Jenna SaxtonBetween planning where you’ll stay, what parks you’ll visit, what rides you want to go on, and where you want to eat in Walt Disney World there’s one important thing that most people forget to think about – how you’re going to get around!
And, while it’s an afterthought for most guests, it’s actually something that you consider before you even book your hotel stay. Why? Because transportation can vary a lot based on which Disney World Resort hotel you choose to stay at. Choose one with great transportation options and you’ll save time. But, if you choose the wrong hotel? Well, you might end up wasting precious park time.
So, what are all the Disney World transportation options and what do you need to know about them before your next trip? We’re breaking it all down!
Disney World Transportation Overview
Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, there are four free and convenient ways to get around – monorail, bus, water taxi, and Disney Skyliner. And, the great thing about all of them is that they’re free to all guests…even if you aren’t staying at a Disney hotel!
However, not all Disney transportation options are created equally. Each mode of transportation has its own unique experience and can take you to different parts of the park. For example, the buses can take you to all four main parks, both water parks, and Disney Springs. Whereas, the monorail only has three separate lines, allowing you to travel from the Transportation and Ticket Center to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.
To use the Disney transportation system, all you need to do is wait at the designated transportation area for your desired mode of transportation. There are signs and Cast Members to guide you to the right area. And, once you board, you can sit back and relax – your captain, pilot, or driver will take you to your destination!
It’s important to note that transportation times may vary depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and park hours so it’s important to have a good idea of the different ways you can get around before your Disney World vacation.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each Disney World transportation option!
Monorail
One of the most iconic forms of transportation at Walt Disney World is the monorail system. The monorail has been a part of the park since its opening back in 1971 and continues to be a popular mode of transportation for guests. However, the monorail is only available at select Disney hotels and parks.
Currently, the monorail system operates on three separate routes:
- The Magic Kingdom Resort loop – which stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom.
- The EPCOT loop – which stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center and EPCOT.
- The Express loop – which runs between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom with no stops in between.
It is important to note that the monorail system operates on a schedule and may experience delays or closures due to maintenance or inclement weather. Guests should plan accordingly and check the schedule before relying on the monorail as their mode of transportation. If the monorail is unavailable, Disney bus transportation will be offered between these resorts and Magic Kingdom.
Buses
Disney buses are one of the most common modes of transportation at Disney World. Bus transportation is available at all of the Disney hotels to take guests to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the two water parks, and Disney Springs (unless another mode of transportation is available). Plus, Disney also offers park-to-park bus transportation for convenient park hopping. And, it’s always free!
The buses run frequently, with service starting one hour before park opening and ending one hour after park closing.
If you are staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can easily check bus times using the My Disney Experience app. The app will show you the estimated wait time for the next bus to your destination, as well as the estimated travel time. This can help you plan your day and avoid long waits at the bus stop.
The buses are also wheelchair accessible, with designated areas for wheelchairs and scooters. If you require special assistance, such as a wheelchair lift, be sure to let the driver know when you board the bus.
Water Taxi
If you want to experience a leisurely ride to your destination, then the water taxi is a great option for you. Disney water transportation includes water taxis that operate on various routes across the resort. But, they’re not available everywhere. Here are the current water taxi routes in Disney World:
Water taxis to Magic Kingdom are available from:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
You can also hop aboard a water taxi to travel between:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Water taxis (also known as FriendShip Boats) to EPCOT are available from:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
There are also water taxis (also known as FriendShip Boats) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios available from:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
And, there are water taxis to Disney Springs available from:
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
Keep in mind that Disney water taxis typically operate from early morning until late at night. However, the exact schedule may vary depending on the season, weather, and the day of the week. You can check the schedule for your specific route by visiting Disney’s website or by asking a Cast Member.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is the newest way to get around Disney World. This aerial gondola system takes you away on a quick and scenic ride high above the theme parks and resorts. The gondolas are designed with bright colors and beloved Disney characters, making the ride itself an attraction. Plus, the views from the Skyliner are unmatched.
The Disney Skyliner connects four Disney resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort – with two theme parks – Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. It’s mostly ideal for guests staying at these resorts and looking to get to the parks.
It is important to note that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the Disney Skyliner hub. This means that all the parks and resorts connect here. So, if you’re staying at another hotel on the Skyliner route or going between the two parks, you’ll need to get off the Skyliner and then back on another one to get to your final destination. For this reason, staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort can save you some travel time.
Minnie Vans
Minnie Vans are another official Disney World transportation option, however, they’re not free. These vans are operated through Lyft, but they are exclusive to Disney World, and guests have to be on property to use them.
The Minnie Vans are driven by Disney Cast Members, and they are themed to Minnie Mouse with her iconic red and white polka dots and even her bow. The vehicles are unmistakable as they make their way around the resort.
To use the Minnie Van service, you can request a vehicle using the Lyft app on your smartphone. You can get picked up or dropped off almost anywhere on Disney property including your Disney hotel, any of the theme parks, Disney Springs, and even the mini golf courses or the Disney BoardWalk.
This is a great option for those who want to get somewhere quickly and don’t mind paying to get there.
Walking Paths
You don’t necessarily have to hop into a vehicle to get around Disney World – there are several walking paths that can get you between your hotel and the parks! Just follow signage or ask a Cast Member for directions.
You can walk to Magic Kingdom from:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Transportation and Ticket Center
Walk to EPCOT from:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
You can walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walk to Disney Springs from:
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Other Ways To Get Around Disney World
There are a few other non-Disney-owned transportation options for getting around Disney World including:
Ride Share
If you prefer to have more control over your transportation, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. These services are readily available at Disney World and can be a convenient option if you’re looking for a quicker way to get around. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use designated pick-up and drop-off locations for ride-share services – just look for the signage near the park exit.
Car Rental
Another option is to rent a car. This can be a good option if you’re planning to visit other attractions in the Orlando area or if you prefer to have more flexibility with your transportation. Major car rental companies have locations at the Orlando International Airport, which is just a short distance from Disney World. Keep in mind that parking at Disney World can be expensive, though theme park parking is included in your stay at any Disney Resort hotel.
Tips for Using Disney World Transportation
Navigating Disney World’s transportation system can be overwhelming, but there are some ways to save time and make your trip more enjoyable.
Choose your Disney hotel wisely
Each Disney World hotel has different transportation options. To save time, consider which parks you plan to spend the most time at and book a hotel that offers convenient and quick transportation to those. For example, if you want to visit EPCOT a lot during a festival season, consider staying at a hotel on the monorail loop, within walking distance, or on the Disney Skyliner route.
Plan ahead
Before you head out to the parks, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different transportation options available and their operating schedule. This will help you decide which mode of transportation is best for your needs and save you time in the long run.
Use the My Disney Experience App if you’re staying at a Disney hotel
The My Disney Experience app provides real-time information on wait times for buses to the parks if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel. This can give you insight on exactly when you need to leave your room to catch the next bus and spend less time waiting at bus stops.
Travel during less popular times of the day
Lines for Disney transportation can be long in the morning around the time the parks open or late at night after fireworks shows. Avoid the long wait times by traveling when there will be fewer crowds. You can do this by planning to get to the parks later in the day and lingering in the park 30-45 minutes after the fireworks shows end.
Be patient and flexible
Delays and crowds are just part of the experience to some extent, so take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Accessibility in Disney Transportation
Most of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities. Here are some of the ways that Disney World transportation is made accessible:
Buses
All bus routes are serviced by buses equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs and ECVs/scooters within the following guidelines:
- The mobility device must fit the lift without being forced.
- The combined weight of the mobility device and Guest cannot exceed 600 pounds.
- The mobility device must be securely fastened to the lift.
Monorail
All monorail stations are accessible to guests with disabilities, and the monorail trains have designated spaces for wheelchairs and ECVs/scooters. However, the monorail is not equipped with a lift (they only have a ramp), so Guests must be able to board and exit the monorail on their own or with the assistance of a companion.
Water Taxi
Larger boats, such as the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat, the Sassagoula Riverboats, the FriendShip Boats, and the larger Magic Kingdom water taxis, can be accessed by wheelchairs using a ramp. Smaller water taxis that travel across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake may require you to transfer from their wheelchair or ECV/scooter to a seat on the boat.
Disney Skyliner
Each Disney Skyliner gondola cabin is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs/scooters. Guests must be able to transfer from their mobility device to the gondola cabin. Ramps to enter are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney transportation free?
Yes, Disney World transportation is complimentary for all guests including those who are not staying at a Disney hotel.
How do I find the Disney World bus schedule?
You can find the Disney World bus schedule by checking the My Disney Experience app or by asking a Cast Member at your resort’s front desk. Buses typically run every 20 minutes, but wait times may vary. Note that this feature is only available for guests staying at a Disney World Resort hotel.
Does Disney World have transportation between parks?
Yes, Disney World offers park-to-park transportation during park hopping hours.
Does Disney resorts have transportation?
Yes, Disney Resorts have their own transportation options that can take you to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The options include buses, boats, the Disney Skyliner, and monorails depending on which resort you are staying at.
Where is Disney World transportation center?
Disney World transportation center is located at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From here, you can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or the monorail resorts, take a Ferry Boat to Magic Kingdom, or take a bus to other parks and resorts.
Does Disney transportation take you to Disney Springs?
Yes, Disney bus transportation can take you to Disney Springs. Buses run regularly from all Disney resorts to Disney Springs. Water taxis are also available between Disney Springs and the following resorts:
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Comments
What do you think is the most convenient transportation option in Disney World? Let us know in the comments if you choose your hotel based on Disney World transportation!
