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Disney Transportation 101

One of the reasons we love Walt Disney world as a family vacation is because of the free transportation.

We appreciate being able to sit back and relax and Disney Cast Members get us to and from our destinations.

So what are the different transportation options in Walt Disney World?  We are going to break down the different options and where they can take you throughout Walt Disney World.

Disney Skyliner
Credit: Disney

Disney Skyliner

The newest mode of transportation in Walt Disney World in the Disney Skyliner.   This new, unique transportation option takes Guests high above the Walt Disney World Property giving them views like never before.

The main hub for the Skyliner is located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.  From here Guests can get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT as well as Disney’s Riviera, Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation.

Because the skyliner is usually always moving, it is a quick way to get around Walt Disney World.  Even if you aren’t staying at one of the skyliner Resorts, we suggest taking time to ride the skyliner.

EpcotMonorail_Green

Monorail

Another iconic Disney transportation is the monorail. This mode of transportation has been around since Walt Disney World opened and is in our opinion another must experience mode of transportation when in Walt Disney World.

The monorail takes Guests around Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Magic Kingdom the Ticket and Transportation Center.

There is another monorail line that also takes Guests from the Ticket and Transportation Center to EPCOT.

The monorail provides a fun, unique way to get around the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT area.  Even if you don’t need it to get anywhere, take some time to enjoy a ride.

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credit: Disney Tips

Walking Paths

If you like being in charge of your own transportation, Walt Disney World also offers great walking paths.

In the Magic Kingdom area, there are walking paths from Disney’s Contemporary Resort/Bay Lake Tower as well as a new one from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Guests staying at these Resorts or visiting these Resorts can easily get to Magic Kingdom via these paths.  They are well lit and provide some beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon.

Over in the EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios area, those visiting Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club can easily walk to these two Parks.

Walking paths are a great way to enjoy some beautiful sights while getting to and from the Disney Parks quickly and easily.

Ferry Boat

Boats and Ferry

Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, Guests can choose to ride boats to get to and from different locations.

One area that you can use boat transportation is on the way to Magic Kingdom. Once parked at the Ticket and Transportation Center, Guests can take the ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon to arrive at the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom resorts (Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Polynesian, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa) all have water taxis that transport Guests.

Most of these resorts use water taxis to transport Guests to the Magic Kingdom, but sometimes they will stop at a different Resort as well.

Over by Disney Springs, Guests can use boat transportation to get to and from Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter and Saratoga Springs as well as Disney Springs.

This is a nice ride down the calming Sassagoula River and gives Guests fun looks at the different Disney Resorts as well as the lights of Disney Springs.

Finally, resorts around Crescent Lake can use Friendship Boats to get to and from their Resort and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

These Resorts are Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and both Beach Club and Yacht Club.  These Friendship Boats make multiple stops along the way and are a good option if you need to get off your feet after a long day.

The Disney boats aren’t the fastest of the Disney transportation; however, they do offer some relaxing rides with beautiful views of the Walt Disney World Property.

WaltDisneyWorld Bus
credit: Disney Tips

Buses

The final mode of transportation that most Guests visiting Walt Disney World will use are the Disney buses.

Disney buses take Guests throughout the Walt Disney World property from the four Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT), two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Disney Springs as well as the Disney Resort hotels.

Disney buses come around every 20 minutes to take Guests to their destination.   These aren’t your normal city buses as they are warped with different Disney themes from the Fab Five to our favorite movies.

No matter where you are heading in Walt Disney World, chances are a Disney bus can get you there.  Check the My Disney Experience app when at a Disney Resort as you can see approximate arrival times for buses.

We absolutely love the Walt Disney World transportation options during our Disney vacation.  We appreciate that we don’t have to worry about where we are going or how to get to where we want to be.

Not only is it nice to have this option, but the transportation methods are fun all on their own.  It is exciting to take a ride on the skyliner, boats and monorails.  Kids even enjoy the buses as they feel the freedom of no car seat and being able to see outside.

When staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, make sure you know what different modes of transportation are offered so you can make sure you are using these free options.

Take a look at our must do experiences in Walt Disney World HERE.

Avoid crowds with these tips HERE.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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