Navigating the Walt Disney World Transportation System Tips and Tricks

Did you know Walt Disney World is about the size of San Francisco? Whether you are a resort guest or staying off property, you can enjoy the experience of FREE transportation at Walt Disney World Resorts and theme parks.  There are multiple modes of transportation to utilize across Walt Disney World property.  But beware, using the wrong type of transportation and not allowing enough time to get from Point A to Point B can waste precious time!  So read more about the best tips to use right transportation for your trip!

The Bus Line to Disney Springs at All-Star Music Resort on a Sunday morning

BUS 

Bus transportation is available at all Walt Disney World Resorts, all four theme parks, and Disney Springs.  Bus lines can get long, especially after the parks close and many guests need to return to their resorts.  ECVs and strollers can go on the buses, but strollers will need to be folded.​

MONORAIL

Three monorail lines are available to use: Express Monorail, Resorts Monorail, and the EPCOT Monorail.  The Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) is the main hub for parking guests who need to reach Magic Kingdom.  The Express Monorail takes guests from the TTC straight to Magic Kingdom and then back.  The Resorts Monorail transports guests from the TTC to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to Disney's Contemporary Resort before returning to the TTC.  The EPCOT Monorail takes guests from the TTC straight to EPCOT.  Before entering any monorail station, guests need to walk through security.  Each resort along the monorail line will have their own security entrance.  Also, strollers and ECVs easily fit onto the monorail, and guests can continue to use while the monorail is in motion.​

BOATS

Boats are available in multiple locations on Walt Disney World property:

• Most Magic Kingdom Resort boats will transport guests to Magic Kingdom (includes Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness).

• Ticket & Transportation boats will take guests straight to Magic Kingdom. 

• Resorts along Bay Lake (Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness) will have boats running between the resorts during late afternoon and evening hours. Check Guest Services for specific hours during your stay.

• Crescent Lake has a boat route that rotates between EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT resorts (Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin).

• Disney Springs Resort boats (only Port Orleans - Riverside, Port Orleans - French Quarter, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs) take guests straight from the resort to Disney Springs.

*Depending on the size of the boat, strollers may need to be folded up.

*Magic Kingdom resort guests will have their own security area after exiting the boat.

*Disney Springs resort guests will have their own security area after exiting the boat.

*Guests taking the boat to Magic Kingdom from TTC will enter the security line before entering the TTC.

SKYLINER

The Boat Dock at International Gateway with Skyliner above

The Skyliner route is the newest way to get to the theme parks as of 2019.  Gondolas continuously transport guests to resorts and two theme parks!  There are five Skyliner stations located at EPCOT's International Gateway entrance, Hollywood Studios main entrance, Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and one shared station between Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort.  Some important notes:​

• The main hub for the Skyliner is at Caribbean Beach.  If you are traveling from somewhere other than Caribbean Beach, you will need to hop off and get back on a different gondola.

• Single strollers and tandem double strollers will fit without needing to fold them.  Side-by-side double strollers will need to be folded.

• ECVs and wheelchairs can fit on the gondola, and there is a separate queue so guests can load onto the gondola without it moving continuously.

• If there is severe weather or windy conditions, the Skyliner will not be available, so be vigilant about the ever-changing weather conditions.  Buses will be available when the Skyliner is not accessible.

• Up to 10 guests can fit on a gondola, and up to 6 guests if there is a stroller or ECV on the gondola.

• Only during heavy crowds (in the morning when guests are heading to the park and after the closes) will guests have to possibly share the gondola with another party.

Walking

Walking to the theme parks is a great way to bypass the crowds!  If you are staying at these resorts, you have the extra advantage of staying within walking distance to one or two of the theme parks.

• Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village)

• Walking Distance to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios (Yacht & Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve)

• Walking Distance to Disney Springs (Old Key West and Saratoga Springs)

*Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village guests will have their own security entrance into Magic Kingdom.

*Old Key West and Saratoga Springs guests will have their own security entrance into Disney Springs.

For a few extra bucks: Minnie Vans by Lyft

Using the Lyft App, guests can request to be picked up by a Minnie Van driven by a cast member.  Minnie Vans can take guests to any theme park, Disney Springs, or any Walt Disney World Resort.  This can be a great way to get to a dining reservation at a resort guests are not staying at during their trip instead of waiting for other modes of Disney World transportation.  Lyft fees will apply and depend on demand (expect higher prices during holidays and near park opening and close).  Guests can also request a Minnie Van with wheelchair accommodations and also car seat accommodations (up to 2 children under 6 years old).

More Tips & Tricks

• If you are a Walt Disney World Resort guest, plan to leave your room 60-90 minutes before Early Entry depending how close you are to the park.

• According to the Disney World website, allow 90 minutes to travel to a dining reservation.

• Allow extra time if there are multiple bus stops at your resort (Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, Old Key West, Port Orleans - Riverside, Saratoga Springs).

• Use the My Disney Experience App to check for bus arrival times at your resort.

• Plan out transportation routes when you create your itineraries 1-2 months prior to your vacation.

Master the Miles, Make the Magic!

Navigating Walt Disney World transportation might feel like mastering a whole new transit system, but with these tips in your planning toolkit, you are officially ready to zip around property like a total pro! No wasted morning minutes, no accidental detours—just smooth sailing (and flying, and riding) from rope drop to fireworks.

Ready to Plan Your Next Perfect Day?

Transportation is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building your dream itinerary. Want to know the absolute best order to tackle the rides after you hop off that Skyliner? Or exactly how to time your evening bus ride to catch the perfect dinner reservation? Bookmark Magic Planning Time right now so you never miss an insider secret! We are constantly dropping new, time-saving guides, crowd-busting strategies, and stress-free tips to help you maximize every single second of your vacation.