By Dr. Jenna Liphart Rhoads
Monorail, skyliner, buses, boats, and Minnie Vans oh my! Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has a huge footprint with so much to see and do, and fortunately for guests there are so many options for getting around all of the fun. However, having so many options available it can leave many guests feeling confused about which is the best route to take. Some transportation options are available no matter where you are, and some are only available between select spots. While all transportation options have their pros and cons, it is important for guests to understand the ins and outs of each type so they can best figure out how to get around in a timely manner. Read on to learn all about the many different types of transportation that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
Monorail: The free monorail found at Walt Disney World looks the same as the one that runs at Disneyland in California, but its function and stops are much different. At Walt Disney World, three monorail lines run concurrently so make sure you get on the right one! You can also transfer between lines at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). One line runs exclusively between the Ticket and Transportation Center and EPCOT. The “resort loop” line stops at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the TTC. The third line runs only between Magic Kingdom and the TTC, and is sometimes called the “express” line.
The monorail trains are similar to a subway and offer an air conditioned, quick way to get around. Within the monorail cars there are bench seats and railings for standing passengers to hold on to. Guests with small strollers do not need to fold them to ride, but will need to be able to maneuver them up a small gap to load into the monorail. To ride the monorail, guests will also need to pass through a security checkpoint. The monorail opens approximately one hour prior to early entry hours.
Skyliner: This free transportation option connects guests from select resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Skyliner is a gondola system that has three separate lines that all stem from the central hub located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort where guests can transfer between routes. From the central hub, one line runs directly to Hollywood Studios, one runs to EPCOT and makes a stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the last line goes to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
The gondolas are not air conditioned, but have vents that allow a breeze inside. Inside, there are two benches for guests to sit on and standing is not allowed. Strollers are allowed on the Skyliner and do not need to be folded if they fit in the aisle. The Skyliner opens approximately one hour prior to early park entry hours. The Skyliner provides a unique, birds eye view of the resorts and parks as it soars over and if you time it right you’ll even get to catch some fireworks! Note: the Skyliner will close in the event of high winds and lightning. When this happens, buses will run between the serviced parks and resorts.
Buses: The Walt Disney World bus service is the trusty backbone of transportation. Busses run from every resort to Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs. For those resorts that are serviced by the Skyliner or Monorail, busses to do not run between the resorts and the parks (example: Riviera and EPCOT). The Walt Disney World Experience app provides real time bus arrival times from the resorts so that guests can time when to be at the bus stop.
Disney Springs & Water parks: To get to and from the water parks (Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) by taking the bus, guests will need to first take a bus to Disney Springs and then board a bus to their intended destination.
Boats: There are a few different boat options for guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort. From Magic Kingdom a water taxi runs between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. Another ferry boat service takes guests between the TTC and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios can be reached via Friendship boat from Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Yacht Club Resort, and the Swan and Dolphin hotels. Guests can head to Disney Springs on the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, and the Port Orleans Resorts Riverside and French Quarter. Note: the boats do not operate in inclement water conditions and strollers must be stowed.
Minnie Vans: This is a ride share option offered through Lyft that is only found at WDW. Guests will ride in comfort directly to their destination in the famous red and white polka dotted SUVs. Minnie Vans come with two car seats (can be converted to a booster seat) and are a great ride share option for families with small children. The Minnie Van drivers will play cartoons for kids too!
Uber/Lyft: This ride share option works just like it does outside of Walt Disney World Resort. Guests will need to download the apps and request rides to get around.
Personal Vehicle: Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts can not only park at their resort for free, but they can also utilize the parking lot at each park for free. This means that if you have a personal vehicle with you, you can drive to the parks and receive free standard parking each day.
Now that you’ve learned about the many transportation options at Walt Disney World Resort, you can get around easily and maximize your fun!
For more on-site tips to make your Disney vacation the most magical it can be, please contact us at Royal Carriage Vacations about planning your magical Disney vacation!
