One of the best parts of visiting Walt Disney World is the ease and convenience of getting around when you are on property. Regardless of where you stay, transportation can be offered in a variety of ways. Whether you are a seasoned pro when it comes to the parks, or a first-time visitor, some modes of transportation can feel like an experience itself on your way to your destination. Learn more about the various modes of transportation you can enjoy on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
From value resorts to deluxe resorts, buses are available for all guests. Resorts will have a designated bus area for guests to travel to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and even Disney Water Parks. The service runs continuously throughout the day, allowing those utilizing the service to participate in early entry hours, extended evening hours, and special ticketed events. Buses begin 45 minutes prior to park opening and extend to an hour after park closing time.
This transportation is included at all Disney resort stays and provides a free, convenient option for all families. Each bus is easily recognizable and showcases the destination on the outside for travelers to know if they are stepping onto the correct bus. You will be dropped off close by to the entrance of each destination you are looking to travel to. This is a great opportunity to also visit different resorts without having to worry about getting to and from your own location. Once you are at a park or Disney Springs, simply hop onto any of the resort buses!
Everyone, including those using wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. A reminder that strollers must be folded prior to entering the bus, so it is always recommended that you prepare as needed prior to the bus arriving!
When Walt Disney originally brainstormed what he believed would be the future of transportation, the monorail was front-and-center. The iconic monorail train runs three services connecting resorts (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesion Village Resort, Villas, and Bungalows), parks (Magic Kingdom Park & EPCOT), and the Transportation and Ticket Center. When taking the monorail from Magic Kingdom Park or the Transportation and Ticket Center, make sure to read the signs and get onto the correct line.
The resort monorail connects the three resorts on the Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom Park, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. The loop provides a scenic view of the lagoon and resort areas.
The EPCOT monorail connects the Transportation and Ticket Center with the park, allowing for easy access without having to drive directly there.
The Express Monorail is a direct trip between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom Park. This allows park goers to directly access Magic Kingdom Park from their parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center without having to stop at the monorail resorts.
Pro-tip: take a trip around on the resort monorail for the easiest way to experience three unique resorts in a short amount of time, especially on a rainy day!
If you take a look above when traveling near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios you most likely will notice the fun themed gondolas cruising through the sky. In recent years, Disney has added this unique travel experience to their transportation fleet to connect resorts and parks. The views provided by the Skyliner provide a stunning glimpse over a variety of areas on property.
The central hub resides at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. This acts as a connection for the other stations along the lines.
The EPCOT station can be found at the International Gateway entrance, which connects to the EPCOT resorts (Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas, and the Swan and Dolphin). When entering the gondola you will be taken through property and your first stop will be Disney’s Riviera Resort. You will have the opportunity to exit if this is your final destination, otherwise you will stay on until you arrive at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Same as the EPCOT station, if starting your journey at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Disney’s Art of Animation/Pop Century, you will stop at the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort before having the option to transfer to your final destination.
Some important notes if preparing to use the skyliner on your next trip:
Half the fun is seeing which classic and new characters cover your gondola!
If you have ever seen one of the whimsical, Minnie Mouse inspired vehicles driving around Walt Disney World, you have witnessed Disney’s Minnie Vans! The service is available through the Lyft app and is one of the few transportation modes on property that require a fee. Although these vans are booked through Lyft, they are owned and operated by Disney Cast Members. The best part of this service is the Accessible Minnie Van options for those traveling with a mobility device.
If you are in a time crunch or just want direct access to a park, resort, or Disney Springs, this offering provides a personal option. Make sure to check the app for availability, as it may fluctuate due to demand.
A relaxing method of getting from place-to-place on property, if available, are the boat transportations. Across property you can utilize boats to venture to parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.
EPCOT resorts (Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin) operate within the FriendShip Boat family. The FriendShip boats travel from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to each designated resort dock, and to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT. The scenic route showcases the beautiful waterscape of the EPCOT resorts. Although the slow moving boat isn’t the quickest way to travel to the parks from the resorts, it allows for guests to enjoy Crescent Lake.
Once you are in EPCOT, there are four landings that FriendShip Boats will travel between. The docks can be found in Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Morocco. Canada will travel to Morocco, while Mexico travels to Germany. The quick boat trips allow for a unique view of the World Showcase.
If in the Disney Springs area, the Sassagoula River Cruises provides guests with a relaxing transport from resort to the dining and shopping area. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Tree Houses, and Old Key West offer direct transportation on the boats to Disney Springs. An important aspect to this travel is the flag system used to indicate where a boat is associated with. Make sure to educate yourself with the appropriate flag color to ensure you arrive where you need to be when leaving Disney Springs. You will be dropped off at the Marketplace Dock.
Important to note that depending on the water levels, the Sassagoula River Cruise may not be available and buses will be operating.
If you are looking to travel to Magic Kingdom or a connecting resort, the water taxi option from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is convenient and scenic. Similar to the Sassagoula River Cruise, each boat is designated by a colored flag to allow guests to know the location of where each boat is headed. The nostalgia of boarding these boats is a big part of the draw to travel on them.
If you would rather travel by water than monorail, there are two ferries that travel daily between the Magic Kingdom Park and the Transportation and Ticket Center. The direct ride allows guests to deboard right in front of Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney World’s various modes of transportation have clearly embraced the theory that it’s the journey, not the destination. Enjoy the different areas on property from unique views, whether it’s on the water, road, or in the sky!
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