Disney has several options for transportation around the resort to get guests to all their desired destinations inside the property. Buses, boats, monorails, and soon to come skyliners are Disney’s complimentary options and also partners with Lyft for its now famous, Minnie Van services which cost an additional fee that is assessed by mileage.
Keys things to remember
There are a few keys things to remember when navigating the transportation system at the Walt Disney World Resort. Once you get the hang of a few key points, you’ll be able to decide your desired form of transportation for your chosen destination like a pro!
Magical Express
Magical Express is a sight for sore eyes of those folks arriving at the Orlando International airport in route to the Walt Disney World Resort!
What better way to arrive in style to your chosen Disney resort, than your complimentary magical motorcoach! Disney offers this complimentary transportation to any resort guests flying into and out of Orlando International airport and will even have the attendants retrieve and deliver your luggage to your resort!
Transportation and luggage service
If you have a package booked with Carie with Pixie Vacations, simply provide me with your flight information and I will arrange this transportation and luggage service for you ahead of your stay so you can head straight to the Magic and leave the details of luggage pick up and other things to Disney cast! This “Magical” ride does however feel more like “Tragical” when it’s time to end your stay and head back to the airport to catch your flight.
Bus transportation
Getting from your resort to a park is one of the easiest steps to master! All resorts have bus transportation to each park, water park, and Disney Springs! Some resorts will also have boat and/or monorail transportation direct to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.
Transportation from resort to park usually begins about 45-60 minutes prior to the first park opening and runs throughout the day until about one hour post park closing. In addition, buses will run to and from Disney Springs to resorts until around 2am. Always remember to check your My Disney Experience app for bus arrival times. Click resort hotel, then see bus times, then scroll to see the estimated arrival times for your chosen destination!
Get the My Disney Experience here:
Boat and ferry transportation
Boat and ferry transportation is the perfect way to take a relaxing and scenic ride to your intended destination. Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood all have charming water launches with breezy rides to deluxe resorts in their respective areas, as well as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Other resorts have ferry boats that take you straight into the middle of the amazing shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs. Water taxis and ferries sail to and from Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. Most routes run on 15- to 30-minute intervals.
Monorail transportation
“por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas” There’s no sweeter sound on property than this!
Monorail transportation has to be my favorite form of Disney transportation out there! There are 3 separate monorail lines at Walt Disney World and they make the following stops: Magic Kingdom Park, the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Also, there are express round-trip services from the Transportation and Ticket Center to 2 theme parks: Epcot and Magic Kingdom Park. It’s one of the most iconic rides you can take around the Magic Kingdom resorts area.
The Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner, being introduced on September 29, 2019 is an upcoming gondola type system. It will have five stations located at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.
I’m anxious to see how this continuous movement form of transportation will help reduce lines for buses and other transportation systems once opened and running! We will be sure to give you a full update in the coming months!
Uber, LYFT, and other private transportation
Uber, LYFT, and other private transportation can be utilized at all resorts, parks, water parks and Disney Springs. Please ask a security attendant to point you in the direction of the designated pick up area for these forms of transportation as they are generally separate from bus transportation stops. Keep in mind, the also includes Disney’s Minnie Van services!
A few rules of note!
- You cannot take Disney bus transportation from resort to resort. You must take the bus to a park first. There you’ll be able to transfer to the bus, monorail, or boat heading to your desired resort.
- Always give at least 60-90 minutes for transportation time when using all options aside from private transportation. Traffic on resort property at times can be heavy causing delays. In order to make it on time to those desired dining or fastpass reservations, by sure to give ample time for transfers and possible delays.
- Do not board ANY form of Disney transportation until signaled by the captain or driver!
- Remain behind the yellow lines when waiting at transportation stops.
- Up to two wheelchairs or scooters can be accommodated on bus transportation. These will board FIRST!
- Children must be removed from strollers even if sleeping and strollers placed in a folded position prior to boarding.
- Be courteous to your captain or driver as well as fellow passengers!
****For Magical Express, ahead of your stay, you would provide all flight information and I will give this to Disney! If far enough ahead of your stay, you will receive a letter and magical yellow tags to place on your luggage before it’s checked into your departing airport! Place the tags on your luggage prior to checking them and make sure everyone is wearing their magicbands! The next time you’ll see this luggage will be in your resort room! Magical, right!!!!
Airport (MCO)
Once you arrive at the airport, you will head to Disney’s Magical Express check in! There you will check in with an attendant, scan your magicband and be directed to the designated line for your resort. Once there, you will show the bus attendant your letter and board your bus! Because you’ll have your magicbands on already, once you arrive at your resort, you can leave any carry on bags with bell services if needed and head straight to the parks, pool, or Disney Springs until your room is ready!
If you did not receive your Magical Express tags, no sweat! Simply give your luggage claim ticket to the Magical Express attendant, check in, and off you go with the same process as listed above!
Returning home
When it’s time for you to return home, the night prior to departure, you will receive a letter from the Magical Express team with a time to report to your designated pick up location. You’ll need all your luggage and your letter……oh and some tissues! Leaving is NO FUN!
Happy travelers = Happy guests!
Overall, Disney transportation can be helpful and efficient if you know the rules and map out your choice of transportation accordingly! And as always, when planning your itinerary with me, if you are unsure of the best practice in any situation, feel free to ask! It is always my goal to make your transit around the Walt Disney World Resort a breeze! Happy travelers = Happy guests!
