Walt Disney World is home to four major theme parks, a dining and shopping district, two water parks, world-class golf courses, over 25 Resort hotels, a sports complex, and MORE. The property itself covers 40 square miles — that’s TWICE the size of Manhattan! And so a big question for a lot of guests is: HOW in the world do I get around the WORLD?
Walt Disney World Monorail
We’re here to help! From buses and boats to Skyliners and Monorails to good ol’ walkways, we’re talking about TRANSPORTATION in Disney World!
If you’d like to jump to a specific topic, simply click any of the links below:
- FREE Transportation Around Disney World
- Park Hopping
- PAID Transportation Around Disney World
- PAID Transportation to and from Disney World and Orlando International Airport
- Parking at Walt Disney World Resort
In the words of Peter Pan… “Here we GO!”
First things first! Disney transportation is FREE for Walt Disney World Resort guests. And you know what else? It’s also FUN! (Well, most of the time 😉 ).
Disney Skyliner Gondola
With unique options that take you over the water or (literally) in the skies, you may actually experience certain modes of transportation that you’ve never had the chance to before.
FREE Transportation Around Disney World
Disney Buses
Okay, so maybe going by Disney Bus transportation is not quite as unique as some of the other options, but it is certainly the most common option available to guests! Disney buses are the one mode of transportation that you can find all over the Disney World property.
Let’s GO!
Buses travel continuously to and from all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and all of the Resort hotels from those destinations.
Pluto Bus Heading to Magic Kingdom!
If you’re heading to one of the water parks — Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon — things are a bit more complicated! Typhoon Lagoon visitors will need to first take a bus to Disney Springs, then transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus at the Disney Springs station. To get to Blizzard Beach, there is sometimes a direct shuttle from the individual resorts but other times, you’ll need to ride to Animal Kingdom and transfer buses there. (These buses will typically begin running one hour before park open and end their run one hour after park close.)
Disney Resort hotel guests will find wait times posted at the bus stop stations at their resorts to find out when the next bus will arrive to carry them to their destination.
Bus Wait Times Display Board
As a general rule, bus service from Disney Resort hotels to the theme parks begins 45 minutes prior to park opening, and ends one hour after park close.
Disney buses can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. (Please note that guests traveling with strollers must fold the strollers prior to boarding a bus and keep them folded for the duration of the ride.)
P.S. Here’s a HUGE BONUS: the buses are air-conditioned!
Find our COMPLETE GUIDE to taking Disney World Bus transportation here!
Walt Disney World Monorail
It’s your “Highway in the Sky”… the Walt Disney World Monorail!
Take the Monorail from Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
The Transportation and Ticket Center — often referred to simply as the TTC — serves as the “hub” for the three Monorail loops (or beams).
Monorail Sign at the Transportation and Ticket Center
The Resort Monorail brings guests to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Transportation and Ticket Center, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Grand Floridian and Monorail
The Express Monorail carries guests directly to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom. (Uniquely, the Express Monorail zooms through the inside of Disney’s Contemporary Resort!)
Monorail passing by Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The EPCOT Monorail brings guests to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center and EPCOT (and even provides some truly unique views as it winds guests through Future World upon arrival to the park).
The EPCOT Monorail
Featuring twelve trains differentiated and designated by color — Teal, Red, Coral, Orange, Gold, Green, Yellow, Peach, Lime, Blue, Silver, and Black — the Disney World Monorail may just be the most iconic and quintessentially Disney way to travel around the World!
Monorail Gold for the 50th Anniversary
P.S. The Monorails are celebrating the 50th Anniversary, too. Monorail Gold has a special wrap, as seen above. And in the evenings…
The Monorail is glowing!
.. the Monorails are GLOWING for the big celebration, enhanced with nighttime lighting to match each train’s color!
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner became Disney World’s newest transportation system when it officially made its BIG debut in September 2019!
Disney Skyliner
This gondola system connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with four Disney Resorts: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (which is also home to the Skyliner hub), Disney’s Rivera Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts.
Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century share a Disney Skyliner station
And when you board your gondola (which can seat up to 10 guests)…
Inside a Skyliner Gondola
… you may be joined by a few of your favorite Disney characters decorating your cabin!
Disney Skyliner Gondola — Moana
From Skyliner stations to transfers and more, we provide ALL the ins-and-outs for this particular system on our Disney Skyliner page.
Click HERE to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about the Disney Skyliner!
Water Transportation
In addition to being relaxing and fun, Water Transportation offers some of the most scenic views of any Disney transportation option!
The Ferryboat provides an additional way for guests to get to and from the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Take the Ferryboat to or from the Magic Kingdom at the TTC
Guests can see Cinderella Castle getting closer and closer from their perch aboard the Richard F. Irvine, the Admiral Joe Fowler, or the General Joe Potter Ferryboat.
You can also cruise from several Disney World Resort hotels on a Water Taxi to the theme parks or Disney Springs!
Friendship Boat
Guests can travel to and from the Magic Kingdom by way of Watercraft Service at the following Resorts:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (to the Transportation and Ticket Center)
Boat Transportation at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Starting at 3PM daily, guests may travel across Bay Lake by boat between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Guests can travel to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios by way of Watercraft Service (called Friendship Boats) at the following Resorts:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
EPCOT Area Friendship Boats
Looking forward to a night out in Disney Springs? Guests can sail to and from Disney Springs by way of Watercraft Service at the following Resorts:
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (including Disney’s Treehouse Villas)
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Ferry at Old Key West Resort
Walkways
Certainly, with all of the options noted above, you might think walking might be the slowest way to get around. But that’s not necessarily always the case…
Walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian!
For instance, did you know that it takes less time to walk to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort than taking the Monorail due to its close proximity to the park’s entrance?
Walkways from Resort hotels to the theme parks or Disney Springs are not incredibly common, but they can be an absolute boon! This way of traversing Disney World — entirely wait-free 😉 — is available to and from the following locations:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort to and from Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to and from Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to and from EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts to and from EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to and from EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to and from Disney Springs
Disney’s BoardWalk
Guests may also stroll along Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
DON’T Make These 5 Rookie Mistakes when traveling around Disney World!
Disney Transportation Cards
P.S. When you take free Disney transportation, ask for a free collectible Transportation Card!
Monorail Transportation Cards
Bus drivers, monorail drivers, and other cast members who work in transportation around the boats, Skyliner, monorail and buses will often have these cards.
Friendship Boat Cards
There are more than two dozen different cards with a Disney character and the mode of transportation on the front, and some fun facts on the back. It’s fun to try to collect them all!
Park Hopping
Park Hopping is the ability to visit more than one of the Walt Disney World theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — in one day. In order to Park Hop, guests MUST have a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that includes Park Hopper benefits.
Park Hopping
You can learn ALL the ins-and-out of Park Hopping HERE, but for the purposes of THIS page, we’re sharing transportation options from park-to-park.
Keep in mind that park-to-park bus routes start to run at 10AM each day.
Getting to Magic Kingdom
From EPCOT:
- Guests may take the EPCOT Monorail to Magic Kingdom. This includes a transfer to the Magic Kingdom Monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center (or TTC). Guests may also choose to board the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat from the TTC.
- If Monorail Service isn’t operating, guests will often find a Disney bus available from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom.
From Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to Magic Kingdom.
From Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to Magic Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom sign
Getting to EPCOT
From Magic Kingdom:
- Guests may take the EPCOT Monorail from Magic Kingdom. This includes a transfer from the Magic Kingdom Monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center (or TTC) to EPCOT.
- If Monorail Service isn’t operating, guests will often find a Disney bus available from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.
From Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Guests may take a Friendship Boat which sails along Crescent Lake to EPCOT. This will include stops at the EPCOT area Resorts; however, no transfer is needed. Simply remain on the boat until arrival at EPCOT.
- Guests may also choose to walk to EPCOT along Crescent Lake on a dedicated walking path.
- Guests may take the Disney Skyliner. Board the Skyliner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and disembark at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (the Skyliner’s hub). From here, take the Disney Skyliner to EPCOT.
From Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to EPCOT.
Welcome to EPCOT
Getting to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
From Magic Kingdom:
- Guests may take a Disney bus from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
From EPCOT:
- Guests may take a Friendship Boat which sails along Crescent Lake to Hollywood Studios. This will include stops at the EPCOT area Resorts; however, no transfer is needed. Simply remain on the boat until arrival at Hollywood Studios.
- Guests may also choose to walk to Hollywood Studios along Crescent Lake on a dedicated walking path.
- Guests may take the Disney Skyliner. Board the Skyliner at EPCOT (the Skyliner is located at the International Gateway, which guests can access between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase). Disembark at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (the Skyliner’s hub). From here, take the Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios.
From Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to EPCOT.
Hollywood Studios Entrance
Getting to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
From Magic Kingdom:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to Animal Kingdom.
From EPCOT:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to Animal Kingdom.
From Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Guests may take a Disney bus to Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom entrance
HAPPY HOPPING!
Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about Park Hopping!
Disney Springs
You can catch a bus from any Disney Resort hotel to Disney Springs, and buses start running once Disney Springs opens. There aren’t any buses that go from Disney Springs to the theme parks, so if you are planning on going to the parks after a morning in Disney Springs, you’ll need to find another option.
Disney Springs bus directory sign
Disney Springs has three bus loops, and each has a different use! The Disney Springs West Side loop is now used for ride share such as Minnie Vans, guest pick up/drop off, and non-Disney-owned hotels. The Disney Springs Marketplace loop is used for Minnie Vans and other ride shares. Lastly, the main Disney Springs bus area near the Town Center is where you’ll find buses departing to and arriving from the Disney Resort hotels. Disney Springs buses typically start running at around 9AM, and the bus driver will announce the latest bus return time, usually about 1 hour after Disney Springs closes for the night.
PAID Transportation Around Disney World
Minnie Vans
A Minnie Van is a vehicle (at present, the program is using the Chevy Traverse SUV for parties up to six or other Chevy-brand vans for parties with wheelchairs or ECVs) designed unmistakably to resemble Minnie Mouse! Minnie Vans provide a direct and private ride from one location to another at Walt Disney World Resort! For transportation around Disney World Resort, each Minnie Van vehicle is able to accommodate up to 6 Guests and up to 2 complimentary child seats if needed.
Minnie Van
Minnie Vans are “powered by” the popular ride share program Lyft, but drivers are long-time, experienced cast members of Walt Disney World (and they’re awesome!).Prices vary based on the distance from their pick-up location to their destination in Disney World. The cost includes a one-way trip from the starting location to any other location on property and perks like up to 2 expertly installed car seats, if needed, and phone chargers in the vehicle. Guests can see the final price and pay for the service in the Lyft app.
Click HERE to find out EVERYTHING you want to know about Minnie Vans!
PAID Transportation To and From Disney World and Orlando International Airport
Previously, Disney provided a shuttle service called Magical Express for guests staying in the Disney World Resort hotels. Magical Express was discontinued in 2022; however, guests looking for a similar service still have options, including the one we are highlighting below:
Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine provides guests with transportation to and from the airport and eligible hotels “with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience.”
Mears Connect Bus
Mears Connect also offers an Express Service that takes you directly from the airport to your hotel. It starts at $250 for up to 4 people.
Guests may learn more or book by visiting www.mearsconnect.com.
Looking for more ways to get to and from Orlando International Airport? We’ve compiled a list of resources for you here.
Parking at Walt Disney World Resort
If you’re driving to Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll want to be aware of parking costs when you consider your vacation budget.
Disney World Theme Park Parking Fees
The Disney World theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — require parking fees.
Magic Kingdom Parking Entrance
Standard parking for a car or motorcycle is $30 per day, and oversized vehicle parking (a shuttle, limo, camper trailer, RV, Bus or tractor-trailer) is $35 per day. Once you pay for parking at one of the Disney World theme parks, then you’re good for the day. If you start your day at Animal Kingdom and decide to Park Hop over to Hollywood Studios, you don’t have to pay for parking again. Just show the Cast Member at the front gate your valid parking receipt to prove you already paid for that day.
Preferred parking at the Disney Parks for a car or motorcycle is also available for $45, $50, or $55 per day (pricing is seasonal and varies by date).
Please note that guests staying at a Disney World Resort hotel do NOT have to pay to park at the Disney World theme parks. Parking is also included for Disney World Annual Passholders.
As you might imagine, the theme park parking lots are HUGE. Free Parking Trams are available at the theme park parking lots to transport guests who do not wish to walk from their parking space to the park entrance.
Magic Kingdom Parking Lot Trams
PRO TIP: Parking Rows are numbered and themed. Don’t forget to take a picture of the number of your parking row so you can find it easily at the end of a long day in the park!
If you are driving an electric car to Disney World, we have information for you HERE.
Disney World Resort Hotel Overnight Parking Fees
Overnight parking fees were previously required for Disney World Resort hotel guests. However, in January 2023, Disney announced that overnight self-parking is once again FREE for guests staying at Disney World’s Resort Hotels.
Additionally, guests visiting a Resort with an Advance Dining Reservation at one of the Resort’s restaurants are not required to pay Resort parking fees.
Valet service is available at Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for $42.00 per night.
Parking at Disney Springs
Parking is FREE at Disney Springs.
Entering Orange Garage
Parking is available in surface parking lots and three parking garages: Orange, Lime, Watermelon, and Grapefruit. The lots open at 9AM, while most locations in Disney Springs open at 10AM.
Car Locator
If you drive to Disney World, you are gonna LOVE this feature in the My Disney Experience app: the Car Locator presented by State Farm!
©Disney
The feature is presented by State Farm and uses location technology to find and save your parking details. It is available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, the Disney World water parks, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Magic Kingdom parking lot signs
Simply open the My Disney Experience app and tap the car locator card on the home screen (or you can use the feature menu with this symbol “☰” for access). In order for the feature to work best, you will need to enable location services, bluetooth, and notifications on your phone.
Then, just follow the prompts and enter your parking info.
©Disney
(If you choose to enable location permissions on your device, the car locator feature will help fill in the details for you.) Ready to leave? Return to the car locator function to see your parking info again!
Congratulations! Now you know how to get around Walt Disney World! I guess the only question now is… WHERE will you go first?
Find our ULTIMATE Guide to Planning your Walt Disney World Vacation HERE!
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