Transportation Options at Disney World
There is a lot to love about Disney World; people dedicate their lives to all things Disney, and frankly, there’s motivation behind that. However, the transportation options at Disney World in Orlando add an enchanting layer to your vacation experience. During our quick three-day visit, the transportation was easy to navigate and included with resort and park fees, making it a wonderful perk for visitors.
If you’re planning on park-hopping or staying at a Disney World resort, utilizing the transportation options is highly recommended. Here’s an overview of how to get around.
Buses: The Straightforward Option
Disney World features bus depots outside all theme parks and resorts, with each bus clearly marked by destination. Buses stand out for their convenience, as they travel to all major locations and operate regularly. The longest wait time we experienced for a bus was approximately 15 minutes, with service starting 45 minutes prior to park openings and continuing for one hour after closing.
Travel Route: To reach Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests must first go to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus. For Typhoon Lagoon, a transfer from Disney Springs is required.
Strollers are welcome aboard but must be folded before entry. Additionally, drivers are trained to assist travelers with accessibility needs, and it’s standard procedure to load and unload wheelchairs.
Monorail: The Stylish Option
If you appreciate mid-century modern architecture, the Contemporary Resort adjacent to Magic Kingdom is a sight to behold. The monorail travels directly through the hotel! Taking the monorail from Magic Kingdom to Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary for dinner was incredibly easy, quick, and enjoyable.
How to Travel: The monorail operates in one direction, looping back to Magic Kingdom, which allowed us to take in more sights around Disney World and the resorts. Access to the monorail presents an excellent reason to consider staying at resorts along its route.
Disney Skyliner: The Fun Option
The Skyliner, akin to a ski resort gondola, connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot as well as four resorts: Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Riviera. Each gondola is themed and offers a unique bird’s eye view of the wonderful Disney environment.
Travel Time: The Skyliner operates one hour prior to the opening of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, remaining in service for 90 minutes after park closures. On nights when Epcot features extended evening hours, the Skyliner remains open an additional hour.
Boat: The Scenic Option
A variety of water taxis and ferries traverse the many water bodies throughout Walt Disney World Resort. If you have a love for boats, taking a water taxi from Hollywood Studios to Epcot could be an unforgettable highlight of your visit.
Travel Options: Water taxis provide access to Magic Kingdom and surrounding resorts, such as Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge. The FriendShip boat connects Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Yacht Club Resort, World Dolphin Hotel, and the World Swan Hotel.
Lyfts: The Private Option
An interesting feature at Disney World is the availability of Minnie Vans through the Lyft app. Guests can order a red minivan adorned with white polka dots to travel around the park. Each vehicle is equipped with two car seats, mandatory for children under five, and is also accessible for mobility devices.
Accessibility at Disney World
Disney World is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities enjoy their experience to the fullest. Wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rental, and accessible transportation options accommodate mobility needs, including wheelchairs and ECVs.
For neurodivergent guests, Disney provides resources to help visitors and their caregivers determine which attractions will cater to their needs and enhance their overall experience.
Service animals are also welcomed at Disney World, ensuring that every guest, including those who rely on service animals, can have a magical experience.
