Staying on site at Walt Disney World comes with many extra perks. The free Disney transportation system is definitely one of the most convenient perks. This massive system offers multiple options to get you from point A to point B on Disney property.

All of these transportation options can be great when you need to get around, but the amount of options can be a bit overwhelming and confusing. So let’s clear up that confusion!

This blog will go over the different types of Walt Disney World transportation and where they go, so that you can navigate your way around Walt Disney World just like a pro on your next trip!

*Disney Skyliner at Epcot’s International Gateway*

Navigating the Disney Buses

The Disney buses are the most common of the Disney World transportation options. They are also the tried and true method of transportation. You can take a Disney bus almost anywhere on property, including both water parks, Disney Springs, all of the Disney resorts, and all four theme parks.

While this is probably the least magical of all the Disney transportation, the Disney Buses are the most reliable of all the transportation options. While other modes of Disney transportation can go down for weather related or technical issues, you can always count on the Disney buses to be running.

*Disney Buses are the most reliable transportation*

Easy Disney Transportation

When in doubt or if all else fails, use a Disney bus. Just make sure you’re getting on the right bus! Each bus will have its destination displayed on the front. There are also bus directory signs located at each station to inform you which gate to go to for each destination. The buses are a great user friendly transportation option that are easy to navigate.

Animal Kingdom

Each of the theme parks offers multiple transportation options, except for one. Animal Kingdom is unique, in that no matter where you are coming from, the only Disney transportation option will be a Disney bus. So if you are going to or from Animal Kingdom, your transportation plan is easy and simple.

Disney Springs

As mentioned above, the Disney buses provide transportation to Disney Springs as well; however, they only go to the Disney resorts. There are no buses that run from Disney Springs to the theme parks. If you are planning on hitting one of the four parks after being at Disney Springs,

then you will need to take a bus to the closest resort for the park you are entering. From there you can either take another bus or a different transportation option to get you to your park destination.

When Do the Disney Buses Run?

On most days, the Disney buses will start running about 60 minutes prior to the park’s opening. They generally stop running about an hour after the park has closed. While these times are typical, they are not going to be the same every day. Check with a cast member or in the My Disney Experience app for the most accurate times for that specific day.

Navigating the Disney Skyliner

One of the newest options, which just opened up in 2019, is the Disney Skyliner system. This is a fan favorite for many because it is so easy and convenient to use. This gondola-style system connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is accessible from four different resorts including:

Art of Animation Resort
Pop Century Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Riviera Resort

*Shared Art of Animation and Pop Century Skyliner Station*

The Main Hub

The main hub of the Skyliner system sits at Caribbean Beach Resort. From here there are three options of lines to hop on. Guests can enjoy a very short ride over to Hollywood Studios, hop on the second line to head over to shared Art of Animation and Pop Century station, or head towards the Riviera with a final stop at the International Gateway, right outside the back of Epcot.

Less Waiting

One of the reasons guests love the Skyliner is due to its ability to move guests at a high capacity. This creates quicker boarding with less waiting around. During the middle of the day, it is very common to either walk right on or wait only a few minutes to board your gondola.

During peak hours, park opening and park close, these lines can get long. Don’t worry if you see a very long line though, each bucket can hold up to 10 guests at a time, and thanks to its almost constantly moving system, boarding goes quickly. This allows the line to move along at a good pace and allows guests to get to their destination swiftly.

Not Without Faults

The Skyliner is an amazing system, but it is not without faults. It can go down for inclement weather, which includes if it’s too windy, raining too hard, or if lightning is present. It also occasionally can have some technical difficulties and go down for maintenance. (The entire Disney Skyliner system will be closed for routine maintenance from January 16th- January 21st 2024. The portion of the Skyliner from Riviera Resort to the International Gateway at Epcot will be closed from January 16th- January 27th 2024.)

If your gondola stops, don’t panic! It is common for the system to be paused momentarily while cast members board a ECV guest. You will start moving shortly. If something happens and you are stopped for a longer time, again remain calm and wait for a cast member to come on the speaker to let you know what’s going on and what to do. While we all hope this is never needed, each gondola is equipped with emergency kits in the event that you were stuck inside for an extended period of time.

When Does the Skyliner Run?

The Disney Skyliner system typically opens about 60-90 minutes before park opening. It also closes about 60-90 minutes after park closing. There will be a sign at the entrance of each Skyliner station that will state its operating hours for that specific day. There is also usually a friendly helpful cast member available if you have any questions about the hours of operation.

*Disney Skyliner Operating Hours Posted Outside*

Navigating the Boats

There is a lot of water all around and throughout Walt Disney World. It’s hard to look around and not see a lagoon somewhere, so it’s not surprising that there are multiple boat systems that can be utilized to get around Disney property.

Getting to Epcot or Hollywood Studios

Right where the Skyliner station is located at the International Gateway of Epcot, the Friendship Boats begin. These boats connect Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as these Epcot area deluxe resorts:

Boardwalk
Beach Club
Yacht Club
Swan
Dolphin

These super convenient water taxis arrive every 15 minutes or so. They are a great way to cut down on extra steps, and help get you around the area. They also offer a bit of nostalgia that makes them a fun Disney World transportation option to get to your destination.

*Friendship Boats at the International Gateway at Epcot*

Getting to Disney Springs

If you are headed to Disney Springs, your only Disney World transportation option will be a bus, unless you are coming from:

Saratoga Springs
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside
Old Key West

Guests can board the Sassagoula River Ferryboat for a relaxing cruise and easy access to Disney Springs.

Getting to Magic Kingdom

And lastly there are multiple boat options to and from Magic Kingdom. If you are coming from:

Fort Wilderness
Grand Floridian
The Polynesian
Wilderness Lodge

You can enjoy a water taxi over to Magic Kingdom’s front gates.

Ferryboat

We also can’t forget about the iconic ferryboat that runs from the Ticket and Transportation Center over to the Magic Kingdom. If you drove your own car or were left off from a rideshare, then the ferryboat would be one of your options to get over to Magic Kingdom’s entrance.

Navigating the Monorail

The most iconic of all the Disney transportation, and one of Walt Disney’s most beloved creations, is the Monorail. Besides being a great way to get around, using the Monorail is like riding a classic attraction. There are multiple monorails running and there are multiple options to stop at including:

Contemporary Resort
Polynesian Village Resort
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Ticket and Transportation Center
Magic Kingdom
Epcot

Magic Kingdom Resort Loop

This line of the Monorail runs from right outside Magic Kingdom’s gates. Once onboard, the Monorail’s first stop will be the Contemporary Resort. From here the Monorail continues on to the Ticket and Transportation Center, which is the parking lot for Magic Kingdom, and offers connections to the express lines. The next stop is the Polynesian Village Resort, and then it continues on to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa before heading back around to Magic Kingdom.

Express Lines

There are two express Monorail lines from the Ticket and Transportation Center. One express line runs to Epcot, and the other goes directly to Magic Kingdom without stopping at any of the Monorail resorts. The express line from the Ticket and Transportation Center is the only Monorail line that runs to Epcot. If you are coming from Magic Kingdom by Monorail, then you must transfer at the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Epcot line.

It May Take Longer

While this can be a great way to get around the Magic Kingdom area, the Monorail can also get some incredibly long lines at peak hours, like opening and closing, so try to plan accordingly around those times. Unlike the Skyliner, the Monorail is not constantly moving people through the line, so it backs up very easily.

When Can You Use the Monorail?

The Resort and Express Monorails start running approximately 30 minutes before Magic Kingdom opens. It stops operating for the night approximately 1 hour after Magic Kingdom closes. The Epcot line also typically starts about 30 minutes prior to Epcot opening, but it doesn’t stop until 2 hours after Epcot closes. These can vary by date, so be sure to check with a cast member for accurate opening and closing times on the day of your visit.

There are multiple options to get around Walt Disney World, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Start off with your destination’s starting and end points to narrow down what options are available to you. Once you know that, then you can decide which option is best. Each transportation option has its own pros and cons, hours of operation, and destinations.

Now that you know the different Disney World transportation options, where they go, and how to use them, you’ll be able to navigate around Disney World like a pro!

As part of our Royal Treatment planning services, each client receives a customized daily park itinerary designed personally for them. Onsite transportation options are just one of the many details included in these itineraries. If you would like expert help with your next Walt Disney World vacation, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation!

Navigating Walt Disney World Transportation Like a Pro