How do you get from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot?
If you are staying at the Riviera Resort or planning a future visit, you probably want to know how to get to Epcot from the resort.
Below, I will detail FIVE specific ways you can make this journey.
Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot:
Option #1: Take the Disney Skyliner! (free)
The easiest way to get to Epcot from the Riviera is to take the Disney Skyliner! One huge benefit of staying here is an entry station to the Disney Skyliner is located right next to the resort. 🙂
To find the boarding area, walk to the western side of the resort. A covered walkway leads directly from the Riviera to the Skyliner. There are lots of signs around that will also point you in the correct direction.
Check out the map below to see exactly where the Disney Skyliner is located in relation to Riviera. As you can see, no matter where you stay at the resort, you have less than a 5-minute walk to the boarding area!
When you enter the Skyliner boarding station, pay attention to the signs to get in the correct line. In addition to going to Epcot, you can also head to Hollywood Studios.
In my experience, you will encounter the largest lines in the morning. Everyone is trying to get to the parks as soon as possible to take advantage of early entry, which you get by staying at any Disney Resort.
Once you have boarded the correct gondola at the Riviera, you will head directly to Epcot!
It’s a beautiful ride as you soar above Walt Disney World. Please don’t get too comfortable because it only takes 9 minutes to get to the park once in the air. 🙂
Skyliner station – International Gateway at Epcot
Please be aware that when you take the Skyliner to Epcot, you won’t enter the park at the front main entrance by the iconic giant ball.
Instead, you are entering the International Gateway entrance, which is located at the BACK of the park. When you enter through the International Gateway, you will be near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France area of the World Showcase.
Here is a map of Epcot so you can see where you will enter the park when you come from the Skyliner.
If you want to enter through the main entrance at Epcot, keep reading for more transportation options!
Option #2: Take an Uber from the Riviera Resort to Epcot
If you don’t want to ride on the Skyliner, using a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from the Riviera is easy.
The easiest place to meet your driver is outside near the Riviera front lobby, as there are plenty of spots for you to get in the car. You could also walk down to the bus stop or one of the large parking lots at the resort, as there are many open areas for the driver to park quickly. Regardless, make sure you mark the location you want to be picked up CORRECTLY in the app to avoid any delays.
The driving distance from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot’s main entrance is 3.7 miles (6 km), and the drive should take under 15 minutes, depending on the amount of traffic.
The one-way fare from the Riviera Resort averages under $15.
Between Uber and Lyft, there are a lot of drivers cruising around. Almost every time I’ve used a rideshare to the parks, I’ve had to wait less than 10 minutes to get picked up. 🙂
Also, it’s worth pointing out that a rideshare service will drop you off at the MAIN ENTRANCE of Epcot, by the giant iconic white ball. Remember that the Disney Skyliner takes you to the back of the park to the International Gateway, a 20-minute walk to the front of Epcot.
If you have limited time to travel to Epcot, I think it is money well spent! It’s a great option if you need to be at the front of the park at a certain time and want to avoid extra walking.
Option #3: Ride in a MINNIE VAN to Epcot
One fun thing about using the rideshare service Lyft is that they have partnered with Disney World to provide MINNIE VANS, which are Minnie Mouse-themed mini-vans!
A big benefit of using a Minnie Van is they are driven by DISNEY CAST MEMBERS. I know many people like this fact because the drivers are employees of Disney, which provides additional peace of mind.
While using the Lyft app inside the resort, choose Epcot as your destination. Then, order the Minnie Van to come and pick you up.
While this option is fun, as you can see above, it is more expensive than a regular Lyft vehicle. But in addition to a Disney Cast Member driving, here are a few additional benefits of a Minnie Van.
- They can fit up to SIX people.
- Includes two car seats, which your driver will install for you.
- These vans can fit scooters and wheelchairs, but please pre-arrange your ride if you need this service.
Lastly, a Minnie Van will drop you off at the main entrance of Epcot, not the International Gateway.
Option #4: Take a TAXI to Epcot
I know some people don’t like using Uber or Lyft because they don’t know about the person driving or don’t feel comfortable using the app. If this describes you, calling a traditional taxi company for a ride is easy.
Taking a taxi has many of the same benefits as rideshares, such as not waiting in line for the Disney Skyliner. But of course, you must pay for the taxi ride, where the Skyliner is free.
If you want to take a taxi from the Riviera Resort, I recommend calling Mears Taxi, a well-known and trusted company in the Orlando area. You can even schedule and book your ride online.
Lastly, a taxi will drop you off at the main entrance of Epcot, not the International Gateway.
Option #5: Drive yourself to Epcot!
Getting in your car and driving yourself is an often overlooked way to go from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot. It’s probably the fastest way to travel since you don’t have to wait for someone to pick you up. 🙂
The distance between these two locations is only 3.7 miles (6 km). The drive usually takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
And here is the BEST news about driving yourself to Epcot…
As long as you are staying at the Riviera, the parking at Epcot is FREE! Unfortunately, many guests don’t realize (or forget) that if you stay at a Disney World Resort, parking at any of the parks does not cost anything.
Getting FREE parking at the theme parks is an incredible benefit of staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, as parking costs a minimum of $25 per day at each park.
Related Posts:
Can I take the Disney buses between Riviera Resort and Epcot?
The short answer to this question is NO. Because the Skyliner provides transportation to Epcot, there are no buses that travel there. But if the Skyliner ever breaks down or needs refurbishment, Disney sends buses to the hotel to provide transportation.
Please do not try to wait outside for bus transportation between the Riviera and Epcot! Unfortunately, you would be sitting there a LONG time. 🙂
Can I take the Disney Monorail from the Riviera Resort to Epcot?
No, the monorail does not have a boarding station at the Riviera. To get to Epcot using the monorail from your hotel, you must stay at the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Polynesian Village Resort.
Can I walk from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot?
The short answer to this question is NO. First, the distance between the resort and the theme park is fairly long, around 3.7 miles (6 km). And second, there are no walking paths that connect them. You must take the Skyliner, a taxi/rideshare, or drive yourself to get there!
What is your favorite way to travel from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot?
Leave a COMMENT below!
