A Comprehensive Guide to Disney World Transportation

If you’re planning a visit to Disney World, chances are you have LOADS of questions. From where to stay to where to eat and everything in between, there is a TON of information to absorb and PLENTY of decisions to make!

But while you’re busy deciding which resort is best for you and which attractions to prioritize, it’s all too easy to forget about the BASICS.

Understandably, things like airport transfer, setting a budget, and figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B can seem pretty mundane compared to the more exciting aspects of Disney Vacation planning. As a result, these EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DETAILS can sometimes fall by the wayside… with disastrous results. 

With four major theme parks, two water parks, an expansive shopping and entertainment district, and over 25 amazing resorts, Walt Disney World currently covers a grand total of 47 square miles.

For reference, that’s roughly the same size as San Francisco! 

Visiting Disney World is like visiting any major city – and getting around can be just as complicated. And since no one wants to waste their precious vacation time figuring out the ins and outs of transportation, it’s pretty important to know your options in advance.

When it comes to Disney World, thinking ahead is the key to a magical and stress-free experience.

In terms of Disney World transportation, that means knowing your options and planning your transportation routes accordingly – so you don’t miss that long-awaited dining reservation because you DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO GET THERE.

Luckily, MickeyBlog is here to help you sort it all out!

This post covers everything you need to know about Disney World transportation, from available transportation options to estimated transit times. Let’s check it out!

Disney World Transportation Options

In Disney World, getting around means taking to the skies, to the seas, and even to the pavement! The five key modes of transportation in Disney World are as follows:

• Monorail
• Disney Skyliner
• Boats
• Disney Buses
• Walking Paths

Disney World transportation is complimentary to all Disney Parks guests and Disney Resort guests. 

So what are the BEST ways to get around in Disney World? Let’s take a closer look!

Disney World Transportation Option #1: Disney Buses

Available at ALL Disney theme parks and ALL Disney resorts, this magical fleet of buses is – unsurprisingly – the most commonly used mode of transportation in Walt Disney World.

These colorful, eye-catching buses are air-conditioned and conveniently equipped with Wi-fi and charging ports at every seat – so you’ll never have to worry about internet access or charging your devices. 

All Disney buses can accommodate wheelchairs, EVCs, and scooters. Be aware that guests using these devices will be asked to board and disembark the vehicle first. 

While buses offer plenty of seating, certain times of day (particularly park opening and closing) can mean crowded buses – and sometimes, standing room only. If you board a Disney bus and are required to stand, just hang on to a pole or a hanging strap for safety.

Disney Bus Rules

As with any form of public transportation, there are rules you must follow aboard Disney buses. Chiefly, no alcohol OR luggage is permitted on board. In addition, strollers must be folded before boarding.

Navigating the Disney Bus System

To board a bus from your Disney resort, simply head to the bus stop, where you will generally find direct buses to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. 

However, if you’re staying at a resort that offers alternative transportation to one or more theme parks, you will probably not find a bus to those parks unless the alternative transportation system is closed.

In addition, direct buses MAY or MAY NOT be available to Disney’s water parks, as this route sometimes requires connection at a secondary location.

Buses typically run every 20 minutes or so, but you can consult the Disney Transport wait time board for “exact” arrival times. 

Keep in mind that Disney does not offer resort-to-resort bus transportation. To visit another Disney World resort, take the bus to the nearest theme park (or Disney Springs) and then travel to your desired resort from there.

Returning to Your Resort

Fast forward to the end of a long park day, when you’re ready for some serious R&R at your Disney resort. Simply make your way toward the bus stop and consult the bus directory to find the correct gate for your destination.

Proceed to the correct gate number, where you’ll queue up and wait for your bus to arrive!

More Useful Disney Bus Information:

Shared Buses: At times, some Disney resorts will share buses. For example, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sometimes share a single bus. This typically only happens during slower times, but it can mean extra stops on the way to your destination. Practice your patience!

Internal Buses: In addition to Disney’s primary bus system, some Disney resorts utilize internal buses, which transport you to different areas within the same resort. These resorts include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. 

Bus Times: Buses begin running about one hour before the theme parks open and cease operation about one hour after they close. Meanwhile, you can catch the first bus to Disney Springs around 9am. Disney Springs buses run until about one hour after Disney Springs closes.

Park Hopping: Park hopping? You can bus from park to park beginning at 10AM!

Transit Times: Bus transit times depend entirely on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Give yourself approximately one hour of travel time for each bus trip.

Disney buses may not be the most exciting transportation option in Disney World, but they’re unfalteringly reliable. Be sure to budget your travel time appropriately, and you’ll be on your way in no time!

Disney World Transportation Option #2: Disney Skyliner

The newest addition to the Disney Transport system, the Disney Skyliner transports guests to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from several Disney resorts. 

With colorful, Disney-themed gondolas featuring beloved Disney characters, the Skyliner is a uniquely magical way to get around Walt Disney World!

Using the Disney Skyliner

Gondolas can fit up to 10 people and can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and EVCs. Guests using these devices (or any guest with mobility issues) can access the Disney Skyliner through a separate line and loading area where guests can safely board a stationary gondola.

Otherwise, you’ll board the Disney Skyliner while the gondola is still in motion. Rest assured, gondolas slow down significantly at the loading platform, allowing guests to board quickly and easily (even with kids, a stroller, or kids AND a stroller in tow!).

While gondolas are not air-conditioned, they do utilize a “passive ventilation system” to keep cabins cool even in the summer heat. You’ll enjoy a cool breeze as you move through the sky, taking in aerial views of the surrounding area.

If you’re visiting during a busy time of year or riding the Skyliner during a busy time of day, you may be asked to share a gondola with another party. Otherwise, you’re likely to have your gondola all to yourself.

Like any mode of transportation, the Disney Skyliner can experience minor interruptions and delays. If your gondola stops during your “flight,” don’t panic! Most Skyliner interruptions are brief (under two minutes) and you can expect to be on your way again in no time. 

In the unlikely event of a major delay, every gondola comes equipped with an emergency call button and an Emergency Kit that includes cold packs, water, cups, and even bathroom bags. Safety first!

Which Disney World Resorts Include Skyliner Access?

• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

While Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are not officially on the Disney Skyliner route, guests staying at these resorts can easily access the Skyliner from the station just outside of EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Navigating the Disney Skyliner

To board the Skyliner from your Disney resort, simply head to the Disney Skyliner station and queue up! If you’re boarding at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, be sure to choose the appropriate line for your desired destination.

If you’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you’ll use the shared station to travel to the Disney Skyliner hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The station is located in the center of the bridge connecting the two resorts.

Here, you’ll disembark and transfer to a second gondola, which will deliver you to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Riviera Resort offers direct Skyliner service to EPCOT but requires a transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Alternatively, guests can opt to walk to the Skyliner hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and travel directly to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from there.

Returning to your resort via Skyliner is exceptionally easy. Just return to the Skyliner station, choose your destination, and take to the skies!

Keep in mind that EPCOT’s Skyliner station is located just outside of the park’s rear entrance, known as the International Gateway. To get there, take the path between the United Kingdom pavilion and the France pavilion in the World Showcase.

More Useful Disney Skyliner Information:

Connectivity: While most guests focus on the ways Skyliner connects you to the theme parks, don’t forget that the Skyliner also connects you to the other resorts on the Disney Skyliner route. Be aware that this also includes Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. You can easily access all of these resorts via the EPCOT Skyliner station.

This means you’ll have easy access to all the dining and entertainment at each of these resorts. If you’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, take the Disney Skyliner to a character dining reservation at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort? Simply walk to the Skyliner station at EPCOT and fly on over to Disney’s Riviera Resort to dine at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.

Inclement Weather: While a common rain storm won’t stop the Disney Skyliner, the system does shut down in the case of severe storms, high winds, or lightning in the immediate area. Rest assured that you won’t be stranded in the event of a temporary closure. Instead, Disney will dispatch buses to transport guests to resorts and theme parks on the Skyliner route.

Disney Skyliner Transit Times:

Wondering how much time to allot for your Disney Skyliner route? Estimated transit times are as follows:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: about 5 minutes
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to EPCOT: 12-15 minutes
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort/Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: about 5 minutes
• Disney’s Riviera Resort to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: about 3 minutes
• Disney’s Riviera Resort to EPCOT: about 8 minutes

Disney Skyliner Run Times: The Disney Skyliner begins running approximately 90 minutes before the parks open and closes approximately 90 minutes after the parks close. If you’re planning to rope drop, be sure to queue up early for the Skyliner, as crowds can be heavy during this busy time of day.

Disney Water Transportation

The rivers, lakes, and seas of Walt Disney World offer WAY more than just a pretty view! In fact, Disney World’s various waterways play a key role in helping guests get where they need to go.

Disney’s extensive fleet of boats includes a variety of water taxis, cruisers, and other watercraft. Depending on where you’re staying and where you’re going, you may utilize different types of boats with different capacities, run times, and routes.

It’s important to note that some – but not all – of Disney’s boats can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and ECVs. 

In Walt Disney World, you can use boat transportation to navigate three major areas:. Disney Springs and Disney Springs area resorts, Magic Kingdom and Magic Kingdom area resorts, and EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Crescent Lake resorts. 

Let’s take a closer look!

Boat Transportation on Seven Seas Lagoon

Home to Magic Kingdom and some of Disney World’s most iconic resorts, Seven Seas Lagoon serves as a transportation hub for park guests and resort guests alike.

The Magic Kingdom boat launch is located just across from the main gates. Here, you’ll find water transportation to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

This is also where you’ll find the Magic Kingdom ferryboat, which connects guests to the Ticket and Transportation Center and the parking lots beyond.

In addition, a separate route utilizes Blue Flag water taxis to connect Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to one another.

These boats begin running early in the morning and continue to run well into the evening, making it easy for guests to enjoy dining and entertainment at the other resorts (I’m looking at you, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue!).

Most boat routes run every 15-30 minutes. Unfortunately, the smaller water taxis that run in this area are not ideal for wheelchairs, scooters, or ECVs. However, the larger boat that services Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground can easily accommodate these devices. 

Similarly, strollers must be folded on the water taxis while the larger boat can generally accommodate open strollers if space allows.

Guests navigating strollers or using wheelchairs, ECVs, or scooters may find it easier to access Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via monorail.

Boat Transportation on Crescent Lake

Home to Disney’s trio of deluxe EPCOT area resorts, Crescent Lake is the waterway that connects EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the surrounding Disney hotels.

Boat launches for Disney’s Friendship Boats are located just past the Skyliner station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at International Gateway at EPCOT, and on the docks at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

In addition, this route includes a stop at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, which sits on Crescent Lake between Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Friendship Boats are wheelchair, ECV, and scooter-friendly, with generously sized seating areas. You also won’t need to break down your stroller unless you’re on a particularly crowded boat.

Friendship Boats are a fun and scenic way to travel between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, they’re not necessarily the fastest way to get around the area. In some cases, walking is your most time-efficient option.

Friendship Boats generally begin running about an hour before the parks open. They continue to run throughout the day and shut down about an hour after the parks close.

Boat Transportation on the Sassagoula River

Disney World is FULL of beautiful rivers (like the luminescent Na’vi River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!), but there’s only one Disney World river that also serves as transportation.

Disney’s tranquil Sassagoula River runs alongside Disney Springs area resorts like Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter and Port Orleans – Riverside Resorts.

Each of these resorts provides transportation to Disney Springs – and to each other – via the Sassagoula River Cruise.

At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, you’ll find the boat dock near the resort lobby (also known as the Carriage House). At Disney’s Old Key West Resort, the boat dock is located across from the lobby near Olivia’s Cafe.

Over at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort, the boat dock is located near Doubloon Lagoon Pool, while the dock for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is located near the Riverside Mill Food Court.

Boats arrive every 15-20 minutes and generally operate between the hours of 10:00AM and 11:00PM. 

Sassagoula River Boat Transit Times:

• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter Resorts to Disney Springs: 20 minutes
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs: 15 minutes
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to Disney Springs: 5 minutes

In addition, guests can use the Sassagoula river boats to travel between these four resorts by transferring boats at the Disney Springs Marketplace dock.

Disney Monorail

There are lots of ways to get around in Disney World, but none of them are QUITE as iconic as the monorail. Covering a span of about 15 miles, the monorail is a magical and effective way to navigate the Magic Kingdom area.

The monorail is air-conditioned and features spacious cabins with ample seating. At slower times, you may get a cabin all to yourself! But if you’re riding during busy times of the day or visiting during a particularly busy time of year, you may find yourself with standing room only.

In this case, just hang on to one of the handrails for safety.

Navigating the Monorail

Disney’s monorail system consists of three separate routes. The first route – known as the Resort Monorail – stops at Magic Kingdom and runs a loop around Seven Seas Lagoon. Stops include Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Ticket & Transportation Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

Meanwhile, the Express Monorail offers a direct route between Magic Kingdom and the Ticket & Transportation Center. The Express Monorail does not stop at ANY Disney World resorts.

Finally, the third route is known as the EPCOT Monorail and runs nonstop between the Ticket & Transportation Center and EPCOT.

Arriving every five to ten minutes, monorails are an extremely time-effective way to travel around Walt Disney World. They’re also wheelchair, scooter, and ECV friendly, and do not require strollers to be broken down. 

Monorail Transit Times:

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom: 10 minutes
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to Magic Kingdom = about 3 minutes
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom = about 20 minutes
• Magic Kingdom to Ticket & Transportation Center = about 10 minutes
• Ticket & Transportation Center to EPCOT: 20-25 minutes

Keep in mind that RETURN times from Magic Kingdom to the resorts will be different due to the clockwise Resort Monorail loop. Using the monorail to travel TO Magic Kingdom will take 20 minutes due to stops at other resorts. However, upon LEAVING Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the very first stop.

More Useful Monorail Information:

Security: If you’re riding the monorail from a Disney monorail resort, you’ll go through security before boarding the monorail. This means you do NOT need to enter the general security line at Magic Kingdom.

Transfers: -To take the monorail from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Contemporary Resort to EPCOT, ride the Resort Monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center. Here, you’ll disembark and transfer to the EPCOT Monorail, which enjoys a direct route to EPCOT.

Walking Paths – The Easiest Form of Disney World Transportation

When you think of Disney World transportation, chances are you’re thinking of the various vehicles that can get you around. Of course, Disney buses, Disney boats, the monorail, and the Skyliner are all fantastic ways to travel the area. 

But sometimes, the BEST mode of transportation is your own two feet!

Yes, I KNOW, you’re already walking MILES upon MILES in Disney World. But if your weary feet can handle the extra steps, Disney World’s walking paths offer easy and convenient access to several key Disney World destinations.

Disney Springs Area Walking Path

For instance, did you know that there’s a walking path between Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa?

The path runs alongside the Sassagoula River and allows resort guests easy access to Disney Springs. Meanwhile, the path is also a convenient way for non-resort guests to access Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for a delicous meal or a relaxing massage.

Crescent Lake Walking Path

Over on Crescent Lake, you’ll find a walking path that runs all the way from EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The path not only connects the parks to one another, but also to Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and even the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin.

To find the path from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, follow the walkway past the bus stop and along the canal to your left. At EPCOT, you’ll find the path just outside of the International Gateway – keep walking past the Skyliner station and you’re already well on your way! 

Magic Kingdom Walking Paths

Finally, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort both offer their own walking paths to Magic Kingdom. While the short walk from Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a mere 5-10 minutes, the path to Disney’s Grand Floridian will take you just a little bit longer (think 15-20 minutes).

If you’re walking to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll encounter a convenient security checkpoint along the way, allowing you to bypass long security lines at the front gates.

Walking may not always be an ideal situation, especially when the sun is hot and your feet are aching. But there are plenty of perks to relying on your own two feet!

When you walk, you’re on your own time and your own schedule. You’ll avoid long lines, bypass crowded conditions, and sometimes, arrive at your destination even faster than you would by relying on Disney Transportation. 

Disney World Transportation Tips:

Budget Your Travel Time Generously: Disney World transportation can be convenient and surprisingly efficient. But long lines, unexpected delays, and the occasional maintenance issue can put a major wrench in your carefully laid plans. If you’re on your way to an important dining reservation or if you’re highly invested in rope drop, make sure to give yourself AMPLE time to get there. Allow about an hour on average.

Park Close: If at all possible, avoid the mass exodus of guests at the end of the night. If you don’t mind skipping the fireworks, consider leaving the park during the show or during the grand finale. Otherwise, plan to stick around for a while AFTER the show ends. Either way, you’ll avoid waiting in those super-long end-of-the-night transportation lines.

Know WHERE and HOW to Connect: In Disney World, reaching your final destination sometimes involves a transfer somewhere along the way. If you’re planning to visit another resort for a meal, entertainment, or just to explore, use your transportation method of choice to reach the nearest Disney theme park. From there, you’ll board the appropriate vehicle (or find the appropriate walking path) and continue on to your destination.

For example:

• Take a Disney bus to Magic Kingdom. From there, ride the boat to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a meal at Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
• Take the bus to EPCOT, then board the Disney Skyliner to reach Disney’s Riviera Resort for breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace.
• Take the bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios then ride a Friendship boat to Disney’s Beach Club Resort for lunch at Beaches & Cream.
• Take the bus to Magic Kingdom, then take the monorail to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for a drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto & Tikki Bar.

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As always, stay tuned to MickeyBlog for all the latest Disney Parks news!

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