Navigating Transportation at Walt Disney World – Easily
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How to find the best way to get from your resort to the parks, Disney Springs, and to other resorts, while maximizing your time in each place
You are all checked in, you just scoped out the magical view from your room, and you can’t wait to feel the exhilaration of walking through the gates of your favorite park. Now, to find the best way to get there.
Whether you are a first-time park-goer or a seasoned expert, transportation around Disney has varied so much over the last year-and-a-half that it’s worth checking over the following information in order to plan which is best for you, depending on where you are staying and what parks you plan on visiting. As always, guests staying on Disney property get to enjoy a variety of complimentary transportation options, as well as having the choice to pay for private transportation, too.
Modes of Transportation at Disney World for Disney Resort Guests:
Monorail
Disney’s Monorail is world-renowned, having originally been conceived as “public transport of the future!” The Monorail stops at the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Transportation and Ticket Center.
Wait times are typically just a few minutes at each location. Additionally, an Express Monorail runs daily round-trip service between the Transportation and Ticket Center and two parks: Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.
Even if you do not need to use the Monorail, it’s worth taking a ride on the famous shuttle at some point during your stay, just to experience it (bonus: kids love it and it’s like an extra ride for free!).
Skyliner
The newest option in Disney transportation, the Skyliner, offers birds-eye views from aerial gondolas, each whimsically themed with favorite Disney characters, ready to whisk you off to the International Gateway at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Currently, there are four Disney Resort hotels with connections to the Skyliner:
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
As with the Monorail, even if you don’t need to use it, taking a ride on the state-of-the-art Skyliner will be an experience you don’t want to miss. If you’re not staying at one of the resorts with a connection to the Skyliner, think about planning a meal at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, or stroll over from EPCOT to the Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to give yourself a reason to ride in the sky!
Boats
You can start and/or end your day with the lake breeze on your cheeks by taking advantage of the ferryboats and water taxis available from select resorts throughout Disney property. Depending on where you embark, you will sail around Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake, Crescent Lake, or Lake Hollywood to reach your desired destination. \
Water transportation is available from a number of resorts (check the list below for specific information about where you are staying), and most boat routes run on 15 – 30 minute intervals.
Buses
The Walt Disney World Bus Service has been saving guests the hassle of renting cars and finding parking for years, all while providing air-conditioned rides and plenty of seating to get off your feet after walking around the parks all day. Bus service is available from Disney Resort hotels to the Disney theme parks starting 45 minutes prior to opening and ending one hour after closing, and service to Disney Springs is available during operating hours until one hour after closing.
Disney’s Magical Express
Unfortunately, this service will no longer be available beginning with arrivals on January 1, 2022. Guests with reservations at Disney Resort hotels who arrive throughout 2021 will still be able to take advantage of this complimentary motorcoach transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and all Disney Resort hotels.
Mears Connect will be taking over the Magical Express service in 2022. Mears, a local transportation company has been running the Magical Express in Disney-themed buses for its entire existence, so moving forward the service won’t change much other than it is no longer complimentary.
Walking Path
Another new “transportation” option for Disney Park visitors is the walking path that was recently built to connect Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Although some people may not consider walking a mode of transportation, others may prefer to walk rather than wait for an alternate mode, and walkers will also appreciate the waterfront scenery along the way!
Even if you are not staying at one of the two connecting resorts, during a day at Magic Kingdom, consider popping over to Disney’s Grand Floridian for a Perfectly Princess Tea Party (check for updates about availability and be sure to reserve your spot), or making reservations for Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Transportation to Disney for a Fee
Car Rental
Renting a car is a great option for guests who prefer to come and go as they please without waiting (and waiting in lines) for Disney’s complimentary transportation services. Your Love of the Magic Travel Advisor will be able to assist you with booking a rental car that can be picked up directly at the airport, or that can pick you up wherever you are coming from!
Lyft/Uber
Although the Minnie Van Service-Connected by Lyft was retired in 2020 with Disney’s budget cuts, regular Lyft and Uber cars are still available around Disney Parks and Resort hotels for guests who are unable to, or prefer not to, take any of the complimentary transportation provided by Disney.
Limousine Service/Private Car Service
For guests wishing to add a bit of luxury to their vacation, Limo service is available for transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and any Disney Resort hotels. Your Love of the Magic Travel Advisor will be able to assist you with booking a Limo to enhance your vacation experience!
Additionally, a black car service is also available. It’s not quite as fancy as a limo but it does provide direct private transfers, typically in a large SUV, to wherever you desire.
Complimentary Transportation Available by Resort
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Boats to Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Boats to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Boats to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Boats to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Skyliner available a short walk away at EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Skyliner available a short walk away at EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Skyliner available a short walk away at EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Skyliner available a short walk away at EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center, Walking Path to Magic Kingdom (less than one mile, approximately 15 minutes depending on walking speed)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Boats to Disney Springs, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center, Walking Path to Magic Kingdom (less than one mile, approximately 25 minutes depending on walking speed)
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center, Walking Path to Magic Kingdom (less than one mile, approximately 25 minutes depending on walking speed)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Boats to Disney Springs, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Boats to Disney Springs, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
- Boats to Disney Springs, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with transfer) and Transportation and Ticket Center, Boats to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center, Walking Path to Magic Kingdom (less than one mile, approximately 15 minutes depending on walking speed)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Boats to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs and Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Skyliner available a short walk away at EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Buses to Parks, Disney Springs, and Transportation and Ticket Center
There are endless options!
Now that you know exactly what modes of transportation are available to and from where, you can plan and maximize your time in the parks, shopping districts, and poolside at your resort, and also be on time for all of your dining reservations!
Don’t forget to plan a ride on the new Skyliner and the Monorail (especially if you’ve never been), and be sure to take a stroll along the water on the new walking path to Magic Kingdom!
Need a free no-obligation quote? Your Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor is ready to help!
Pin this for your next Disney World vacation!
