Transport options at Disney World: getting around is half the fun

03.10.2024 - 19:37 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Okay, so there is a lot to love about Disney World. I mean, people dedicate their lives to all things Disney, and frankly, I understand the motivation. However, call me crazy, but the transportation options at Disney World in Orlando are like pixie dust on your vacation. I found them all marvelous during our quick three-day visit—they were easy to use and, best of all, included with resort and park fees.

If you’re planning on park-hopping or staying at a Disney World resort, your transportation is covered and highly recommended. Here's how to get around.

There are bus depots outside all Disney World theme parks and resorts, and each bus is clearly marked with its destination. Buses are the best option for convenience, as they travel to all major destinations and run regularly. I think the longest we waited for a bus was 15 minutes. Service begins 45 minutes before the parks open and continues one hour after closing.

How to travel: To reach Disney’s Blizzard Beach, you must first go to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus, while Typhoon Lagoon requires a transfer from Disney Springs.

Strollers are welcome but need to be folded before boarding. The drivers are also skilled at helping travelers with accessibility needs, and it’s standard to load and unload wheelchairs.

I admit, I’m a sucker for mid-century modern. The Contemporary Resort, just next to Magic Kingdom is truly a sight to behold. The monorail goes right through the hotel! We took it from Magic Kingdom to Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary for dinner, and I highly recommend it. So easy, so quick, so fun. 

How to travel: The monorail goes only one direction, so when you leave The Contemporary, you travel all around the loop back to Magic Kingdom, which allowed us to see so much more of Disney World and the resorts (my kids were eyeing up the pool at The Grand Floridian!). But the Monorail also stops at The Polynesian. Honestly, access to the Monorail is a great reason to stay at the resorts along its line. It is a truly seamless way to get around. 

The Skyliner is a gondola, like at a ski resort, that connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot and four resorts; Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Riviera. Each gondola is themed in a fun way and soars over the resorts and theme parks allowing you a bird’s eye view of all the Disney magic. 

How to travel: Similar to the busses, the Skyliner is available on hour before Epcot and Hollywood Studios opening and stays operating 90 minutes after the theme parks close. On nights when Epcot offers extended evening hours, the Skyliner stayed open an hour after closing. 

This is a great way to head to Topolino’s Terrave for dinner at The Riviera if you’ve