If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want the ultimate convenience, staying at hotels within walking distance to Disney Hollywood Studios can make your experience much easier. Being close means you can skip the hassle of transportation and get to the park quickly for rope drop or a mid-day break.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the closest hotels, estimated walking distances, and key benefits of staying nearby.
Key Points
- Closest Hotels: Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Walt Disney World Swan Dolphin Resort.
- Walking Distance: All hotels mentioned are within a 10-20 minute walk (0.5 to 1 mile) from Hollywood Studios.
Hotels Within Walking Distance to Disney Hollywood Studios
Staying close to Disney Hollywood Studios has its perks beyond just the short walk. You’ll have more flexibility, avoid transportation delays, and be able to easily return to your hotel for a break in the middle of the day.
1. Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Distance: Approximately 0.9 miles (15-20 minutes walk)
Disney's BoardWalk Inn captures the charm of Atlantic City with its waterfront setting and classic boardwalk ambiance. The hotel features a lively atmosphere with dining, shopping, and entertainment options right outside your door. It's perfect for guests wanting a blend of fun and luxury. The walking path to Hollywood Studios along Crescent Lake provides scenic views, making the walk pleasant and relaxing.
2. Disney's Beach Club Resort
Distance: Approximately 1 mile (15-20 minutes walk)
Disney's Beach Club Resort offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere inspired by New England seaside resorts. The pastel-colored architecture and inviting atmosphere make it a favorite among families. Its signature feature, Stormalong Bay, is a massive pool complex with a lazy river and sand-bottom pool, ideal for children and adults alike. The walking path is direct and scenic, making it a great choice for easy park access.
3. Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Distance: Approximately 1 mile (15-20 minutes walk)
Disney's Yacht Club Resort combines sophistication with nautical charm, featuring a more refined design than Beach Club while sharing many amenities. Guests staying here can also enjoy Stormalong Bay, and the resort's proximity to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios makes it a prime location. The walking path is shaded and calm, offering a relaxing stroll to the park.
4. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles (10-15 minutes walk)
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are known for their modern design and luxurious yet affordable accommodations. Though not Disney-owned, they offer many of the same benefits, such as early park entry. The contemporary styling and extensive dining options make them ideal for both families and business travelers. The walking path is the shortest among these hotels, making it a highly convenient choice.
Additional Benefits of Staying Close
Beyond proximity, staying within walking distance provides several other benefits worth considering.
Flexibility
Staying within walking distance gives you the freedom to return to your hotel whenever needed. This is especially helpful during the midday heat or when traveling with young children who may need a nap. Being nearby allows you to avoid long transportation waits and return refreshed for more park fun later in the day.
No Waiting for Buses
Walking to Disney Hollywood Studios allows you to avoid the often lengthy wait times for Disney buses, especially during park closing when transportation can become crowded and slow. By staying at a nearby hotel, you can take a stress-free stroll to the park and avoid the hassle of waiting for a ride back after a long day of fun.
Early Theme Park Entry
Guests staying at Disney-owned hotels and select partner hotels can take advantage of early theme park entry, which allows them to access Disney Hollywood Studios 30 minutes before it opens to the general public. This benefit provides a valuable head start for enjoying popular attractions with shorter wait times, making it ideal for families and those eager to maximize their time in the park.
Friendship Boats and Skyliner
Besides walking, the Friendship Boats offer a leisurely water taxi service that transports guests between the BoardWalk area resorts and Disney Hollywood Studios. The boats provide a calm and scenic journey along Crescent Lake, making stops at various resorts before reaching the park.
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola system that connects several resorts, including Disney's Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort, with Hollywood Studios. It offers an elevated and unique travel experience, giving guests spectacular aerial views of the resort while providing a quick and direct route to the park.
Choosing the Right Hotel for You
When deciding which hotel best fits your needs, consider:
- Budget: Swan and Dolphin often provide the best rates while still offering premium amenities.
- Amenities: If pool quality is important, Beach and Yacht Clubs offer the impressive Stormalong Bay, often considered the best pool area in Walt Disney World, featuring a lazy river and sand-bottom pool.
- Proximity: Swan and Dolphin hotels are slightly closer, with a quicker 10-15 minute walk compared to the 15-20 minutes from the other deluxe resorts. However, all options remain comfortably walkable with scenic paths along Crescent Lake.
- Extra Perks: Disney-owned resorts offer early park entry and other benefits that may be worth the premium pricing for some visitors.
Which hotel is the absolute closest to Disney Hollywood Studios?
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are the closest, with about a 10-15 minute walk.
Are these hotels suitable for families?
Yes! While Swan and Dolphin are more modern, Beach and Yacht Clubs offer family-friendly amenities like Stormalong Bay.
Do all of these hotels offer Disney benefits?
All Disney-owned hotels provide early park entry. Swan and Dolphin offer some benefits but not all Disney-exclusive perks.
Is the walking path well-lit and safe?
Yes, the entire path is safe, well-lit, and scenic, making it a pleasant walk even at night.
Can I use the Friendship Boats if I stay at these hotels?
Yes! All the mentioned hotels provide access to the Friendship Boats, which travel to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.