sits adjacent to the resort lobby.
• Park your vehicle in any available spot; there is no valet service currently offered due to enhanced health and safety measures.
• If you’re staying as a guest, link your parking fee to your resort stay for easier billing.
• Remember your parking section to help locate your car upon returning from the theme parks or other areas.
• Be mindful of the potential for traffic during peak times when planning your travel to and from the resort.

Regular parking is included for guests staying overnight at Disney’s Yacht Club, while day guests can park for a fee. This structure ensures that parking is both accessible and regulated, contributing to a better overall experience at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Using the Minnie Van Service

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a premium transportation option known as the Minnie Van Service. This service, accessible via the My Disney Experience app, provides direct, private transport to various Disney locations, including Hollywood Studios.

Benefits of the Minnie Van for Direct Travel

A Minnie Van is a Disney-operated vehicle that takes resort guests directly to their desired destinations within Walt Disney World Resort. When you opt for the Minnie Van Service from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios, you will experience several benefits:

• Convenience : You can quickly book a Minnie Van through the My Disney Experience app without the need to wait in queues for standard park transportation.
• Comfort : Minnie Vans offer a comfortable and air-conditioned ride, equipped with two child seats for the safety of younger passengers.
• Speed : As a direct service, Minnie Vans typically reduce travel time compared to multi-stop shuttle services.
• Operational Hours : Minnie Vans operate from early morning until late at night, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
• Capacity : Each Minnie Van can accommodate up to six passengers, making it ideal for families or groups traveling together.
• Style : Travel in style with Minnie Vans’ distinct Disney-themed design.

To book a Minnie Van, simply open your My Disney Experience app and select the Minnie Van Service option under the “Ride Share” category. The cost of the service is determined by the distance traveled, and the specific fare will be displayed in the app before you confirm your booking. Payment is conveniently handled through the app, streamlining your experience. Remember, this service is exclusive to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, like Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The Minnie Van Service embodies a blend of Disney magic with the practicality of efficient transport, enhancing your vacation with a touch of personalized service.

Car Services for Premium Travel

When seeking a more exclusive experience, car services provide a private, direct route to your destination.

Luxury Transport with Limousines and Town Cars

Luxury transport refers explicitly to premium car services that offer high-end vehicles such as limousines and town cars. These vehicles are synonymous with comfort and style, making them a popular choice for travelers desiring a sophisticated journey from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Limousines : These long, luxury cars represent the pinnacle of premium travel. Typically, a limousine ride from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Hollywood Studios will vary in cost , generally depending on the level of luxury and any additional amenities you choose. Travel times are swift, offering a journey that can be as quick as 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting. Limousines are equipped to offer high-speed travel while ensuring your utmost comfort.
• Town Cars : These sedans offer a balance of luxury and practicality. Town car services charge different rates, but they are often more affordable than a limousine while still providing a plush, private experience. The travel time to Hollywood Studios usually aligns with the limousine, ensuring you arrive punctually. Each town car is maintained to provide the highest speed allowed while prioritizing passenger safety.

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Walt Disney World® Water Transportation

All aboard.

Turn your travel into a treat on our fleet of boats that’s an attraction in itself.

Take in the scenery and relax with welcome breezes as you sail around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Feel the wind in your hair and the magic in the air as you cruise Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood. Water taxis and ferries sail to and from Magic Kingdom park. Most routes run on 15- to 30-minute intervals.

Magic Kingdom Park and Magic Kingdom Area Resorts Accessible by water launch (also known as water taxi) from:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Ferryboats connect Magic Kingdom park to the Transportation and Ticket Center. You can also hop aboard a water taxi to travel between the following Resort hotels:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios These parks are accessible via the FriendShip Boat from the following locations:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

Disney Springs Disney Springs is accessible via the Sassagoula River Cruise from the following locations:

• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter

Important Information

Hours of operation vary subject to water and weather conditions. Please note that no luggage or alcohol of any type is permitted on Disney watercraft. All strollers must be folded and stowed out of the aisle. Medical strollers for Guests with disabilities will be treated as wheelchairs.

How to Use Walt Disney World Water Transportation

Getting where you want to go is easy when riding aboard Walt Disney World Water Transportation—including water launch, boat and ferryboat service to Magic Kingdom park and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Simply wait at one of the convenient and well-marked pickup points throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Your ride will then arrive—usually within minutes—ready to transport you to a variety of destinations. Keep in mind that certain destinations are not direct; you may be required to take a connecting mode of transportation to reach your destination.

For more information or further assistance, just ask a Cast Member!

Find Walt Disney World® Water Transportation

Magic kingdom resort area, epcot resort area, disney springs resort area, magic kingdom park, disney's hollywood studios.

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Disney Friendship Boats Guide

In this article, we discuss the Friendship Boats at Walt Disney World. We’ll look at their routes, hours of operation, and a few tips for utilizing the boat service.

Disney Friendship Boats travel two different routes at the Walt Disney World Resort. They are one of the most pleasant forms of Disney transportation available.

One set of Friendship Boats services the Epcot Resort Area . This route takes guests between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It stops at the resorts in between.

Another set of Friendship Boats travels across the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. This route takes guests between the World Showcase Plaza and docks at the Morroco Pavilion.

Below, we’ll go over how best to use the Disney Friendship Boat service to your advantage. Those staying in the immediate area or with plans to park hop between Epcot and Hollywood Studios will likely want to use the boat service.

Disney Friendship Boats Route

We’ll first look at the Friendship Boats that travel between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. These boats travel in a specific order, stopping at each area resort between the two parks.

Once you get their route down pat, you’ll have a good idea of how to use this form of transportation. During the busier portions of the day, you can expect to see two to three Friendship boats running through the area.

One route starts at Epcot and travels to Hollywood Studios. Vice versa, another route begins at Hollywood Studios and ends at Epcot. So they will have three resort stops each way.

These boats will continually pass each other along the waterway throughout the day. Each boat follows the same route. At the end of each route, they change directions and head back the opposite way.

Here is the Friendship Boat route for the Epcot Resort Area.

Friendship Boat Route from Hollywood Studios to Epcot:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Swan and Dolphin Hotel (includes Swan Reserve)
• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort (One Stop)
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Friendship Boat Route from Epcot to Hollywood Studios:

• Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club (One Stop)

Friendship Boat Schedule (Hours)

Per Disney’s website, hours of operation vary subject to water and weather conditions . At the time of this update, Disney’s Friendship Boats begin running in the Epcot Resorts area around 7:00 a.m. and continue until about one hour after the parks close.

With that said, we recommend checking the hours of operation for the boat service after you arrive at the hotel. Hours fluctuate based on the park’s opening hours and should be posted at your hotel, along with hours for other transportation options.

Special Circumstances:

We recently stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club and attended After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , where the park remained open until approximately 12:30 a.m. Since this was a special ticketed event, the Friendship Boats closed at their regular time.

Since the boats were not available, guests in the Epcot Resorts Area could walk or take a bus back to their resorts. So, if you are staying in the area with plans to attend After Hours at Epcot or Hollywood Studios (or a similar event), know that the Friendship Boats might not be available afterward.

Friendship Boats Accessibility

Most transportation options at Disney World accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Disney provides an overview of each form of transportation on their website. Learn More:  Transportation and Mobility Disabilities at Disney World

Per Disney, “Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions. Please contact a Disney Cast Member at the watercraft dock for information and assistance.”

Resorts with Disney Friendship Boats

Guests of the following resorts have immediate access to the Disney Friendship Boat service:

• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

As noted above, the Friendship Boats run in two directions. Therefore, when boarding a boat from your resort’s dock, you’ll want to be careful to get in the correct line.

It is not uncommon for two boats to dock simultaneously at any of the resorts. Therefore, each resort dock has two sides.

Friendship Launch at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club guests share a boat dock at the Yacht Club’s lighthouse. It’s a reasonably large area. A sign indicates where guests should line up on each side of the lighthouse.

In the picture below, you can see a boat docked at the Yacht Club. At each stop, guests onboard are allowed to disembark. Then, guests waiting can board the vessel.

The boat has arrived from the Swan and Dolphin Hotels and will travel to Disney’s Boardwalk next. After that, it will continue to Epcot.

Guests going to Epcot or the Boardwalk will line up on the left-hand side. When the boat leaves, it will stop at the Boardwalk before Epcot.

Note: Most guests staying at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club will want to walk to Epcot. The walk ranges from 5-10 minutes and will take less time than the boat service.

So, if you’re leaving the Beach or Yacht Club and going to Disney’s Boardwalk, you’ll want to take the Epcot Friendship Boat. This route is an excellent alternative for walking to Disney’s Boardwalk.

For instance, if you’re dressed up for dinner, you might not want to work up a sweat by walking to the restaurant. Instead, you can take the boat and then enjoy a casual stroll around Crescent Lake on your way back in the evening.

Related Resort Reviews:

• Disney’s Beach Club Review
• Disney’s Yacht Club Review

Boardwalk Inn Boat Dock (Promenade Pier)

Our next stop along the Friendship Boat route is Promenade Pier at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Below is a look at the boat dock during the evening. It sits in the center of the Boardwalk.

This boat dock works similarly to the one at Disney’s Yacht Club. Make sure to get in line on the right side to reach your next destination.

From the left side of the dock, you’ll travel in the following order:

• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club (one stop)
• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin (includes Swan Reserve)

From the right side of the dock, you’ll travel directly to Epcot. There are no other stops along this route.

Related: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review

Swan and Dolphin Hotels Boat Dock

Next, we’ll look at the Friendship Boat dock at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, including the Swan Reserve. These resorts are unique because Disney doesn’t own or operate them.

This boat dock sits on a walkway between the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Guests of the Swan Reserve will have to walk over to access the Friendship Boat service.

The right side goes directly to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests headed to Epcot or the other resorts will board on the left side. Stops are in this order:

Tip: If you’re returning from Hollywood Studios and going to the Boardwalk Inn, you can exit at the Swan and Dolphin. You will have to walk over the bridge to the Boardwalk, but it’s only a five-minute walk at the most. This will eliminate having to stop at the Yacht and Beach Club next and save you approximately 10-15 minutes of travel time.

Here is a photo that shows the distance between the Swan and Dolphin Friendship Boat dock to the Boardwalk. The entrance to Disney’s Boardwalk is at the end of the bridge on the far left-hand side of the image.

Related: Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review

Friendship Boat Dock at Hollywood Studios

After leaving the Swan and Dolphin Resort, our Friendship Boat continues to its last stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This Friendship Boat will stop at Hollywood Studios to unload and reload before returning in the opposite direction.

Friendship Boats at Epcot

Last, we’ll examine the Friendship Boat dock at Epcot’s International Gateway. This boat dock is only a few short steps from the back entrance to the park. One of the great things about this location is that it rarely has long lines to enter the park.

The International Gateway is shared among guests of the Epcot Resorts or those arriving from the Skyliner Resorts. In addition, guests park hopping between Hollywood Studios and Epcot also use this entrance.

Alternatives to the Friendship Boats

If the Friendship Boats are unavailable or you don’t want to wait, there is a walking path between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This path will pass by most of the resorts on the way.

When you reach the Boardwalk, you can continue to Epcot via the Boardwalk side or the Beach and Yacht Club side. At this point, the Swan and Dolphin Hotels will be to the immediate left.

Related: Walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via Disney’s Boardwalk

Additionally, guests can take the Skyliner from Epcot to Hollywood Studios or vice versa. We discuss that route in detail in a separate article. However, note you will altogether bypass the Epcot Resorts when taking this route.

Related: Disney Skyliner Route

Disney Friendship Boats in Epcot

In addition to the boats in the Epcot Resorts Area, you will find a separate Friendship Boat transportation option within Epcot. These boats travel from the World Showcase Plaza across the World Showcase Lagoon and then to the Morocco Pavilion .

Unfortunately, these boats won’t save you much time unless you were to happen upon one that’s departing. However, they will save you steps.

The only drawback is that you’ll miss touring a few countries in the World Showcase along the way. But if you find yourself in need of this service, by all means, take advantage of it.

You’ll want to remember that Epcot has a fireworks show on the lagoon each evening. On a standard schedule, these boats typically begin running around 11:00 a.m., and the last boat departs across the lagoon at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Final Thoughts on Disney’s Friendship Boats

Disney’s Friendship Boats are a great way to get around the Epcot Resorts area. They are an instrumental form of transportation if you aren’t familiar with the area or are a first-time visitor.

While they aren’t the fastest transportation, the boats provide a solution for those traveling with small children or anyone not up for a long walk between the parks and resorts.

Knowing your transportation options at Walt Disney World will benefit your vacation tremendously. We hope this guide gave you a base knowledge of how, when, and why you might want to use Disney’s Friendship Boats.

For more about transportation, we have transportation guides for each of the Epcot Resorts:

• How to Get From Disney’s Beach Club To Other Destinations
• Tips for Traveling From Yacht Club to Disney Parks and Disney Springs
• Disney’s Boardwalk Transportation For Every Disney Park and More!
• Swan and Dolphin Transportation How To’s

Or you might enjoy these other popular articles:

• Magic Kingdom Ferry
• Disney World Monorail
• Disneys Springs Transportation Guide
• Best Restaurants at Disney Springs
• List of Character Dining Locations at Disney World

Have Any Questions?

Hopefully, you found this review of Disney’s Friendship Boats helpful in planning your upcoming trip. If you have any comments or questions about the Friendship boats, leave them below. We value your opinions and experiences, so feel free to share your thoughts.

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

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I really like this comprehensive explanation regarding the Friendship Boats. It’s very helpful to know about when the World Showcase boats stop running. I’m going in November and will have some folks who will need to use them with me (and I think it will be fun to ride them for the first time). Thank you!

Hope you have a nice time!

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Ultimate Guide to Hollywood Studios Transportation in Disney World

No matter how many Genie+ reservations , Individual Lightning Lanes , and Advanced Dining Reservations you make, one misstep can derail your whole perfect plan…

… Disney transportation . Yep, if you haven’t mastered the exact science, neigh, dare we say art, to navigating Disney transportation, then you might be standing at a Disney bus stop watching the minutes tick by in your Disney vacation and months of planning slowly unravel. But not to worry, we’re here to help with our Ultimate Guide to Disney Transportation … the Hollywood Studios edition.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is near the southern point of Disney World property, but is still fairly centrally located as far as proximity in terms of EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a good click north of EPSN Wide World World of Sports, which literally sits on the southern border of Disney property line. Its central location means there are a variety of transportation options available for guests to use who wish to spend the day at this park, but choosing the right one may take a bit of finesse.

So, what are our options? Let’s look at ALL of the ways guests can get to and from Hollywood Studios, after all, it wouldn’t be an “ultimate” if we didn’t cover it all.

Disney’s Skyliner

Disney boat transportation, resort walkways, guest vehicle/parking, taxi & rideshare, minnie vans.

So, let’s analyze the “free” transportation options first. Yes, yes, we put free in quotation marks because we know that it is not really free, just that the price of these options are included in what you pay to stay at a Disney Resort or visit the Disney Parks. But ultimately, if you utilize one of these options, you won’t have to pay anything additional or account for any tipping expectations.

Disney Busses

The Resort Buses are the most ubiquitous free mode of transportation to navigate around Disney World . The bus system connects Disney resorts to all the parks, water parks, and even Disney Springs.

Guests staying at Disney Resorts have access to the busses, which run about every 20 minutes. The bus service begins about 45 minutes prior to park opening and runs continuously throughout the day until about one hour after park closing. Use of the bus system is not limited to just resort guests, non-resort guests can also utilize the bus (and other transportation options, for that matter) to traverse Disney property and destinations.

Likewise, many Good Neighbor Hotels and other non-Disney hotels also provide theme park shuttles that drop guests off at the theme parks, but those shuttles tend to run at lower frequencies.

Since bus schedules can be unpredictable and are subject to the traffic on the roads, the wait times can vary. And during those peak times (when parks first open and right after the nighttime show/fireworks), the lines for the busses can get daunting. The capacity of a Disney Bus is about 112 people, but electronic conveyance vehicles (ECVs) and strollers may take up some of that space as well. So, you may find yourself waiting through several bus loads before getting your chance to board and depart.

Busses are a tried and true option, and really, did you even visit Disney World if you didn’t ride a Disney Bus at least once? But, luckily, it’s not the only transportation option at Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s newest method of transportation has quickly become a favorite among Disney visitors.  Not subject to road traffic, this continually moving option has become an iconic visual on the Disney landscape and connects four Disney resorts and two Disney theme parks along its route.

The Hollywood Studios Skyliner station is just next to the Bus Stop terminal, at the entrance of the park. This is both good and bad news as it means that during those peak times around park opening and park closing, most guests are heading in the same direction, which can create bottlenecks as the universal path becomes connected with guests, strollers, and ECVs.

The Skyliner connects Hollywood Studios and EPCOT along with stops at four Disney resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort , Riviera Resort , Pop Century , and Art of Animation .

Unless there is inclement weather, the Skyliner is typically a quick and easy way of getting to or from Hollywood Studios and any of these destinations.  But it’s not completely worry-free. Those who have a fear of heights may want to keep their feet on the ground. There have been a few little hiccups with Skyliner jams and delays that have impacted guests, though few and far between, it’s not completely unheard of. And finally, even though it is a continual loading process, there are bottlenecks when parks close and at the transfer juncture at Caribbean Beach when those Skyliner lines get LONG.

Each Skyliner Gondola can hold up to 10 guests, or up to 6 if there is a wheelchair or stroller. So the Skyliner holds few folks than a Disney Bus, but loads and unloads much quicker.

Hollywood Studios sits next to a waterway that is an offshoot of Crescent Lake and actually connects it to EPCOT along with the five EPCOT area resorts, Disney Swan and Dolphin , Disney Swan Reserve, BoardWalk Inn , Yacht Club , and Beach Club .

The Disney Boat system is a relaxing and leisurely way to get from one place to another on Disney property. It’s not necessarily the fastest option, but it’s efficient and if you can get a seat, it’s downright blissful.

The boats make four stops on their route: EPCOT, Yacht & Beach Club, BoardWalk, Swan & Dolphin pier, and Hollywood Studios. The whole route can take about 30 minutes, depending on the number of passengers and loading and unloading time. Typically Disney will have 2-3 boats on the route at a time, so if you miss the boat, you can expect to wait anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

These Friendship Boats are not as big as the Magic Kingdom Ferry. They’re about 65 feet long, and hold up to 100 passengers. Since the boats are infrequent, there are fewer available, and make several stops, you might find yourself waiting a while for one at the end of the day.

If your destination is along the waterway, but you’re not one to wait for a boat, then the walking path might suit your needs. Ok, strictly speaking, this isn’t “transportation” but it is still an option for getting to and from Hollywood Studios, so we’re including it.

The walkway to the EPCOT area resorts takes guests past the Skyliner and Bus Stop to a path along the waterway that borders the BoardWalk. The BoardWalk Inn is the closest at about 3/4 mile from the entrance of Hollywood Studios.  Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin are about a mile away by foot. The Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are on the far side of Crescent Lake from Hollywood Studios. You’ll have to walk just over a mile to get from there to the Park entrance.

If it sounds fun to walk from one Park to another, this is your only east coast opportunity. Hollywood Studios’ front gate and EPCOT’s back gate are connected via all those EPCOT-Area Resort paths, and this will be the longest walk in this area. It’ll add 1.25 miles or so to your pedometer, and depending on your pace, can take about 25-35 minutes.

If you have your own car in Disney World, then you’ll probably want to use it to get from where you’re staying to Hollywood Studios. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, the cost of parking is included in your stay, so you’re covered.

If you’re not staying at a Disney resort, then you’ll need to plan to pay for parking each day.

• Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45 to $50 per day
• Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day
• Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $30 per day

The Hollywood Studios parking lot is situated at the front of the park and has sections named after characters you’ll meet in the parks to help you remember where you parked: Mickey, Minnie, Jessie, Buzz, Olaf, and BB-8. Remember, you can also use the “Car Locator” function in My Disney Experience to help you remember where you parked!

If Hollywood Studios isn’t your only park for the day, keep that parking receipt! At Disney, you only have to pay for parking per day, not per theme park, so present that receipt at your next theme park to avoid paying twice!

If Disney transportation is too slow for you, and you have the option to drive yourself, you can definitely take advantage of the local Taxi and Rideshare options. Prices can vary based on the time of day and distance, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $35 each way (and don’t forget to tip your driver!).

If you’re staying at a resort, the Cast Members or Bell Services Attendants can help you arrange a taxi pick-up, or you can use the Uber or Lyft apps on your mobile to select your own ride.

Each park has designated taxi and rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations, which may not be as conveniently placed as a Disney transportation stop but far more convenient than schlepping it in from the far outskirts of a parking lot.

If you’re looking to grab one of these options at the end of your park day, you’ll usually find some taxis waiting in the parking lot that you can flag over for a lift back to your resort or to your next destination. If you’re planning to use a rideshare, you may want to start that request about 15 minutes early that way, you’re not just standing in the parking lot waiting for your ride, but can time it so that they show up without you having to wait too long.

Convenience with that touch of Disney service! You’ll have to shell out some extra cash, but Disney’s Minnie Van service will get you anywhere on Disney property you need to go (and even all the way to the airport). These cute SUVs are driven by Cast Members but can be requested through the Lyft app.

The price is significantly more than a standard Lyft ride and part of the justification for that the vehicles are cleaned to Disney’s expectations, there are up to 2 car seats available for younger passengers, the Minnie Vans have access to exclusive drop-off locations, and the fun, wit, and knowledge of your Cast Member driver.

Minnie Vans have their own pick-up and drop-off location at the Hollywood Studios Bus station, but they’ll get there much quicker and with less of that up-close-and-personal bonding time with your fellow bus travelers. And the added bonus is that you’ll lose some weight, specifically in the wallet area (well, that might not be a bonus after all…).

Final Thoughts

No matter what method of transportation you use, make sure to do your research and plan accordingly. Until teleportation is invented, getting where you need to be will take some time and inevitably, something outside of your control may affect your travel time, so give yourself an extra 30 minutes to get to where you need to be — no matter how you get there.

Be sure to use the Transportation on My Disney Experience . On there, you’ll be able to look up the schedule for all Disney transportation options, the Car Locator function, and even getting directions if you need help figuring it all out.

Also remember that Disney World Cast Members are there to help — if you ever find yourself unsure of how to get from one place to another in the parks, they will always be more than happy to help you! And if transportation woes do occur, be sure to talk to the Cast Members about your options.

What tips and tricks would you recommend for navigating around Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Ultimate Walt Disney World Guide

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Walt Disney World Water Transportation – Boats: Schedules and Routes

There are numerous types of Walt Disney World water transportation aka boats. Three of the major parks are accessible by water transportation with the lone exception being Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Downtown Disney is even accessible by boat, but in a limited capacity.

Below is a full listing of the types of water transportation that are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

• These boats run only from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back.
• Ferryboats typically begin running 30-45 before park opening.
• Ferryboats typically cease the day’s operation about 45-60 minutes after park closure.
• The transport is a six-minute cruise, but can take 10-12 minutes with departure and docking.

Names of Ferryboats :

• Admiral Joe Fowler
• General Joe Potter
• Richard F. Irvine

Cruiser Boats – Friendship Boats

• Friendship Boats typically begin running at 8:30 a.m.
• Friendship Boats typically cease the day’s operation 60 minutes after park closing
• Approximate transportation times vary and can become much longer at park closing and also due to the amount of stops that each makes.

Friendship Boat Routes :

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios to  Walt Disney World Swan Resort ,  Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort ,  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort ,  Disney’s Beach Club Resort ,  Disney’s Boardwalk Inn , and to Epcot
• Epcot to  Disney’s Boardwalk Inn ,  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort ,  Disney’s Beach Club Resort ,  Walt Disney World Swan Resort ,  Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort .
• There are also two internal Epcot routes with one running between Canada and Morocco while the other runs between Mexico and Germany.

Names of Friendship Boats :

• Friendship I
• Friendship II
• Friendship III
• Friendship IV
• Friendship V
• Friendship VI
• Friendship VII
• Friendship VIII

Launch Boats/Motor Cruisers – Water Taxis

• Launch Boats typically begin running between 6:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
• Launch Boats typically cease the day’s operation 45 minutes after Magic Kingdom park closing and 11:30 p.m.
• Approximate transportation times vary from eight to 20 minutes.
• Operating times vary per type of boats (Launch Boats and Motor Cruisers) – Check daily schedule

NOTE : There are no boats that go directly from  Disney’s Contemporary Resort  to the Magic Kingdom,  Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , or  Disney’s Polynesian Resort .

Launch Boat Routes :

• Gold Flag : Operates the Seven Seas Lagoon route from Magic Kingdom to  Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa  and  Disney’s Polynesian Resort . Typical operation is from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running.
• Blue Flag : Operates the Bay Lake route between  Disney’s Contemporary Resort  / Bay Lake Tower ,  Disney’s Wilderness Lodge , and  Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground . Typical operation is from 6:45 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. They run clockwise until 3:00 p.m. and then reverse direction for the rest of the day. Two boats typically running.
• Green Flag: Operates between  Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground  and the Magic Kingdom. Typical operation is from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running.
• Red Flag : Operates between  Disney’s Wilderness Lodge  and the Magic Kingdom. Typical operation from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running and they do run for Extra Magic Hours.

Names of Launch Boats/Motor Cruisers :

River Boats

• Operating times vary – Check daily schedules
• 20-minute boat ride
• Boats operate between select Disney Resorts and Downtown Disney
• One boat begins operation at 11:00 a.m. and service runs hourly. At 4:00 p.m., a second boat is added and service runs every half an hour.
• The last River Boat leaves  Disney’s Old Key West Resort  at 11:00 p.m. and from Downtown Disney at 11:30 p.m.

River Boat Routes :

• Yellow Flag : Service between Downtown Disney and Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter Resorts
• Blue Flag : Service between Downtown Disney and Disney’s Saratoga Springs and the Treehouse Villas
• Green Flag : Service between Downtown Disney and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Red Flag : Internal Downtown Disney service

Names of River Boats :

• Azalea Bloom
• Bayou Princess
• Blossom Queen
• Buena Vista Queen
• Crescent City Queen (Spelled “Cresent” on name plate)
• Florida Queen
• Louisiana Lady
• Magnolia Blossom
• Memphis Miss
• Saratoga Queen
• Sassagoula Sunset
• Southern Breeze

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The Walt Disney World Resort provides complimentary transportation to almost every destination on property.  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort occasionally shares bus service with Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Villas.  Check with your resort concierge desk for more information, and please check our Transportation Accessibility Guide for any concerns.

* Check park hours as alternative routes may be required due to bus schedules.*

Transportation to other Disney Resort hotels for dining experiences and dinner shows may require extra steps.  Not all transportation options run between resorts, so travel to the nearest park and transfer to another mode is necessary.  The recommended steps are below: 

*Some transportation options may be affected by inclement weather so check with Cast Members for alternate options. *

Taxi Service – Mears Taxi is the preferred taxi service of Walt Disney World, and provides service to all locations within Walt Disney World, as well as off-property.  They can be reached at (407) 699-9999.

Minnie Van Service – Minnie Vans are available to and from each resort, park, and Disney Springs for transportation to any Disney property location.  See the tip page on Minnie Vans for more information.

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How long is boat ride from Yacht Club to Hollywood Studios? Also, is there a different boat from Yacht Club to Epcot or is it the same boat? ”

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Complete Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guide (2024)

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Hollywood Studios was the third park built at Walt Disney World, opening as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989 (it was renamed Hollywood Studios in 2008). It is an ode to movies , which, in a way, is why some of the park can feel a little mish-mashed. But because of the fantastic shows and some of the newest technology in rides , Hollywood Studios has quickly become a must-do park at Disney World. And here’s our complete Hollywood Studios guide !

Want more park guides?

• Guide to Magic Kingdom
• Guide to Epcot
• Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Getting to Hollywood Studios

Depending on where you are staying, you can get to Hollywood Studios in a variety of ways. Let’s break them down!

Taking a Bus to Hollywood Studios

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you will be able to take a bus to Hollywood Studios . Check the bus schedule at your resort and/or at your resort’s bus stop. Buses run regularly before park open and after park close (but times can vary, so double check). If you are staying at a resort, you should also be able to check the bus schedule on the My Disney Experience app.

Check out other transportation options though, because there might actually be a faster way to get there depending on your resort. And often, resorts that have Skyliner access do not offer bus transportation to parks that can be accessed via the Skyliner.

Taking the Skyliner

If you are staying at certain Disney resorts, you can take the Disney Skyliner.

If you are staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you can take a Skyliner gondola directly to Hollywood Studios.

Guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Art of Animation Resort, or Pop Century Resort , will also take the Skyliner, but will have to change gondolas at Caribbean Beach.

Taking a Boat to Hollywood Studios

Resorts close to Hollywood Studios offer transportation via Friendship Boat. The Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and the Swan and Dolphin Resort all have accessible Friendship Boat stations. Note that depending on which station you use, you may have stops at other stations before you get to Hollywood Studios.

Walking to Hollywood Studios

If you are staying in a resort close to Hollywood Studios, you can walk to the park. Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and Swan and Dolphin all have walking paths you can use to get to Hollywood Studios.

Note that these walks can take a bit of time though — about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your resort.

Driving to Hollywood Studios

Driving to Hollywood Studios is of course also an option. If you are staying at a resort, you will not have to pay for parking at the park. Annual passholders also do not have to pay for parking.

If you are a day guest with a regular ticket though, you will be charged $30 for a day of parking.

Getting Around Hollywood Studios

Walk, walk and walk some more. Hollywood Studios is actually the only park that has zero transportation within the park (Magic Kingdom has the train and Main Street vehicles, Epcot has the Friendship boats, and even Animal Kingdom has the train that takes you to Conservation Station).

Luckily though, Hollywood Studios is also the smallest park space-wise, so you will probably still find yourself logging less steps than you will in other parks.

Is One Day at Hollywood Studios Enough?

Because Hollywood Studios is a relatively small park, one day should be plenty of time to see and do just about everything. In fact, if you effectively use Genie+ and skip some stuff, you could even make Hollywood Studios a half day park.

Guide to Hollywood Studios Rides & Attractions in 2023

Hollywood Studios is a celebration of the magic of movie making. In recent years it has seen several expansions aimed at attracting more crowds to the park (and away from the sometimes overcrowded other parks). As a result, Hollywood Studios now has some of the most popular attractions on property, making it even more crowded.

Let’s break the park down into sections, with a list of the attractions you’ll find in each one.

Hollywood Boulevard

You’ll enter the park on Hollywood Boulevard, a street lined with shops and restaurants that leads to the Chinese Theater. The Chinese Theater is where you’ll find Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the park’s newest attraction — a dark, trackless, family-friendly ride.

Hollywood Boulevard Rides & Attractions

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Sunset Boulevard

Turning right off of the middle of Hollywood Boulevard will lead you down Sunset Boulevard, another stretch lined with shops and restaurants, ending with some of the park’s headliner attractions.

Sunset Boulevard Rides & Attractions

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage
• Fantasmic! (nighttime show)
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (show)

The center lake and area around it in Hollywood Studios is known as Echo Lake. It’s notable for its giant dinosaur: Gertie.

Echo Lake Rides & Attractions

• Star Tours — The Adventure Continues
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (show)
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (show)
• Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight

Animation Courtyard

Animation Courtyard is located north of the Chinese Theater before you walk back to Toy Story Land. Here is where you’ll find several character meet and greets, notably Disney Junior and Star Wars characters.

Animation Courtyard Attractions

• Disney Junior Play and Dance!
• Walt Disney Presents (museum and show)
• Star Wars Launch Bay (character meet and greet)

Commissary Lane

Commissary Lane is a street behind the Echo Lake section of the park. This is a small street that mostly has a couple restaurants, but there is a Minnie and Mickey meet and greet.

Commissary Lane Attractions

• Mickey and Minnie in Red Carpet Dreams (character meet and greet)

Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue is located between Star Tours and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is is home of The Muppets! It’s a small area of the park, but if you are a Muppets lover, you’ll definitely want to check it out.

Grand Avenue Attractions

• Muppet*Vision 3D (show)

Pixar Plaza (Municiberg)

Pixar Place is a small area of Hollywood Studios located just before you get to Toy Story Land. Before Toy Story Land opened, the entrance for Toy Story Mania was located here. Now it is usually where you can spot The Incredibles and find Jack Jack Num Num Cookies.

Pixar Plaza Attractions

• The Edna Mode Experience (meet and greet)

Also note that sometimes this area of the park is called Municiberg (because of the sole presence of The Incredibles right now), but on the Disney map it still shows up as Pixar Plaza (so that’s what we’re going with for now).

Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land opened in 2018 and puts you in Andy’s back yard, making you feel like you are the size of a toy. This popular area of the park is often crowded and it has very little shade, so be aware. Our tip is to visit this area in the morning or evening and avoid it in the middle of a hot day.

Toy Story Land Rides and Attractions

• Toy Story Mania!
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Alien Swirling Saucers

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the newest addition to the park, opening in 2019. Here you’ll find yourself on the planet of Batuu, where you might just meet Rey and Chewie or come across the Dark Side. Storm Troopers regularly patrol the area and are some of the most immersive character interactions in all the parks.

Also, use your phone as a datapad to decipher the language of Batuu. You can use the Play Disney Parks app to decode the messages on various signs throughout the land.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rides and Attractions

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Plan the most magical trip with our guide: How to Plan a Trip to Disney World !

How to Use Genie+ at Hollywood Studios

What is genie+.

Genie+ is a system that gives you access to Lightning Lanes (shorter lines). It costs $15 to $35 per day per ticket (pricing is based on crowd level and park). There are also Individual Lightning Lanes that cost a separate fee (usually between $12 and $29) for premium attractions.

Note that aside from rides with Virtual Boarding Groups (right now, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot and TRON Lightcycle/Run in Magic Kingdom) you DO NOT have to purchase Genie+. Standby lines are still available as usual.

Also note that you can choose to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for select rides without purchasing Genie+. To use Genie+ you will book your first Lightning Lane at 7 a.m. the morning of your visit. After that, you can book your next Lightning Lane either 2 hours after park open (or during the day, 2 hours after you book a previous one) OR when you scan into your Lightning Lane ride (usually at the second scan-in spot).

If you want to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane, you can do so at park open (or at 7 a.m. if you are a resort guest).

Also, don’t get Genie+ confused with Genie, which is a free service in the Disney World app that can help you plan your day and book dining.

Using Genie+ in Hollywood Studios

Our first tip for using Genie+ in Hollywood Studios is to get in the app and play with it before your trip. You can go to “My Day” and then the “Tip Board” in the app and see what rides are available at each park, how long the wait times are, and what Lightning Lanes are available to book throughout the day. This will give you a good idea of what to expect.

It’s also helpful to know which rides in the park will have the most demand and which of those have Genie+ Lightning Lane access vs. Individual Lightning Lane Access (available for purchase).

Here are the rides and attractions that have Lightning Lane access in Hollywood Studios (an asterisk indicate a popular line with pretty consistently high wait time where a Lightning Lane would be especially helpful):

• Beauty & The Beach Live on Stage
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster *
• Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
• Slinky Dog Dash *
• Toy Story Mania *
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror *
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway*

Here is the premium ride that would require an Individual Lightning Lane Purchase (but remember, standby is still a free option):

A few things we’ve noticed about Lightning Lane and Genie+ at Hollywood Studios:

• Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane goes FAST. If this is an important ride to you, book it first!
• The Individual Lightning Lane Purchase for Rise of the Resistance also goes fast. So book this first thing in the morning as well. (You can purchase this without it impacting your regular Lightning Lane bookings.)

If I were planning a day at Hollywood Studios using Genie+, I would book my first Lightning Lane for Slinky Dog Dash. I would also consider purchasing the Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance. Then I would rope drop Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad, Tower of Terror, or Rock n’ Roller Coaster, depending on which one was most important to me.

If you choose not to buy the Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane and that is important for you to ride, I would probably rope drop that (as long as I was one of the first people in the park!). Sometimes, rope dropping Rise of the Resistance is definitely the way to go! They often start running the ride before the park actually opens. (When we last rope dropped Rise of the Resistance, we were actually OFF the ride before Early Entry officially began!)

However, because Rise of the Resistance is included in Early Entry for Resort Guests, I would rope drop something different if I were a non-resort guest and plan to shell out for the Individual Lightning Lane or wait in a long line at some point in the day.

Do I Need Genie+ at Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Studios is a smaller park, which means there is not as much to do, but it can also mean that for those few rides there are, the wait times can get high. Out of all four Disney World Park, I’d say this is second behind Magic Kingdom as far as the necessity of Genie+ goes.

Whether or not you purchase Genie+ in Hollywood Studios is going to depend on what rides you want to do, how crowded the park is when you are there, and how long you plan to spend in the park. If you are someone who goes to Disney World frequently, and you don’t mind missing out on some of the rides now and then, I wouldn’t stress about getting Genie+. But if you are taking a big once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would definitely plan to buy Genie Plus.

If you plan to visit Hollywood Studios without Genie+, be sure to arrive early in the morning and try to hit a couple of the most popular attractions within the first hour of the park being open. I’d try to hit Slinky Dog, Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Railway, or Rise of the Resistance depending on what your “must-dos” are.

Also remember that Hollywood Studios has a couple rides with single rider lines (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run), so if your party is okay with being split up, take advantage of these for shorter wait times.

Early Entry at Hollywood Studios for Resort Guests

If you are staying in a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel or at some of the “Good Neighbor” hotels, you will have access to Early Entry . This means that you can enter the park 30 minutes earlier than regular day guests and enjoy access to several attractions.

Here is what is open in Hollywood Studios during Early Entry:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Toy Story Mania

If you are staying at the Disney resort, definitely plan to take advantage of early entry! This is a great time to get on some of the most popular rides with little to no wait!

If you are not staying at a Disney resort, be conscious of what rides will already have wait times (because of these Early Entry guests) when you arrive at the park. This is why you may not want to rope drop something like Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash, and instead go for something like Toy Story Mania.

Characters at Hollywood Studios in 2023

There are tons of characters you can meet in Hollywood Studios, and many of them are characters you can ONLY meet in Hollywood Studios , like Star Wars characters and Disney Junior characters.

Let’s break down each area of the park with the characters you can generally meet there. Note that this can be subject to change, so definitely check your times guide or My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit to see what characters are available.

Hollywood Studios Character Meals

Currently, Hollywood & Vine is offering character dining. For breakfast you can meet Disney Junior characters at the Disney Junior Play n’ Dine. You can see Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vamparina, and Goofy.

Lunch and Dinner are Minnie’s Seasonal Dining, where you can see Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy in seasonal outfits.

Hollywood Studios Character Meet and Greets

Hollywood Studios has so many unique characters to meet, so if you want to see Olaf or Star Wars characters or Toy Story characters, this is the place to be!

You also never know what other characters might pop up throughout the park, so keep your eyes open!

Hollywood Boulevard Characters

Sometimes near the entrance of the park or near Brown Derby (near Animation Courtyard entrance) you can meet classic Disney characters. Usually these are Daisy and Donald .

Sunset Boulevard Characters

At the end of Sunset Boulevard, you can see characters from Cars outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. These characters include Cruz Ramirez and DJ . You may also sometimes see a character (like Goofy) on the Tower of Terror balcony.

Animation Courtyard Characters

Animation Courtyard is the biggest place to meet characters in Hollywood Studios and has characters you won’t find in any other Disney World parks.

Here you’ll find Disney Junior characters like Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Fancy Nancy in outdoor meet and greets (plus see Disney Junior Characters at Disney Junior Dance and Play!). You’ll usually find Pluto here too.

Animation Courtyard is also home to the Star Wars Launch Bay, where you can meet BB-8, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and sometimes Kylo Ren.

You’ll also find Walt Disney Presents here, where recently you can meet Ariel from the live action Little Mermaid.

Echo Lake Characters

In Echo Lake, across from Backlot Express, you’ll find Celebrity Spotlight. This is where you can meet Olaf from Frozen. This is the only place you can meet Olaf in Disney World!

Outside of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular you can see Chip and Dale dressed in the Rescue Rangers costumes.

Commissary Lane Characters

Commissary Lane is where you can meet Mickey and Minnie. Their meet and greet is called Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams and you’ll see Minnie in her Hollywood dress and Mickey in his Sorcerer’s Apprentice outfit.

Grand Avenue Characters

Recently Goofy and his son Max have been seen in the Grand Avenue area. They are located between Grand Avenue and the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge.

Pixar Plaza Characters

In the small Pixar Plaza area you can meet Edna Mode at The Edna Mode Experience. You can also find Mr. and Mrs. Incredible , Frozone , and Sulley out in the area with small lines.

Toy Story Land Characters

Toy Story Land is of course where you can meet the characters from Toy Story! These will include Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie . Plus you can catch the Green Army Men marching!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Characters

There aren’t actually character meet and greets in Galaxy’s Edge, but there are still plenty of characters to see! Chewie and Rey are often out trying to outwit the First Order along with Vi Moradi . You’ll also see Storm Troopers constantly patrolling, and Kylo Ren makes regular appearances.

They have also added Mando and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) from the hit show The Mandalorian as characters in Batuu, and you can find them roaming around throughout the day. This character interaction isn’t listed in the My Disney Experience app, but you can usually find him in the Marketplace area of Galaxy’s Edge.

Hollywood Studios Outdoor Entertainment

Hollywood Studios has some great nighttime entertainment events, most notably the popular Fantasmic! — one of the most popular shows on property. As always, check the My Disney Experience app to see what it available on the day of your visit.

Disney Movie Magic takes place on Hollywood Boulevard and features projected movie moments on the Chinese Theater.

Wonderful World of Animation takes place on Hollywood Boulevard and highlights Disney animation through projections on the Chinese Theater. Generally it occurs right after Disney Movie Magic.

Fantasmic! is the classic nighttime show at Hollywood Studios. It has been running since 1992! You can see it in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, which is located behind Tower of Terror. Take the path between Beauty and Beast and Tower of Terror and it will lead you to Fantasmic! Make sure you get there early; this is a popular show!

Hollywood Studios Dining Guide

Hollywood Studios hasn’t always had the strongest dining options, but some recent additions and menu overhauls have really improved things. In this Hollywood Studios guide, let’s break dining options down land by land and discuss Table Service, Quick Service, and Snack Quick Service locations in each area.

Also keep your eye peeled for other snack booths throughout the park. In addition to the main locations listed below, you’ll find other kiosks offering ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, and more.

Hollywood Boulevard Dining

• The Hollywood Brown Derby — Table Service restaurant serving American fine dining dishes.
• The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is connected to The Hollywood Brown Derby and offers drinks and a select number of menu items.
• The Trolley Car Cafe — Quick Service — the Starbucks location in Hollywood Studios, also offering cupcakes and pastries.

Sunset Boulevard Dining

• Catalina Eddie’s — Quick Service window offering pizza and salads.
• Fairfax Fare — Quick Service location offering tex-mex cuisine.
• Rosie’s All-American Cafe — Quick Service window offering burgers and hot dogs.
• Anaheim Produce — Quick Service Snack location with fresh fruit and veggies, plus Mickey pretzels.
• Hollywood Scoops — Quick Service Snack location offering ice cream.
• KRNR The Rock Station — Quick Service Snack location with hot dogs and frozen treats.

Echo Lake Dining

• 50’s Prime Time Cafe — Table Service restaurant offering throwback comfort food.
• Hollywood & Vine — Table Service restaurant offering American cuisine. This is also the only location for character dining in Hollywood Studios, with Disney Junior breakfasts and Minnie and friends lunches and dinners.
• Tune-In Lounge is connected to 50’s Prime Time Cafe and offers drinks. They used to offer food, but have not recently.
• Backlot Express — Quick Service location offering burgers and sandwiches.
• Dockside Diner — Quick Service located at the ship on Echo Lake, mainly offering hot dogs.
• Epic Eats — Quick Service Snack location with funnel cakes and ice cream.

Commissary Lane Dining

• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant — Table Service restaurant where you dine on burgers and fries in a drive-in theater.
• ABC Commissary — Quick Service restaurant with American and global cuisine.

Grand Avenue Dining

• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano — Table Service restaurant offering Italian dishes.
• BaseLine Tap House is a lounge/bar offering drinks and small plates.
• PizzeRizzo — Quick Service location offering Rizzo the Rat’s pizza. It is usually only opened seasonally or when crowds are high.

Pixar Plaza Dining

• Market — Quick Service Snack booth offering Jack Jack Num Num Cookies.

Toy Story Land Dining

• Roundup Rodeo BBQ — Table Service location that opened in March 2023 with immersive Toy Story theming.
• Woody’s Lunch Box — Quick Service location with sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Plus they are open for breakfast, with some of the favorite breakfast food on property.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Dining

• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo — Quick Service restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They offer cuisine from Batuu (really American food with a bit of a twist and a creative name.)
• Ronto Roasters — Quick Service location known for Ronto Wraps (made with pork sausage). Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Oga’s Cantina — Bar/Lounge with Star Wars themed cocktails and mocktails. If you want to visit, you will definitely need a reservation!
• Kat Saka’s Kettle — Quick Service Snack location offering flavored popcorn.
• Milk Stand — Quick Service Snack location where you can get the famous blue and green milk.

Special Events at Hollywood Studios

Disney after hours.

Disney After Hours is set to return to Hollywood Studios in 2024! This event will take place on select nights between January 10 and April 10.

This is a separately ticketed event (aka you don’t need a park ticket) that takes place from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Using your ticket, you can enter the park starting at 7:00 p.m. though.

After Hours events give you the opportunity to enjoy Hollywood Studios rides and attractions with lower crowds because they are limited capacity. However, not every ride and attraction will be open. The event also includes ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages. Prices for the event in 2023 range from $155 to $175.

Disney Jollywood Nights

In 2023, Disney introduced a new event at Hollywood Studios: Disney Jollywood Nights. This was a separately ticketed event that will took place on select nights from November 11 to December 20.

The event included special entertainment including a variety show hosted by Kermit and Miss Piggy, a special holiday projection show on the Chinese Theater, and a Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along show. There were also special character meet and greets (like Phineas and Ferb).

Disney also encouraged guests to dress up for this event — it’s all about the glitz and glam!

Prices for Jollywood Nights ranged from $159 to $179. The event took from place 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and ticketholders could enter the park as early at 7:00 p.m.

However, Jollywood Nights didn’t get rave reviews. Many guests who visited thought that the special night didn’t have enough offerings, so we’ll see if Disney decides to continue Jollywood Nights in 2024.

Hollywood Studios Current Closures and Upcoming Attractions

Ride & attraction closures.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid — Currently closed. Little Mermaid a Musical Adventure (a new show) is opening Fall 2024.

Hollywood Studios Tips and Tricks

• When Tower of Terror shows a 13 minute wait, that actually means it is a 0 minute wait!
• Take advantage of single rider lines! There are two rides with single rider lines (Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Smugglers Run) in Hollywood Studios, which can save you a lot of queuing time if your party is willing to be split up.
• Don’t forget about rider switch! Hollywood Studios has a pretty big proportion of rides meant to appeal to older kids and adults, so don’t hesitate to use rider switch if you need it! (With rider swap one adult can wait with the child while the rest of the party waits in line; then the adult who was with the child can ride the ride through the Lightning Lane.)

More Disney Planning Resources

• Planning a Disney World Vacation: The Ultimate Guide
• Disney World Rides by Age
• Water Rides at Disney World
• Epcot vs. Hollywood Studios: Which Park Should You Visit?

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Are the boats running from Yacht Club to Hollywood Studios?

• Thread starter birdman
• Start date Jul 8, 2021

Earning My Ears

• Jul 8, 2021

We are staying at the Yacht club next week for a couple of days and doing Hollywood studios one of the days. When I initially booked it, it looked like the best / fastest way to get from yacht Club to Hollywood Studios was by boat. (faster than walking). My son just found some posts that seem to suggest that the boat is only running to Magic Kingdom (?). Can anyone confirm that (1) the boat is the best way to get from Yacht Club to HS and (2) whether or not the boat is currently running? thx in advance.  

Deb & Bill

Dvc-trivia contest, apr-2006: honorable mention.

Yes. We used the boat in May to go to Epcot several times.  

DIS Veteran

The boats in Crescent Lake are running. The boat to DHS will stop at Swan/Dolphin before going to DHS.  

GADisneyDad14

Disney resorts board.

Unless you have mobility concerns, walking from YC to DHS is usually going to be faster than the boat and is the “easiest” option since you have total control over the timing. The first boat starts running around an hour before park opening. We like to walk in the AM and then either take the boat or Skyliner back (although prefer Skyliner).  

Thx. Super helpful. Apx how long is the walk?  

dhar_disneyfan

We stayed at Yacht Club mid-May. Boat were running, but as mentioned a few posts up, we walked to HS for Rope Drop since we didn't want to risk not being in the park as early as possible. We definitely got there before the boat arrived. We weren't hoofing it either, a nice casual morning stroll. Got to see some of the Boardwalk too.  

• Jul 9, 2021

birdman said: My son just found some posts that seem to suggest that the boat is only running to Magic Kingdom (?). Can anyone confirm that (1) the boat is the best way to get from Yacht Club to HS and (2) whether or not the boat is currently running? thx in advance. Click to expand...

focusondisney

birdman said: Thx. Super helpful. Apx how long is the walk? Click to expand...

My family took the friendship boats to /from HS and Epcot throughout our trip (7/3-7/9). Our traveling pace is leisure so we were never in a rush to go anywhere. The boat ride was very relaxing and convenient. It also sheltered us from the sudden FL summer storm a couple times.  

TheSouthernBelle

Tigger's ally

Segway test dummy.

Walk in the morning, boat at night.  

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Last updated: March 8, 2024

The Yacht Club's nautical beach theme includes model ships and antique navigation instruments. The Resort's best features are its top-rated pool, walking paths to EPCOT and the Studios, and Skyliner access.

$598 - $4,093

Lodging Area

Boat, Bus, Skyliner, Walk

Guest Overall Rating

Based on 304 surveys. (See our Ratings and Research page for details)

Lighting: A

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Club Level at Yacht Club

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Yacht Club Room Review and Tour

Best pool complex of any WDW resort

Excellent staff/service

Walking distance to EPCOT and DHS

Close to many BoardWalk and EPCOT dining options

Well-themed public spaces

Bright and attractive guest rooms

Boat and Skyliner transportation to DHS

Views and balcony size are hit-or-miss

Bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, water parks, and Disney Springs is shared with other EPCOT resorts

Our stay at Yacht Club was great. Room was good sized, as well as nicely designed and decorated. Without exception, all cast members encountered displayed helpful, courteous and friendly attitudes.

Our stay at Yacht Club was great. Room was good sized, as well as nicely designed and decorated. Without exception, all cast members encountered displayed...

April 7, 2021

We chose to stay at Yacht Club and couldn't have been happier.

May 5, 2018

Rooms at Yacht Club are lovely. The laminate floors are not noisy at all (if we had neighbors above us, we never heard them). Soundproofing on the balcony is good. Lots of USB ports.

Rooms at Yacht Club are lovely. The laminate floors are not noisy at all (if we had neighbors above us, we never heard them). Soundproofing on the balcony is...

October 10, 2017

We love the Yacht Club! We picked it the first time based on details - distance to the parks, reviews, etc - were not disappointed.

November 27, 2016

The Yacht Club's rooms are decorated in white with blue and brass accents. The most recent update also replaced carpeting with vinyl "hardwood" floors, freshening the rooms' look.

• Room with Queen Bed(s) and en-suite bathroom
• Balcony or patio
• Dresser with drawers
• Full-length mirror
• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Flat-panel TV
• Coffee maker and starter supply of coffee pods
• Ironing board and iron
• Digital thermostat
• In-room safe
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar soap

Most rooms are 381 square feet and have two queen-size beds. All upper-floor rooms have full balconies, while ground-floor rooms have patios.

Yacht Club Standard Room

Yacht Club Dresser and TV

Yacht Club Fold Down Bed

Yacht Club Desk and Chair

Yacht Club Closet and Storage

Yacht Club Fridge and Coffe Maker

Yacht Club Standard Room Bathroom

Yacht Club Room 4073 View

We’ve mapped and taken photographs of the views from every single room on Walt Disney World property! Our Room Finder helps you find the perfect room for you and then request that room from Disney.

Dining isn't a strength at Yacht Club, but tons of options are short walk away at EPCOT or the four other resorts.

Ale & Compass Restaurant The cuisine is advertised as “New England comfort food.” Reader ratings have improved substantially over the years, without compromising the diversity of the menu.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Open for dinner only, Yachtsman Steakhouse serves up steak, seafood, and sides. This is a signature restaurant that tries to create an atmosphere, so expect high prices and to adhere to a minimal dress code.

Market at Ale and Compass A small spot carved out of the gift shop, the Market has coffee, pastries, and other small items.

Ale and Compass Lounge Ale & Compass is a competent restaurant, the kind of place you'll be happy to find at dinnertime if it's raining and you don't want to go outside; or everyone is starving and you need to eat right now. Ale and Compass is a better choice for breakfast. You'll find something for everyone in various combinations of eggs, potatoes, bacon, tofu, French toast, and so on, with a la carte options if you just want a quick bite.

Crew's Cup Lounge The Crew’s Cup Lounge is one of the better bars in Walt Disney World, although the reason for that statement is hard to explain. The entire room just feels...well, cool. It starts when you approach the door, which is found in the Yacht Club’s hallway, heading towards the Beach Club Resort. One of the things that makes Crew’s Cup cool is the understated sign hanging in the hall, a few steps up, as well as a plain door. The facade is easily overshadowed by the Yachtsman Steakhouse, but that secret, speakeasy style entry makes it a little hard to find, and we all know that the coolest places don’t need to advertise. Walking in you immediately notice the theme, which is rowing, but are not overwhelmed by it. There are a few images of rowers here and there and a few oars along the walls, but it is mostly just a quaint, slightly dark, overwhelmingly wood-paneled lounge. The rowing theme obviously fits in with the Yacht Club Resort and the Crew’s Cup looks as if it would be a place that a crew team would hang out after practice. While many Americans do not think of crew or rowing as major sports, it certainly has a long history in the United States. It began as soon as the English landed, having been popular there several centuries prior. Yale University boast the oldest American college crew club, started in 1843, and the Harvard versus Yale regatta is the oldest intercollegiate sport in the U.S. It is so old in fact (started in 1852), that it had to be paused during the American Civil War! The entire Crew’s Cup Lounge hints toward this history. The shell (or boat to you landlubbers) hanging from the ceiling is a common place for storage when there are no racks. The oars along the walls are each painted differently, which is how a team identifies itself (although these oars match no teams that we could find). Even just the exposed rafters and craftsman touches point toward a New England style around the year 1900. For those interested in what goes on in a kitchen, there is a window that looks into a section of the Yachtsman Steakhouse’s back of house. Often during dinner time you will see a prep chef getting ready for the mealtime rush. Once you decide to have a seat, there are a few different options, with seats at the bar, a handful of booths, a few tables and chairs, and also a few couches. Whether you are there for dinner, relaxation, or to watch the television, you will find a seat to match. Speaking of dinner, there is both food and drink aplenty, although the drink list is our one big knock on The Crew’s Cup as it follows the standard Disney drink menu. The food here is above average and consists of hearty appetizers, burgers, and chicken tenders. Nothing fancy, but good quality and decently priced (for Walt Disney World). The Crew’s Cup Lounge is not often mentioned as a favorite spot, and we will hope it stays that way because that just means more room for us. After all, if everyone knows it might stop being so cool.

Fittings & Farings Fittings & Farings is Yacht Club's souvenir shop. A small selection of snacks, drinks, and other groceries are available.

Refillable Mugs Allows guest self-service soft drink refills from quick-service locations in hotels ( NOT in theme parks ) for $21.99 for the length of stay.

SWIPE TO EXPLORE

Yacht Club has Disney World's best pool - Stormalong Bay with a lazy river, fabulous water slide, and acres of water fun. Three other pools are available across Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, for use by both Beach and Yacht Club guests.

Lafferty Place Arcade arcade is near Stormalong Bay between the Yacht and Beach resorts. It features relatively recent video games of all kinds.

Free Disney Movies Under the Stars are shown most evenings, weather-permitting, either at the Beach Club Beach, or in the Solarium.

The Ship Shape Fitness Center has weights, treadmills, and other equipment for your workout. Hours are typically 6 AM to 9 PM. Joggers will enjoy the 0.8-mile loop around Crescent Lake too.

The Beach Club Beach hosts marshmallow roasts around 5:30 PM nightly. It's really great during the cooler months of the year.

Disney resort guests get into each theme park 30 minutes earlier than off-site guests, every day.

Those staying at Disney's Deluxe and Deluxe Villa hotels can buy Lightning Lane via Individual Purchase at 7:00 a.m. each day. Others cannot make that purchase until the official park opening time.

Disney's Deluxe and DVC resort guests get two extra hours in select theme parks on certain days of the week. The schedule changes, so check with the front desk.

Practical Matters

Check-in is 4:00pm Check-out is 11:00am

All Disney resorts participate in Disney’s Online Check-In program. If you’ve checked-in online and provided a mobile phone number or email address, you will receive your room number electronically. Then you can go straight to the room and use your smart phone or MagicBand to open the door, skipping the lobby altogether.

These rubber and plastic wrist bands can function as your room key, park admission, charge card, and more! MagicBands cost money, but if you'd like a free option you can use the official Disney World app on your phone or request an RFID-embedded card at the front desk.

Park tickets are best purchased online in advance either directly through Disney or via our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator . However, if you arrive without park tickets, head to the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Dining reservation are best made online in advance or on your phone or tablet during your visit. You can also use our Disney World Reservation Finder .

Washers and dryers are availabile in laundry facilities at each Disney World hotel. Cost is $3 per wash, and another $3 per dry cycle. A small selection of soap, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are also sold, for around $1 each. Only credit/debit cards can be used for payment. For more information, see our Disney World Laundry Facilities page.

If you lose something in a theme park or during your stay at a Disney-operated hotel, visit Disney's Lost and Found website or call (407) 824-4245.

Disney hotels have gifts shops near their lobbies with a decent collection of Disney-branded souvenirs. You will also find basic pharmacy items such as sunscreen, aspirin, allergy and cold medicine, baby diapers and formula, shampoo, and the like. Resort hotels with Deluxe Villa rooms offer an assortment of groceries, as well.

Disney recommends a third party company, Kid's Nite Out , to provide babysitting services at the resort hotels. See our Disney World Child Care page for more information.

The Yacht Club is located in the EPCOT Resort Area. All modern GPS apps, and Google Maps, will have clear driving directions to it. As a backup, look for Disney road signs directing you toward the EPCOT resorts (not EPCOT) once you're on property, and then look for signs for the Yacht Club once you're close.

Disney Skyliner gondola system has a station at EPCOT's International Gateway entrance. The ride to Hollywood Studios is about 12 minutes (plus waiting time in line).

Disney provides free bus service to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs from the bus stop at the front of the resort. Buses run about every 20 minutes. For all destinations except the Magic Kingdom, it's probably faster to drive or walk.

If you have your own car , it's faster to drive yourself to Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, and Disney Springs. Disney's transportation system is faster to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

EPCOT is a short walk from the Yacht Club, and the walk to Hollywood Studios is just a little longer.

Disney provides free boat service to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios from the resort.

You can walk between the Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin. Boat service is available to all of those, too, except the Swan Reserve. The Skyliner at EPCOT's International Gateway can take you to Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. For all other resort destinations, the fastest option is an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Disney's bus service is free but slow, and will probably require you to use an intermediate destination like Disney Springs, to get to your destination. And that can take a couple of hours each way if you're unluckly.

if you have a car, the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other tourist destinations is to drive. Alternatively, Mears Transportation operates shuttle services between the Disney hotels and other theme parks.

tabs#change">Driving to the Resort

tabs#change">Getting to the Parks and Disney Springs

tabs#change">Getting to Another Hotel from Yacht Club

tabs#change">Getting to Universal Orlando

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Podcast

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with Len Testa of TouringPlans & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with TouringPlan's Len Testa & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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See photo of the meeting point