There are a lot of rules in Disney World.
Disney Bus
Most of them are relatively simple, rules that you find at most theme parks, but others are specific to Disney. For example, children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by someone over the age of 14 to board an attraction, and they can be specific about what clothing is allowed in the parks (other companies don’t seem to care either way unless it’s really inappropriate), just to name a few. We have to admit, too — we so wish Disney would do away with this transportation rule because it would make all our lives so much easier!
When you drive to Magic Kingdom yourself, you’ll find that you park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take the Monorail or Ferryboat to the park. This easily can add 15-30 minutes to your day depending on how busy security is, which can really mess up plans if you’re not budgeting it in already. If you take the complimentary shuttle from Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels, you’ll also be brought to the TTC instead of the park.
Monorail line
However, if you take a Disney bus from another Disney World park or one of Disney World’s hotels, you’ll be brought straight to Magic Kingdom instead of the TTC, saving you valuable time. You’ll still go through security, but at least you won’t have to take another mode of transportation to get to the park — instead you’ll just walk forward to the front gates.
TTC Security
The rule we wish would change? Well, if you take a rideshare to Magic Kingdom, aka a Lyft or an Uber, you’ll be dropped off at the TTC, NOT Magic Kingdom. If you take a Minnie Van (Disney’s private rideshare that they’ve partnered with Lyft for) you’ll be brought to Magic Kingdom directly, but those are often more expensive than traditional rideshares, and some people don’t know about them.
TTC Rideshare
We get it — rideshares are driven by people who aren’t Disney World Cast Members, unlike Minnie Vans, so it wouldn’t make a ton of sense for them to get special permission to drive straight to the Magic Kingdom, and it might confuse drivers and the app they use for directions, but we can dream, right?
Minnie Vans
If you’re trying to save time and are traveling with a large group, then taking a Minnie Van will likely be a great option! You can book one through Lyft app while you’re on Disney World property, and you’ll see a Minnie Van option show up along with other regular Lyft choices. We’ve taken these many times before and have really enjoyed them, but think they’re most worth it for families with young kids who need carseats and large groups (especially ones where the bill can be split between everyone).
Screenshot from Lyft
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest transportation news and rules around Disney World to help keep you up-to-date for your next trip, so stay tuned to DFB!
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We usually drive, but we also often use other ways of getting to and from MK. We have been known to use rideshares and taxis, so it’s good to know that Minnie vans are the only ones that go directly to MK. Driving is a great way to get to the other parks, but we agree – skippng the TTC is the right move if you can do it.
But the ferry and monorail are apart of the experience!! A day at MK is not complete without at least one or the other! I grew up always driving into the parking lot, so I thought as a kid that was the only way to get in. I was so confused the first time I stayed on property and bypassed that entire part of the trip. I had no idea the busses went right up to the entrance. I find that sad. One of many reasons I don’t like staying on property.
Walt wanted people to leave their word in the parking lot and travel to Magic Kingdom in a transition to the fantasy of Disney. So, if you’re not traveling via Disney to the front gate then it’s not the way Walt planned it.
You don’t want that rule removed those ride share drivers are very dangerous
Sorry, but it would be absolute chaos to allow ordinary rideshare vehicles upto the front gate. They’d cause congestion with all the busses turning left. Plus you’d have ordinary guests trying to drop off their family.
We live 2,000 miles away out west, so we take a 5 hour flight , then Mears to our Disney resort we love Disney transportation! Our favorite resort is Caribbean Beach, so we can use the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
I always find a way to get dropper off at Contemporary Hotel and walk over. Security tries to give a hard time, but there’s no law that says you can’t eat at their Food Court.
Transportation cast member here. If you are suggesting that Uber/Lyft be allowed to drop off at Magic Kingdom, you have to understand it would be a logistical nightmare for the park to resort bus drivers. The way the MK bus area is set up does not allow for such increases traffic.