Navigating Disney World: A Guide to Getting Around the Resort Like a Pro
Spanning nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is enormous—about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands combined. Within this vast area, you’ll find four theme parks, two water parks, 25+ resorts, three golf courses, two mini-golf courses, a sports facility, and an expansive shopping and entertainment district. Thankfully, Disney offers complimentary transportation to connect all these magical places, making it easy to get around without a car.
Disney’s transportation network is extensive and as organized as a small city’s transit system—though in my experience, it’s far more efficient. Sure, after a spectacular fireworks show, you may have to wait a bit for a bus. But if you’re used to city public transit, you’ll find getting around Disney World to be a breeze!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: all of the transportation is included in your stay. You do not need to pay for anything or have any special documentation. Simply get in line.
Here’s an overview of each transportation option and some tips to make your journeys smooth and fun.
Monorail
Disney’s monorail is iconic and a fan favorite, running three loops across the resort. The monorail is a family-friendly option as strollers don’t need to be folded, so little ones can stay comfortably seated.
TTC to Magic Kingdom: From the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), guests can take the monorail directly to Magic Kingdom. However, if you’re staying at a Disney resort (outside of the resort loop), the bus system will get you closer to the park entrance and get you there faster.
Resort Monorail Loop: This loop includes the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s handy for resort-hopping or heading to dining locations at these resorts. On a rest day, consider riding this loop and touring these hotels!
EPCOT Monorail: If you’re park hopping or staying at a monorail-connected resort, this route takes you from the TTC to EPCOT.
The Monorail makes it easy to park hop between Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Ferry
For a touch of Disney history, take the ferry from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom. This unique experience was designed by Walt Disney himself to give guests a scenic arrival. Currently, three ferries operate, each named after key Disney figures.
Boats
Disney also has various boat routes, allowing for scenic and relaxing rides across the property. Here’s a quick breakdown of key boat routes:
Magic Kingdom Area: Boats transport guests from the Magic Kingdom to nearby resorts like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge. Each route offers a different pace and a refreshing way to unwind after a busy day in the park.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Area: Friendship Boats run around the World Showcase Lagoon and connect EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, as well as resorts like the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn.
Disney Springs: Disney Springs also has boat routes connecting to resorts like Port Orleans, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs—perfect for a leisurely ride to dinner or shopping.
Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner gondola system is a beautiful and efficient way to get from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to select resorts, including Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Riviera Resort. The gondolas are even decorated with Disney characters and offer breathtaking views over the parks and resorts.
This makes park hopping between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios easy!
Know that Caribbean Beach is the central hub, so unless you are starting from that resort, you will need to exit your skyliner and get on the correct line once you reach Caribbean Beach. This is simple to do and there are signs and cast members there to help you.
Buses
Disney’s complimentary bus system connects all parks and resorts, running at intervals of about 20 minutes, with expanded service during peak hours. Buses start roughly one hour before park opening and continue until two hours after closing.
Tracking Buses: When traveling from resorts to the parks, use the My Disney Experience app to see live bus times.
Direct Resort-to-Resort Travel: Buses don’t travel from resort to resort. For dining reservations at other resorts, try hopping from your resort to the nearest theme park and catching a new bus or use Disney Springs as a connecting point.
Rideshare Service
For a more direct trip, you can use rideshares like Uber and Lyft. However, be aware of the drop-off points for each park. For example:
Magic Kingdom: Drop-off is at the TTC, requiring a monorail or ferry to reach the park.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: Drop-off locations are near park entrances, with the best option being the International Gateway entrance for EPCOT.
Rideshares are especially helpful for traveling directly between resorts, saving time for those with early reservations or tight schedules.
Walking Paths
For those who prefer to stretch their legs, there are walking paths to major parks and resorts:
Magic Kingdom: Paths connect the Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower, and Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: A scenic pathway connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, winding through the BoardWalk area with its numerous restaurants and resorts.
Disney World offers so many ways to travel across the resort, making it easy to explore every magical corner without a car. If you have any questions about navigating Disney or want personalized tips, feel free to reach out. Enjoy your journey through the Most Magical Place on Earth!