The Many Ways To Get Around Walt Disney World
Let's simplify the transportation options to and from Disney Parks!
Whether you are a seasoned Disney goer, or you’ve just started planning a trip, chances are you have heard about the Disney Bubble. If you aren't familiar with this term, it refers to the time when guests are so immersed in the magic of the Disney World property that they never want to leave. They have become part of the story and it is an escape from the realities of their real life... to include having to drive everywhere! We know that once a guest arrives to their magical resort, and then spends a week on property... they'll be hooked. Staying on-site (and using the provided transportation) makes it possible to never leave the Disney Bubble and continue the magic throughout their entire vacation.
The success of the Disney Bubble would not be possible without Disney Transportation. Honestly, they've made it SO EASY to get from Point A to Point B without ever needing a car. Another bonus is that Disney Transportation is free to use, whether you are staying on or off site.
When using Disney Transportation, keep in mind that your destination may not be a direct route, and it may be necessary to transfer to an additional mode of transportation to get to your end destination. This is where booking with one of our AMAAB travel advisors comes in handy. We certainly know, and have experienced, the best routes!
So let’s explore all the wonderful ways we can get around Disney.
Monorail:
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are connected via Disney’s Monorail service, along with three of the Magic Kingdom Resorts: the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian. The Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) is the hub for the Monorail, where you can choose which monorail line will get you where you want to go.
There are three different monorail lines:
Express Line: 2 stops and runs from the TTC to Magic Kingdom
Resort Line: 5 stops, including the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and the TTC.
EPCOT Line: 2 stops and runs from the TTC to EPCOT.
The monorails are a quick and futuristic way to get to parks and surrounding resorts, and are considered the first ride by many visitors! Often the wait times between arriving monorails are fairly quick, but you may need to allow extra time if it is a busy time at the parks.
For example, if you are staying at the Contemporary, and want to go to EPCOT, you can take the Resort Line monorail to the TTC, and then transfer to the Epcot line to get to Epcot. Note that the Monorail will bring you to the front of both Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Water Transportation:
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs can all be accessed by boat via specific resorts.
Magic Kingdom can be accessed from Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian via Water Taxi. You can also take the Ferry from the TTC to Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios can be accessed from the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Swan and Dolphin by FriendShip Boats.
Disney Springs can be accessed from Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter via the Sassagoula River Cruise.
Disney Skyliner:
The Skyliner is an aerial view gondola that has access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It is the newest mode of Disney Transportation, and a game changer for guests staying at these resorts!
Resorts with SkyLiner Access:
Caribbean Beach
Riviera
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Yacht Club
Beach Club
Boardwalk
Swan and Dolphin
The operating times can vary, and are posted early in the morning for the day. If you are traveling during a time outside of the Skyliner hours, or in some cases of bad weather, buses will be running as an alternate mode of transportation. The weather will effect this type of transportation. Since it is Florida, always have a plan B if the Skyliner is down.
Disney Buses:
Disney buses are the catch all for places that are not on the monorail, Skyliner, or have water ferry access. Some buses even have themed wraps inspired by characters which are a fun bonus for the kiddos (and adults!). Typically, buses will come every 20 minutes, but could be quicker (or slower) depending on crowd levels. Often, in times of heavy traffic (for example park openings and closings), buses will come much more frequently. Occasionally Disney will have Cast Members monitoring all buses during heavy traffic times to make sure they are keeping up with demand, but we always advise to get there early and pack your patience!
Bus Stations:
Value resorts and most Deluxe resorts have one bus pickup station near the front of the resort where all buses will pickup. Busier resorts will have separate lines for each park. Some resorts occasionally share pick up and drop off duties to neighboring properties, so this is good to note as well.
Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have multiple internal bus stops on site, so check to see where the nearest one is to your room. You can find a schedule of when the next bus will arrive on the information board at your bus stop or through the My Disney Experience app.
The bus stations located at the parks are adjacent from the park entrance, and are clearly numbered for each resort. Resorts will have their own designated bus. When it is less crowded, however, some resorts that are close together may share a bus.
It is important to keep in mind that buses go from resorts to parks, parks to parks, and parks to resorts, but typically not resort to resort. For example, if you are at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and you want to get to the Contemporary for dinner, a bus going from your resort to the Contemporary is not an option. However, there are other options like catching the Magic Kingdom bus, and then either walking or taking the Monorail to the Contemporary. It's important to look over your itinerary and make a plan for any special transportation needs prior to arrival.
-Honorable Mention-
Walking Paths:
If you feel like you didn’t get enough steps in the park, or you don't want to wait in long lines or with people, there are also walking paths from some of the deluxe resort locations. We love that it is less crowded and a nice way to see more of the Disney property. You can walk to parks from these resorts:
Magic Kingdom
The Contemporary to Magic Kingdom: This is one of the easiest walking paths, taking only 5-10 minutes and a major pro for staying at the Contemporary.
The Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom: On the other side of the park, you can walk from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. This is a fairly new walkway with great views and takes about 20 minutes.
The Polynesian to the TTC: A very quick walk to the Monorail hub and Magic Kingdom Ferry. You can also walk from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian, and then onto Magic Kingdom, which would be about a mile and a half.
EPCOT
Yacht Club, Boardwalk, and Beach Club are a very close walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, which is located at the back entrance of EPCOT.
The Swan and Dolphin are also walkable to EPCOT, at about 10-15 minutes depending on where your room is located on property.
Hollywood Studios
Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin are about a 15 minute walk to Hollywood Studios.
Yacht Club and Beach club are about a 20-25 minute walk to Hollywood Studios.
Disney Springs
Saratoga Springs is a short, quarter-mile walk away from Disney Springs. It may take longer, however, if you are in one of the buildings in the back. Definitely look at a map prior to see your location and make the best plan.
-Honorable Mention-
Minnie Vans:
While this mode of transportation is not complimentary, it is a great alternative if you are in a hurry and need to get to a meal reservation quickly, or in the mood for a private ride. Minnie vans run through the Lyft app and can accommodate up to six riders and can include up to two complimentary child car seats.
What are the hours for Disney Transportation?
Start times vary, but overall, Disney is pretty gracious about times their transportation runs. Typically, transportation starts running 45 minutes before park opening and until one hour after park closure. If there are still crowds exiting, they will keep sending transportation. Buses generally run until 12:30 AM between resorts and Disney Springs.
These are posted times, but in our experience, times have actually started ahead of schedule and run later than posted. For specific times that day, you can ask a Cast Member. No need to worry though, Disney will never leave guests stranded.
What do I do with my stroller on Disney Transportation?
For loading buses, your stroller will need to be folded up. This also applies to parking lot trams. Be prepared for who is grabbing the kids, who has all the merch, and who has the stroller!
For the Skyliner, if you have a single stroller or a double front/back stroller you do not need to fold it and kids can stay in their stroller. If you have a side by side double stroller, you may need to fold it, as it might not fit through the door. Check the dimensions on your specific model.
When riding the Monorail, kids can stay seated in their stroller.
Water Transportation varies. For most resort launches, the stroller will need to be folded. For FriendShip Boats, unless it is overly crowded, you can usually leave your stroller unfolded, but the child will need to come out of the stroller and sit with you. For the ferry from the TTC to Magic Kingdom, kids can stay seated in the stroller.
How do I remember all of this?!
If you feel like this is too much information to remember... you’re not wrong. Luckily, we are here for you prior to travel to help explain. Once you are on-site, cast members are always willing to help and there is even an app for that! In your My Disney Experience app, there is a transportation feature that identifies bus times to your location. If no buses run that route, it will provide you with additional modes of transportation to take. Remember to give yourself plenty of time, you should always give yourself 90 minutes to get to a reservation when using Disney Transportation.
For the most up to date information on transportation at Walt Disney World, it is best to visit their website here. Your A Mouse and a Beach Travel Advisor can also help you with creating an itinerary that includes how to get to each park or restaurant from your specific Disney Resort. A fun game is to see if you can take every mode of transportation during your stay!
Ready for your next Walt Disney World getaway? Get started by filling out our complimentary quote request.
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