Walt Disney World is 43-square miles of family fun- but how do you get around? There are many options for getting to the Disney Parks, Disney Springs, and of course, your resort!
With options in the air, on the ground, and in the water, it can be confusing for a first time visitor.
We break down all of the different means of transportation and how they can be used on your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Airport Transportation
Once you’ve landed in Orlando your top priority will be getting your family to Walt Disney World as quickly as possible. There are several options for your Walt Disney World transportation from Orlando International and Sanford Airport.
The Sunshine Flyer
The Sunshine Flyer, is a themed motorcoach that transports guests from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to their Walt Disney World Resort. The cost is $32 per adult and $20 per child for roundtrip transportation.
- The buses are designed on the exterior to look like old-fashioned locomotives or passenger cars
- Staff will be dressed as 1920’s rail conductors and engineers
- The buses will have entertainment throughout the trip
Mears Connect
Shuttle services between Orlando International and Disney area hotels with Express & Standard service.
- An arrival souvenir.
- Limited wait time to board.
- Limited stops to your hotel/resort.
- Entertainment for you and your party while you ride.
- 24-hour service.
Ride Share – UBER and Lyft
Both Lyft and Uber are extremely easy to use and will get you from the airport to your Orlando resort in no time. They cost between $30 and $60 for one way, plus tip.
As you can see, there any may ways to get from the airport to Disney World. If you are taking the shuttles you will need to make advanced reservations. For ride share, simply download the app and request a ride when you arrive.
Resort Transportation
Walt Disney World is comparable to a city within itself, there are various transportation options to get you around the parks, on-site hotels, and Disney Springs. You need to plan accordingly as to how you are going to get from point A to point B.
Walt Disney World Buses
Almost every place in Walt Disney World is accessible by air-conditioned buses, which stop in a variety of locations. Traveling by bus at Walt Disney World is by far the most common mode of transportation used by guests.
- Bus service from resorts begins around 1 hour prior to park opening
- Return service to hotels ends two hours after park closing
- Buses run in twenty-minute intervals
- There is space for strollers and wheelchairs
- Bus service to/from Disney Springs operates from 45 minutes before opening until 1:00 AM.
- Bus service to/from the Walt Disney World water parks begins 45 minutes prior to park opening and ends 75 minutes after park closing.
The stops are well marked at the parks and Disney Springs, so you will know exactly what number coordinates with your resort and you can get back as quickly as possible.
Walt Disney World Ferry Boats
Water taxies and ferries travel between the resort hotels and the theme parks allowing guests a scenic ride along with convenient transportation. Water transportation runs to and from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. Routes run in 15-30 minute intervals and allow space to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Service can be affected by weather.
Magic Kingdom is accessibly by water from the following resorts:
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
- Wilderness Lodge
- Boulder Ridge & Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge
Ferryboats connect Magic Kingdom park to the Transportation and Ticket Center from the parking lot.
Epcot and Hollywood Studios are accessible by boat from:
- Boardwalk Inn & Villas
- Beach Club Resort & Villas
- Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts
Walt Disney World Monorail
The most nostalgic of transportation options at Disney World is the monorail. There are three separate lines that run simultaneously: the Resort Monorail, the Epcot Monorail, and the Express Monorail.
The Resort Monorail stops at the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom
- Contemporary Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort of Spa
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Transportation and Ticket Center
The Epcot Monorail and the Express Monorail begin at the Transportation and Ticket Center and offer express round-trip service to Epcot and Magic Kingdom.
Service begins 30 minutes prior to resort opening and ends one hour after park closing. Strollers and wheelchairs are both allowed. Did you even visit Disney World if you didn’t ride the monorail?
Skyliner
This newest addition to Walt Disney World transportation connects you to some resorts and parks from a highway in the sky!
You can travel using the Disney Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from these Disney Resorts:
- Art of Animation
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Pop Century Resort
- Riviera Resort
The Skyliner system accommodates strollers and wheelchairs so it is accessible to all guests. You can look at the Skyliner map to see the travel routes and get more familiar with this new skyway.
As you can see there is an abundance of ways to get around Walt Disney World Resort. Which is your favorite?
