When you’re planning your Disney World vacation, it’s a good idea to consider how you’re going to get around.
Disney has made themselves experts at moving people around their parks. They have created an entire transportation system designed to get you where you need to go.
It’s incredibly helpful to know your options ahead of time. It’ll be the difference between waking up, getting ready, and getting to the parks, and fumbling around with options and information the morning of.
This can be even more of an issue if you’ve got kids with you who only care about getting to Mickey!
So with that in mind, here’s an overview of the Walt Disney World Transportation System.
Basic information
There are six Disney Transporation options for anyone looking to move around the Disney Parks and Resorts.
Once you’re on Disney property, you can use Disney’s Transportation system even if you’re not staying at a Disney World Resort. The only thing you need to be staying with Disney to use is the Magical Express.
Every method of transportation does not go to every single location, however, it is very possible to get to every location on Disney property using the Disney Transportation system. You just sometimes have to make a few stops along the way.
The Disney Transportation system is incredibly useful if you’re flying into Orlando and staying at a Disney Resort, and it was likely designed with this type of traveler in mind. But you don’t have to be flying or staying at a resort to use the system.
Give yourself time
While there are MANY advantages to using Disney Transportation, one of the downsides is that you have to wait for a ride to get your day started.
During the day, average wait times, in my experience, have been anywhere from five to twenty minutes.
At night, however, they’re typically longer. Majority of people leave the parks after the nighttime/fireworks show, which results in a flood of people to the buses, monorails, etc.
Disney does their best to anticipate this and send vehicles more frequently, but waits can still get long (and feel even longer when you’re exhausted from a busy park day).
So if you’re using Disney Transportation, give yourself plenty of time to travel–especially if you have a FastPass or Dining Reservation you’re trying to make. And be prepared to wait if you head out right after the nighttime show.
Magical Express
If you’re flying and staying at a Disney World Resort, the Magical Express will likely be your first encounter with Disney Transportation.
Unlike the other options in this list, this services is only available to Disney Resort guests.
If you’re staying off property, you’ll need to reach out to your hotel about any airport shuttle they may have, or consider renting a car or using a rideshare.
The Magical Express will take you from the airport to your Disney World Resort. They will also pick up any bags you may have checked.
And at the end of your trip, the Magical Express is available to take you back to the airport.
This service is free, however, you do have to reserve a spot on your arrival day. So if you plan to use the Magical Express, make sure you let Disney know!
You can learn more about this in our What to Plan Ahead for in Disney World post, and on Disney World’s website.
Buses
Buses are the most prevalent form of Disney Transportation. When in doubt, you can get almost anywhere using the Disney Bus system.
Buses run from each resort to each of the four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs.
Bus transportation begins about 45 minutes before all park opening times and run about two hours after theme parks close and 75 minutes after water parks close.
Buses to Disney Springs also start around 45 minutes before opening and run to Disney Springs until 1 AM and from Disney Springs until 2 AM.
The buses will take you from one park to another, but they will not take you from resort to resort.
But if you need to go from one resort to another, you can take a bus to a nearby park, then grab a bus to your desired resort.
Wait time between buses is typically 20 minutes.
Boats
Disney’s Water Transportations System connects the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom by boat.
The BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club can all get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios by boat.
And Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter can all get to Disney Springs by boat.
The wait time for a boat is typically between 15 and 30 minutes.
However, it’s worth noting that boat operation is dependent on water and weather patterns, so they may not always be in operation.
Monorails
The monorail links the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian to the Magic Kingdom.
You can also use the monorail to move between Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
Monorails begin running a half-hour before the parks open and run for an hour after they close. Monorails run on a consistent loop.
Also, when you’re taking the monorail from one of the resorts, you’ll need to go through park security before you get on, so be sure to leave time for that.
Skyliner
As of September 29, 2019, the Disney Skyliner will connect PopCentery, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resorts with Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
The Skyliner will move guests around via gondolas which operate similar to a ski lift.
We’ll know more about this option once it’s open!
Minnie Vans
Minnie Vans aren’t apart of the official Disney Transportation system, but they’re an option for you if you don’t mind paying.
Disney has partnered with Lyft to offer the Minnie Van service. Minnie Vans are actual minivans that are themed to Minnie Mouse. These vans come with two car seats available if you need them.
You can order a Minnie Van through the Lyft app 45 to 60 minutes ahead of time.
And while Minnie Vans aren’t a part of Disney’s free Transportation System, they are driven by Disney Cast Members, so you’ll still be getting a Disney Experience.
Minnie Vans may be a good choice if you’re running late and need to get somewhere quickly, need a ride when Disney Transportation isn’t running, or want a more direct route from one location to another.
Minnie Vans operate from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Stay within walking distance
Okay, obviously this option isn’t directly apart of the Disney Transportation system, but it is a method of transportation that Disney has provided for you.
Disney World is far too large for any one resort to be in walking distance to each park, but a handful of Disney Resorts are in walking distance and have walkways to one of the parks nearby.
You can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary. You can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the BoardWalk, the Beach Club, and the Yacht Club. And you can walk to Disney Springs from Saratoga Springs.
My general thought and opinions
Overall, I love the Disney Transportation System. I love that from the second I land until the second I take off, I don’t have to worry about driving or how I’m going to get somewhere.
Personally, the convenience of moving around Disney for free outweighs the one big con of having to wait for a ride.
However, relying solely on Disney Transportation may not be for you if you don’t want to wait around for your ride, would prefer a more direct route between resorts, or if you’re planning on going off property (either to visit another theme park or to explore the Orlando area).
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: What are your thoughts on Disney World Transportation? What’s been your experience? Tell us about it in the comments!