Transportation Around Disney

Walt Disney World has over 30,000 acres of property, which is twice the size of the island of Manhattan Island. Just getting from one theme park to another area can sometimes take up to a half-hour. So pre-planning is important, especially to make the most effective use of time. A visitor has two options: use Walt Disney World transportation or use a car. The final choice will depend upon several factors including finances and personality.

Walt Disney World Transportation

Most guests make use of some form of Walt Disney World transportation for some if not all of their trip since it is so convenient. Throughout Walt Disney World Resort, complimentary transportation daily assists visitors to and from Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks, and Disney Resorts. Complimentary transportation is available one hour prior to Disney Theme Park opening times and up to one hour after Disney Theme Park closing times.

Disney Buses

The primary form of transportation is a fleet of buses that criss-cross the vast property but some of the routes may require a transfer from one bus to another or a lengthy non-direct route. Bus boarding locations are well marked but there may be a wait until the bus arrives and during peak season, a wait for a second bus to arrive when the first bus is full. On average, the Disney buses run every twenty minutes. Each bus has an electric marquee in the front that displays the buses' destination.

Disney Ferries

Water launches help connect four of the Magic Kingdom resorts (Ft. Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian) with the Magic Kingdom. A different set of boats connect five other resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, and Boardwalk) with Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. Yet another set of watercraft connect four hotels (Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs) with the Disney Springs shopping and dining area.

Disney's Monorail

The legendary and much-beloved monorail connects three Disney resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian) with the Magic Kingdom as well as providing transportation to Epcot.

Advantages

Free. Easily accessible. No parking fees, rental fees, or gas costs. No worries about getting to the right destination. Scenic routes. Disney provides a free Walt Disney World Transportation Guide to help understand the system.

Disadvantages

Possibly time-consuming especially stops at other locations before your final destination. While Walt Disney World transportation works smoothly for most guests, there are the possibilities of transportation challenges from literally missing the boat or bus or boarding a vehicle that is having mechanical difficulties. It is often suggested that if using WDW transportation, to allow at least an hour to get to your destination if you have a reservation (“priority seating”) to compensate for any of these challenges.

If you are traveling on a budget, are not in a rush, don’t mind sharing space with other people, and are flexible, then relying on Walt Disney World transportation may be a good option.

Using A Car

Most non-Disney-operated hotels provide a shuttle service to various areas on Walt Disney World property but your movement will be restricted by those limited shuttle schedules. Check with your hotel about schedules, routes, and any fees as well. Using a taxi may cost twenty dollars plus a tip to get to the location you need which is one of the reasons that some visitors prefer having their own car.

Parking

Parking is abundant at all the Disney theme parks and resorts. Once you park at a theme park, you either walk or take a tram to the entrance. At the Magic Kingdom, a monorail or a ferry boat takes guests to the main entrance.

Rental Car

If you decide to rely on Walt Disney World transportation and then decide you wish you had a car, National/Alamo has a rental office on property near the Magic Kingdom and at the Walt Disney World Dolphin.

Gas Stations

There are three Hess gas stations on WDW property: by the exit of the Magic Kingdom, across the street from Disney Hollywood Studios, and across the street from Downtown Disney.

Advantages

Freedom and flexibility. May get to locations quicker than using WDW transportation options. Ability to visit locations off of Walt Disney World property.

Disadvantages

Parking fees. Navigating unfamiliar Walt Disney World property with its twisting roads and sometimes unclear signage. Additional cost for rental and gas.

If you hate to wait or like the security and flexibility of having your own transportation, then it is best to definitely use a car.