Disney World resort transportation guide
6 (mostly) free ways to get around without driving
Skip the rental car at Disney World
From monorails to boats and buses, there are a lot of ways to get around Disney World without ever getting behind the wheel. If you stay on-site, there is no need to rent a car. Just grab an Uber from the airport and let Disney take you around the resort.
With four scattered theme parks, and over two dozen on-site hotels, Disney World is literally the size of a city (the city of San Francisco, to give you a sense of scale). And I personally don’t enjoy driving, parking, or navigating in a strange city.
But this is an escape from the real world, complete with free comprehensive transportation that is also fun.
Even if you aren’t sleeping at Disney, all the free transportation is still free. Once you are on property, you can ride the monorail, Skyliner, boats, all of it, with no questions asked.
There’s often more than one way to get there too, so take a look at the options below and start thinking about which transport you’ll ride first.
Wait, can’t I just walk from my hotel?
With very few exceptions, there is no walking from your hotel to the park. And there is absolutely no way to walk from any one Disney World hotel to all four of the parks.
Quick note about the Magic Kingdom TTC
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom, note that the access is a bit more complicated than the other Disney World parks.
Magic Kingdom parking is centralized at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), which is a multi-modal transportation hub, located across a lake from the actual park entrance.
From the TTC, you can ride the monorail to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot. You can also take a ferry to the Magic Kingdom gate.
If you’re taking a bus from a non-Disney hotel (except Swan/Dolphin/Swan Reserve), this is where it will drop you off for Magic Kingdom.
Likewise, outside transportation including Uber, Lyft, and taxi will drop off at the TTC for Magic Kingdom.
Here are 6 ways to get around Disney World Resort
Free to all Disney World visitors
Monorail
Probably the most iconic form of Disney transportation, the monorail is a fun option for travel between Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
There are two monorail lines at Disney World. The resort loop stops at Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, the TTC, and actually runs straight through the lobby of the Contemporary Resort.
To get from Magic Kingdom to Epcot on the monorail, catch the line at the TTC to Epcot.
Skyliner
The Skyliner is a great way to get up out of the traffic. You can travel between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, plus stop at several on-site hotels.
There are two Skyliner lines, with the hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. The Skyliner also stops at the Riviera Resort, and Art of Animation/Pop Century.
Here’s my post with lots more info about the Disney Skyliner.
Boat
Yes, you can actually take a boat to the park from some Disney resorts.
Take a water taxi to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness.
The Friendship boats run between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, stopping at the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin Hotels.
More resorts are located on the waterway that leads to Disney Springs. Catch the Sassagoula River Cruise at Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, or the Port Orleans resorts.
Bus
The most ubiquitous form of transportation is the good-old Disney bus. Buses run continuously from at least an hour before park opening until several hours after. They are air conditioned and always feature a fun Disney soundtrack.
You can take the Disney bus from all hotels to the theme parks and to Disney Springs.
Disney buses stop just outside the Magic Kingdom gates, not at the TTC. But, very important, Disney buses do NOT run between the resort hotels.
Other ways to get around Disney World without driving
Sometimes you’ve just got to throw money at a problem. At Disney World, it’s super easy to get an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or use the Minnie Van service.
These options work great when you just can’t wait for the free transport, or when you’re traveling between resorts.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi
Chances are you’ll only wait a few minutes for an Uber or Lyft at Disney World. Taxis are often stationed just outside the park gates.
One thing to note: at Magic Kingdom, you will be dropped off at the TTC, not in front of the park. Because of this, it might be quicker to have your Uber drop you off at the Contemporary Resort, where it’s a 5-minute walk to Magic Kingdom.
Minnie Van
Minnie Vans are Disney’s version of Lyft. In fact, you actually use the Lyft app to get one.
Minnie Vans cost more than Lyft, but they are driven by Disney employees, and they come with two car seats.
Unlike Uber/Lyft/Taxi, Minnie Vans drop guests right at the front of Magic Kingdom, instead of at the TTC.
More info about Disney World’s on-site resorts
I made five podcast episodes about the Disney World hotels, it’s that big of a topic. If you want to learn more, check out episodes 59-63 of the Go Informed Podcast:
Here is my super-comprehensive post about all the Disney World hotels, including location, perks, theming, and even unusual room types. Get the details here.
Great run down of transportation options!