Walt Disney World is truly a world of its own, and that means you need transportation to reach all of the magic corners in it!
With 4 parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs understanding how to get around is crucial. Luckily, it’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it and we’ve put our 20+ years of experience to use to create the only Disney transportation guide you’ll ever need.
Our guide provides an overview of all the transportation options available at Disney World, including buses, monorails, boats, the Disney Skyliner, and paid options like Uber.
Table of Contents
Did You Know Disney World Transportation is Complimentary?
Let’s start with free transportation! Luckily, you can travel around Disney World completely for free. From the moment you step off the plane, you can use Disney transportation at no cost. You don’t have to be staying at a Disney resort to use these services. Save that extra money for more magical treats for you and your family!
While it is primarily designed for guests staying at Disney resorts, anyone visiting the parks can use the complimentary transportation options, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner. These services help guests travel between the parks, resorts, and other Disney World locations conveniently.
Disney World Transportation
Disney Skyliner Transportation
Want to take a guess at my favorite Disney World transportation option? It’s the Disney Skyliner!
The Skyliner gondolas are Disney World’s newest form of transportation and have quickly proven to be the best. You can land at either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Resort hotels that feature this exciting new transportation include:
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
If you don’t mind a brief walk, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, and BoardWalk Inn are within walking distance of a Skyliner station.
The Skyliner is one of my favorite ways to travel into the parks. We love it because you don’t need to fold the stroller down, it fits a party of 8, and they don’t usually mix parties. Plus, it’s a scenic and convenient mode of travel, enhancing the magic of your Disney experience.
One of my biggest WDW tips! Stay at a Disney Resort with a transportation option aside from just buses. We find the other transportation options far more convenient! Both Riviera and Beach Club are great resort options for this.
Monorail Transportation
The world-famous monorail allows you to zoom over Walt Disney World and get a bird’s-eye view of the magic! This monorail system operates only to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Here are the spots where you can pick up the monorail:
Resorts with Monorail Access:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Villas & Bungalows
Other Stops:
- Transportation and Ticket Center (this stop can take you to Epcot as well!)
Bus Transportation to the Parks & Disney Springs
The Disney World bus system has pick-up spots at every resort, theme park, and Disney Springs. Buses arrive approximately every 20 minutes. Buses often require a wait and folding down the stroller, so they aren’t our favorite but still a good option for getting around!
Buses do not go from resort to resort. To travel between resorts, take a bus to a theme park or Disney Springs, then transfer to a bus to your destination. Alternatively, use a paid service option.
Resorts that ONLY Offer Bus Transporation:
- All-Star Resorts
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (Access to Disney Springs by boat is also available)
PRO TIP: Check Bus Times from the My Disney Experience App! Arrive about 5-10 minutes before the estimated time of arrival as the buses do arrive early and then you will be waiting another 20 minutes for the next bus.
Here’s how!
Water Transportation
Looking to cruise through Walt Disney World? Water taxis and ferries are available at certain resorts to three of the four parks and Disney Springs.
To the Magic Kingdom:
Boats operate every 15 to 30 minutes from:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
To Hollywood Studios & Epcot:
You can sail to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from:
- Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels
To Disney Springs:
From Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you can take a boat to Disney Springs. Other resorts require bus transportation to Disney Springs.
PRO TIP: For those with older kids or traveling without children, I recommend the Epcot Resorts. These resorts offer a short walk or boat ride to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, with a beautiful stroll along the boardwalk. My favorite areas to stay include Disney’s Beach Club & Beach Club Villas, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, the Swan, and the Dolphin.
Paid Transportation Options
If you have some wiggle room in your budget and would like to travel quickly, check out these paid transportation options!
We typically use the paid options when traveling from resort to resort as it can take 45 minutes to an hour to get from resort to resort with Disney Transportation.
Uber
This rideshare app is another option that makes travel to and from – and all over – the Walt Disney Resort easy! There are popular pick-up spots listed at the parks and resorts, or you can specify your location. Prices vary depending on distance, car size, and the luxury level of each car.
The prices from a Disney Resort to a park seemed to run from $13-25 in an Uber XL and $8-$20 for UberX on our last trip.
Minnie Van Service
If you have the Lyft rideshare app, you can access these adorable Minnie Mouse-themed vans once you’ve arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort. Request a ride and pay through the app—simple as that! These vans are owned by Disney and operated by trained, friendly Cast Members, ensuring a magical and seamless experience.
How to Use:
- Download the Lyft App: Access the service through the Lyft app.
- Request a Ride: Enter your pick-up location and destination in the app, then select the Minnie Van option.
- Enjoy the Ride: Climb into the Minnie-themed vehicle and enjoy the ride, equipped with car seats and driven by a friendly Cast Member.
Key Features:
- Friendly Cast Members: Drivers are knowledgeable Cast Members who can provide advice and tips about the parks.
- Premium Pick-up & Drop-off Spots: Minnie Vans have designated drop-off spots closer to park entrances compared to regular rideshares. At Magic Kingdom, they drop you off right at the front, bypassing the need for additional transportation from the parking lot.
- Accessibility: Minnie Vans are equipped with car seats at no additional charge and can accommodate up to six passengers. Accessible Minnie Vans are available for guests with wheelchairs or ECVs.
Costs:
- Standard Rides: Prices vary based on distance. Our Minnie Van Service ride cost $28, which is higher than a typical Lyft XL rate.
- Airport Transfers: Minnie Van Service to and from Orlando International Airport is available for $150 each way. This service can be booked in advance for guests staying at Disney resorts, especially those at Club Level.
PRO TIP: Use the Minnie Van Service for trips to and from Magic Kingdom to save time and energy, as the drop-off is much closer than other transportation options.
Renting a Car
Another option is to rent a car from the Orlando International Airport. We often rented a car when our oldest kids were little, as we had three close in age. We felt the cost was worth not lugging babies and strollers on the buses.
The one thing to factor in when renting a car is parking fees. If you are staying at a Disney Resort you can park at the parks for free, but parking at the resorts does include a daily charge.
DVC Members and people who rent Disney Vacation Club Villas, do not have to pay for resort parking. You can check out my full guide on Disney Parking here!
Transportation for Off-Site Hotels
Several non-Disney hotels offsite have their own shuttles to the parks. These tend to run less frequently than the Disney buses as they have to travel farther.
Some of the offsite hotels that offer transportation to the parks include:
- Wyndham Bonnet Creek
- Hilton Bonnet Creek
- Four Seasons
- Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek
Check with your hotel to see what sort of options they have for transportation to the parks.
Navigating Walt Disney World can be an adventure in itself, but with the right transportation options, it becomes a seamless part of the magic. Whether you’re soaring high on the Disney Skyliner, cruising on a monorail, or relaxing on a boat, each mode of transportation offers a unique experience.
By understanding and utilizing these transportation options, you can maximize your time and enjoyment at the parks, ensuring a magical and stress-free Disney vacation!
If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our travel agency Best Day Ever Vacations. Our agents are truly Disney Experts, and not only are our services FREE, but we are dedicated to saving you both time and money!
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