Your Guide to Getting Around Walt Disney World

Get a bird’s eye view of your favorite Walt Disney World parks and resorts
by flying high on the Skyliner.

Almost anyone who has spent time at Walt Disney World can tell you about the memorable, often comically-large treats and novelty drinks that overflow from storefronts and snack carts throughout the parks. They’ll also probably tell you not to worry, because you’ll be burning off all of those calories as you race from park to park, attraction to attraction… and they’re probably right.

At around 40 square miles, Walt Disney World is quite a large property, with the average guest walking anywhere from seven to ten miles per day. That’s a lot of time on your feet.

Luckily, Disney is also outfitted with sophisticated, and often beloved transportation options to get you from parks to resorts, and everything in between.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to get around.

If flying to Orlando, you’ll likely begin your Disney experience at the airport. And while the fan-favorite Magical Express was decommissioned back in January of 2022, you won’t be stranded. Many families choose to rent cars right at the airport, especially if they’ll need to also rent car seats and/or strollers. Rentals are a great option if you plan to drive to and from the parks, if you’re staying off property or if you plan to stock up on groceries and toiletries before or during your trip.

If you rent, just remember to account for any tolls en route, and parking fees once you reach your resort.

If Magical Express was your cup of tea, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer offer similar transportation service from the airport to your Orlando hotel. Keep in mind these don’t fully replace the Magical Express, as your luggage is your responsibility and won’t be delivered right to your room.

For a more exclusive experience, you may want to opt for a private car service. For just a slightly higher price, you and your family can ride in comfort, make personal stops and even get help with your luggage. 

Once you reach Disney property, your transportation options multiply.

Between buses, boats, the Skyliner or monorail, etc., you have the road, water, air or rails to choose from. If you don’t know where to start, we recommend turning to the My Disney Experience App. All you have to do is find your destination on the interactive WDW map, tap it, and then select Get Directions. The app will show you the best route, and estimated travel time to get there. 

When mapping out your day, keep in mind a few basics:

• Resort transportation officially starts 45 minutes before parks open… though we recommend getting in line early, as Disney has been known to start the engines before then!
• Resort transportation stops one hour after parks close.
• Disney Springs buses run from open until one hour after closing.
• No alcohol is allowed on Disney transportation.

The Walt Disney World bus system is the most widespread option across property. You can generally take a bus between any park and resort, though it may not be the fastest route, and you may have to change buses from point to point. 

We love that the buses are air conditioned, accessibility-friendly, and can often ride in their own designated lanes, getting you to your destination a bit quicker. Bus lines can build up fast, especially at park closing times, but they’re still one of the most reliable ways to get around the whole of Disney property.

Boats are always a fun option at Disney, because it feels like you’re getting another ride under your belt on the way to the parks or resorts. The open air, scenic ride is rarely hit with traffic, unless you’re waiting for another boat to dock, and they’re still accessibility-friendly.

Water taxis or ferryboats are available to and from Magic Kingdom resorts, to and from EPCOT resorts and Hollywood Studios, as well as the Disney Springs area and resorts. 

They typically run every 15-30 minutes, but are also the most at-risk when it comes to weather delays. And while boats may not always be your fastest or most direct option, but they’re one of our favorite ways to see Disney property from a new perspective, if you’re able to come aboard.

The following locations offer boat launches right at your resort:

Magic Kingdom Resorts: Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian & Contemporary

EPCOT Resorts: Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan & Dolphin

Disney Springs Resorts: Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside & Port Orleans French Quarter

The Walt Disney World monorail has developed a cult following over the years, inspiring merchandise and countless social and professional references.

Originally hailed as the “public transport of the future,” the monorail provides a smooth, air-conditioned ride between the Magic Kingdom and area resorts, as well as a transfer option to EPCOT via the Transportation and Ticket Center.

For Magic Kingdom resort guests, the monorail stop is right outside your door, ready to take you to the park, or to resort hop between the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. The ease of using the “monorail loop” adds to the draw of the resorts on its line, boosting their deluxe status even higher. 

Though the monorail can be subject to long lines at park close, we love it so much that we wish it were more widely available. Just be sure to please stand clear of the doors!

As the newest addition to the Walt Disney World transportation system, the Skyliner is still an aerial novelty to Disney newcomers and veterans alike.

These character-wrapped gondolas are perched above Disney parks, roadways and waterways, offering connections between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway to the Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Riviera resorts.

Guests can trade in traffic for overhead views of some of their favorite Disney hot spots as the Skyliner moves in a continuous loop. And while the gondolas aren’t air-conditioned, strategic ventilation actually gives a nice breeze while your gliding from point to point.

As an added bonus, you’re typically allowed to roll strollers right on and off of the Skyliner without having to stow it away for the duration of your ride.

When in doubt, if you’re strapped for time to get to rope drop or that coveted dining reservation, you can always call on a Minnie Van to bring you right to your destination. These rideshares returned in late June of 2022 after going on hiatus during COVID. They feature Disney-owned vehicles wrapped in signature red and white polka dots, and are driven by Disney Castmembers. 

Minnie Vans run from 6:30am-12:30am on a daily basis. Just open the Lyft app and tap Select Minnie Van to get started. As of now, Minnie Vans run throughout Disney property, but plans have not yet been announced to resume service to and from Orlando-area airports.