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Disney World is as big as a major city. And like most big cities, it has its own public transportation system. But this system can be confusing for first time visitors. So, to eliminate the confusion and make your upcoming trip smoother, here is everything you need to know about the Disney transportation system so you can get to where you want to go!
The Components of the Disney Transportation System
There are four major pieces to the Disney transportation: the monorail., buses, boats, and the Skyliner. Each piece travels to different parts of Disney World. So you need to understand each piece so you will know what options you have depending on where you are and where you want to go.
The Monorail
First up is the Monorail. This is the most iconic piece of the Disney transportation system.
For many people, riding this “highway in the sky”, as Disney calls it, is as much of a must-do as taking a spin on Dumbo.
While the monorail is a fun and quick way to get around, it does not go everywhere within Disney World. There are 11 monorail trains which run on three lines.
The Epcot line runs between Epcot and the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). The Express line makes stops only at the Magic Kingdom and the TTC. And lastly, the Resort line stops at the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, TTC, Polynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort.
The monorails have space to sit or stand. Additionally, strollers may be taken on the trains without folding them up.
If you take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, you will go through park security before boarding the monorail.
The Boats
There are several different bodies of water around Disney World. Disney takes advantage of all this water by using boats as part of the Disney transportation system.
You can take a boat from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness. There is also a ferry that connects the Ticket and Transportation Center with the Magic Kingdom.
Additionally, you can take a boat from Epcot or Hollywood Studios to the Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
Lastly, you can travel by boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs Resort.
The boats have both covered and uncovered seating areas and space to stand. Strollers can be taken on the boats without being folded up.
The Buses
The buses are, by far, the workhorses of the Disney transportation system. You can take a bus from all Disney resorts to any of the parks and Disney Springs.
After 4 pm, you can also take a bus from Disney Springs to the parks and from one park to another.
Please note that you will have to fold up your stroller before boarding the bus. You can find real time wait information at each of the bus stops or on the My Disney Experience app.
Disney Skyliner
The newest addition to the Disney transportation system lineup is the Disney Skyliner. This is a gondola system, similar to what you would see at a ski resort.
You can ride the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios or Epcot to Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, or the Riviera Resort.
Strollers do not have to be folded up to ride the Skyliner.
Magical Express
Another very useful part of the Disney transportation system is Magical Express.
If you are staying at a Disney resort and flying into Orlando International Airport, you can take the Magical Express from the airport to your resort. This is a free service that is offered as a perk of staying on property at Disney World. You will need to register in advance for Magical Express on Disney’s website and give them your flight information.
Unfortunately, Disney has decided to discontinue Magical Express, starting January 1, 2022. After that, you will have to find another way to get from the airport to Disney World.
Mears Connect!
Mears, a charter bus company in Orlando, has announced that, starting in January 2022, it will debut Mears Connect! This is basically a paid version of Magical Express that will take you from the Orlando airport to Disney World.
Mears Connect! will offer two levels of service. The standard service is a shared service using large vehicles. This service will cost you $16 per adult and $13.50 per child for a one way trip. A round trip will cost $32 for adults and $27 for kids.
Secondly, Mears Connect! has a premium service which is more personal. It features direct service and limited wait times. It is only offered for round trips. It will cost you $200 for up to 4 passengers and $55 for each additional passenger.
Minnie Vans
The last part of the Disney transportation system is the Minnie Vans. This is the only paid option available on property. This is Disney’s version of Uber or Lyft.
You can take a Minnnie Van anywhere on Disney World property. You can also take a Minnie Van to the Orlando airport.
For rides around Disney World, you can use the Lyft app. To arrange a Minnie Van for the airport, you will need to call Disney.
There are two main advantages to the Minnie Van over taking an Uber or Lyft. First, the Minnie Vans come equipped with car seats. Secondly, Minnie Vans are all driven by Disney cast members.
Minnie Vans usually pick up and drop off at the bus stops around Disney World.
Lyft and Uber
Lastly, you can use Lyft or Uber to get from one place to another on Disney World property or to and from the airport.
They both tend to be cheaper than Minnie Vans. But, remember that if you need car seats, you will need to specifically request them when booking your ride.
Additionally, they have different drop off and pick up locations than the Minnie Vans. These locations are not as convenient as those for the Minnie Vans.
Miscellaneous Tips
- The boats, buses, Skyliner, and monorails are all free to use.
- Each of the parks has its own parking lot with trams that run to the gates in the event that you drive your own car to the parks.
- You can walk from the Contemporary Resort to the Magic Kingdom.
- You can also walk between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, and Yacht Club.
- If you drive to the Magic Kingdom, you will have to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and take either the monorail or boat to the park.
- Disney transportation starts running each day approximately two hours before park opening and runs continuously until about one hour after park closing.
- You will only be able to park at a resort if you are staying there or have a dining reservation there. During busy times, you will only be allowed to park for a couple hours for your dining reservation.
Conclusion
When planning a Disney World vacation, the last thing you should worry about if staying on property is transportation. Even though Disney World is huge, the Disney transportation system makes it easy to get around. Most of the options are free, but if you are in a hurry, you can opt to pay for faster service. Enjoy your trip!
For more help planning your trip, see our step-by-step guide, best resources, and quick tips.
Happy travels!
P.S. Are you planning a trip to Disney World and not sure what you need to do or when? Do you feel completely overwhelmed by it all? My Disney World Trip Planning Checklist can help! It will guide you through every step of the planning process! And it’s FREE! Grab yours in the box below!
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