How to Get Around at Walt Disney World
One of the biggest benefits of staying on-property at Disney is the included transportation. But there are so many ways to get from here to there! It all depends on which hotel you choose, and where you are headed. Here’s a breakdown:
Buses and Vans
This is the most common form of transportation, and one you’ll see in some capacity at almost every resort. Buses usually come every 15-20 minutes, with more frequent service at busy times like park opening and closing. Another fun way to get around is the Minnie Vans — you can order one on the Lyft app. Bonus, they have two car seats for the little ones if you need them. Some resorts share transportation, so it can be a big benefit to stay closer to the first stop. It’s also easy to use the bus system to go to other resorts, by taking a bus from your hotel to the theme park closest to your destination. While some hotels just off Disney property may offer bus service, their drop off locations are not as close as the ones from Disney Resorts.
Boats
These are one of the more rare forms of transportation, but they are so magical! It builds so much anticipation to hop on a boat and see the Magic Kingdom approaching. Other boats can give you the feeling of being “down on the bayou” as they take you from the Port Orleans resorts down to Disney Springs. If you’re staying at any of the Epcot resorts, there are boat transportation options to get you directly to Epcot or Hollywood studios as well! This may not be the fastest way to get from point A to B, but it sure is delightful!
Boat Transportation Options:
To the Magic Kingdom…
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
To EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood
Studios…Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
To Disney Springs…
Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts – Riverside and French Quarter
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Gondolas
Disney’s new Skyliner connects four resorts with EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The quick and seamless trip makes staying at these resorts extra attractive! Each gondola is decorated with Disney characters and scenes, so it’s fun to see which one you will ride in!
Disney Skyliner Transportation Options:
To Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Plus you can also travel to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for dining and recreation opportunities!
Monorail
Truly an icon of the Walt Disney World Resort, the monorail was one of Walt Disney’s dreams when he first came up with the idea for EPCOT – then known as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt loved trains and knew they had the power to move people efficiently and conveniently. Today the monorail connects the Magic Kingdom and its nearby resorts to EPCOT, and is also a major transfer for guests coming from the Transportation and Ticket Center. Staying at these resorts is absolutely wonderful if you plan to do multiple days at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
Monorail Transportation Options:
To Magic Kingdom & EPCOT
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Ticket and Transportation Center
Walking Paths
This may not sound like the most glamorous option, but it is absolute luxury to stay within walking distance to the park! Just imagine strolling on up to the gate each morning and skipping the wait for transportation.
Walking Path Options:
To Magic Kingdom…
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort…via the pathway to the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & spa
To EPCOT & Disney’s Hollywood Studios…
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
To Disney Springs…
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa