Walt Disney World, a sprawling resort nearly the size of San Francisco, requires a solid transportation plan. Getting around efficiently is key to maximizing your Disney experience. Whether you’re heading to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, a Disney Springs shopping spree, or back to your resort, understanding your transportation options is crucial.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Wdw Transportation, including Disney buses, the iconic monorail, scenic boats, the Disney Skyliner, Minnie Vans, and more, ensuring you navigate Walt Disney World with ease.
(Looking for the quickest route? While Disney’s My Disney Experience app offers some navigation, for a truly helpful tool, consider exploring resources designed to simplify Walt Disney World Resort navigation!)
Let’s dive into the world of Disney transportation!
Exploring Disney World Transportation Options
Given the vastness of Walt Disney World, reliable and efficient transportation is not just a convenience – it’s a necessity. Disney offers a variety of transport methods within its expansive property.
Disney World Transportation System Graphic
Alt text: A colorful graphic showcasing the different modes of transportation at Disney World, including bus, monorail, boat, and Skyliner, with icons representing each.
To help guests travel across the resort, Disney provides several complimentary and paid transportation options:
- Disney Buses: The most widespread and accessible option.
- Monorail: An iconic and elevated train system connecting key locations.
- Boats & Water Taxis: Scenic and relaxing watercraft, often called Friendships or ferryboats.
- Disney Skyliner: A modern gondola system offering breathtaking views.
- Minnie Vans: A premium, paid car service operated by Disney.
Disney Skyliner Gondolas in Motion
Alt text: Disney Skyliner gondolas gliding smoothly through the air, showcasing the efficient and scenic transportation system at Walt Disney World.
The best part about Disney transportation? The majority of these options are free for all guests.
Another significant advantage is that all visitors to Disney World, regardless of whether they are staying at a Disney resort or off-site, can utilize the various transportation options outlined below. This inclusivity makes navigating the parks and resorts convenient for everyone.
Disney World Buses: The Workhorse of WDW Transportation
Disney World buses are the backbone of the resort’s transportation system, taking guests nearly anywhere on property. They are the most comprehensive mode of transport, connecting resorts, theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
Exterior view of a Disney World bus at a bus stop
Alt text: A Disney World bus with the iconic Disney castle logo, parked at a bus stop ready to transport guests around the resort.
Key Facts About Disney World Buses
- Cost: Free for all guests.
- Availability: Extensive, serving nearly every location, including Disney resorts, Disney Springs, water parks, and all four Disney theme parks.
- Important Note: Resorts connected to parks via monorail or Skyliner typically do not have direct bus service to those specific parks unless the alternate transport is unavailable. For instance, you cannot typically take a bus from the Polynesian Resort to Magic Kingdom because of the monorail connection.
- Stroller Policy: Strollers must be folded before boarding the bus.
Disney World buses are not only free but also generally reliable. Many newer buses offer added amenities like charging ports and complimentary WiFi, making your journey more comfortable.
Disney World Bus Schedules and Wait Times
Bus schedules are dynamic and adjust based on park hours. Each park has a slightly different bus schedule.
With the introduction of Early Theme Park Entry, expect the first buses to arrive at resorts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour before Early Theme Park Entry begins.
For guests aiming to be on the first bus of the day, it’s recommended to be at the bus stop about 90 minutes before Early Theme Park Entry starts. This ensures you arrive at the park ahead of the crowds.
Disney officially states that bus service between Disney Resort hotels concludes 1 hour after park closing. For Disney Springs, buses operate during Disney Springs hours and for 1 hour post-closing.
Interior of a Disney bus showing passenger seating
Alt text: The clean and spacious interior of a Disney World bus, showing comfortable seating arrangements for passengers.
It’s always wise to allow 60 to 90 minutes for bus travel, accounting for potential delays or longer lines, especially during peak times.
During peak hours, buses to the parks typically arrive every 20 minutes or less. During off-peak times, such as afternoons, wait times might be slightly longer.
A Disney bus featuring Minnie Mouse wrapping design
Alt text: A vibrant Disney bus adorned with a Minnie Mouse themed wrap, adding a touch of Disney magic to the transportation experience.
Unlike city bus systems, Disney buses do not operate on a fixed public timetable. However, for guests at resorts, checking bus arrival times is convenient.
Bus stops at Disney resorts feature helpful display boards showing estimated arrival times for the next buses.
Digital Bus Schedule Display at a Disney Resort Bus Stop
Alt text: A digital display screen at a Disney World bus stop showing real-time bus arrival schedules for different destinations.
My Disney Experience App for Bus Times
Alternatively, the My Disney Experience app provides scheduled bus arrival information for your resort.
To access this feature, you must have a Disney Resort hotel reservation and be logged into your Disney account within the app. Navigate to: My Disney Experience —> Resort Hotel.
Important Note: Bus arrival information is only available for resort bus stops. Parks and Disney Springs do not have similar real-time information displays for departing buses.
Park and Resort Bus Stop Locations
Park Bus Stops: Bus stops at all theme parks are situated just outside the main entrance.
Look for large Bus Directory signs nearby, guiding you to the correct bus gate for your resort. Gate numbers can change daily, so always verify your resort’s designated gate.
Disney World bus stop directory sign at a theme park
Alt text: A Bus Directory sign at a Disney World theme park, listing resort names and corresponding bus gate numbers for easy navigation.
Resort Bus Stops: The number of bus stops at each resort varies depending on the resort size.
- Value Resorts (Pop Century, Art of Animation, All-Star Resorts) and Deluxe Resorts typically have only one central bus stop, located near the main lobby or front entrance.
- Moderate Resorts (Port Orleans Riverside, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs) and Deluxe Villa Resorts (Old Key West, Saratoga Springs) usually have multiple internal bus stops throughout the resort property. Port Orleans-French Quarter, despite being a Moderate Resort, has only one bus stop.
Shared Bus Service
Be aware that some resorts share bus services, meaning a single bus route may serve multiple resorts.
For example, All-Star Resorts often share buses, and Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans-French Quarter may also share. Bus sharing is less common during peak morning and park closing hours.
Disney Monorail: The Iconic WDW Transportation
The monorail is perhaps the most iconic form of Disney transportation, offering a nostalgic and efficient way to travel.
Disney Monorail train decorated with floral designs
Alt text: A Disney monorail train elegantly decorated with floral designs, showcasing a special seasonal overlay for the Flower and Garden Festival.
Key Facts About the Monorail
- Cost: Free for all guests.
- Availability: Connects three resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary) and two parks (Magic Kingdom and Epcot).
- Stroller Policy: Most strollers can roll directly onto the monorail without folding, and children can remain in strollers while boarding.
Exterior shot of a Disney Monorail train on the track
Alt text: A sleek Disney Monorail train traveling on its elevated track, highlighting the modern and efficient design of the system.
Disney’s Monorail system links three resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary) and two theme parks (Magic Kingdom and Epcot), all centered around the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), the central transportation hub of Walt Disney World.
Monorail Lines and Routes
There are three distinct monorail lines:
- Express Line: Direct service from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom.
- Resort Line: A loop connecting Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
- Epcot Line: Service between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Epcot.
Monorail Schedule and Operations
Monorail schedules can vary due to maintenance and operational factors. While Disney states that the monorail operates from 30 minutes prior to the earliest park opening until one hour after the latest park closing, it’s always recommended to check with your resort for the most current schedule.
Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) is Walt Disney World’s primary transportation hub.
Sign for the Transportation and Ticket Center at Disney World
Alt text: A clear sign for the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) at Walt Disney World, indicating its role as a central hub for transportation.
The TTC is where guests park when driving to Magic Kingdom. It is also the sole location to access the monorail to Epcot.
If arriving at Magic Kingdom via taxi, Uber/Lyft, or offsite buses, the TTC is the designated drop-off point.
At the TTC, you can also purchase park tickets, board the ferryboat to Magic Kingdom, and enjoy refreshments from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company.
Disney Boats and Water Taxis: Scenic WDW Transportation
Disney World, with its extensive waterways, offers numerous scenic boat and water taxi options for transportation.
Disney Water Taxi boat on the water
Alt text: A Disney Water Taxi boat cruising on the water, providing a relaxing and scenic transport option at Walt Disney World.
Key Facts About Disney Boats and Water Taxis
- Cost: Free for all guests.
- Availability:
- Friendship Boats: Serve Epcot area resorts (BoardWalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin).
- Water Taxis: Serve Magic Kingdom area Resorts (Polynesian, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Ft. Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge), and connect Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Port Orleans – French Quarter, and Port Orleans – Riverside.
- Stroller Policy: Ferryboats (TTC to Magic Kingdom) do not require strollers to be folded or children to be removed. For other boats and watercraft, children must be removed from strollers, but larger boats may not require stroller folding.
A Disney boat approaching a dock at a resort
Alt text: A charming Disney boat approaching a dock at a resort, ready to pick up and drop off guests enjoying the water transportation.
Boat and Water Taxi Routes
You can reach parks by boat or water taxi from the following resorts:
Magic Kingdom:
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Gold Flag route)
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Gold Flag route)
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Gold Flag route)
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Green Flag route)
- Wilderness Lodge (Red Flag route)
- Boulder Ridge Villas (Red Flag route)
Epcot and Hollywood Studios:
- BoardWalk Inn
- BoardWalk Villas
- Beach Club Resort
- Beach Club Villas
- Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Disney Springs: Accessible by boat from:
- Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter
- Port Orleans Resort—Riverside
- Old Key West Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Resort to Resort:
- Contemporary – Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Lodge (Blue Flag route)
Disney boat water taxi approaching a dock
Alt text: A Disney boat water taxi pulling into a dock, providing convenient water-based transportation between various Disney World locations.
Boat Schedule and Considerations
Boat and water taxi schedules can vary, and Florida weather can sometimes affect operations. It is recommended to inquire about schedules at your resort upon arrival. Most routes operate at 15- to 30-minute intervals.
Ferryboat to Magic Kingdom: A Classic WDW Experience
Key Facts About Ferryboats
- Cost: Free for all guests.
- Availability: Exclusively between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom.
- Stroller Policy: No need to fold strollers or remove children to board.
Ferryboat schedule sign at the Transportation and Ticket Center
Alt text: A Ferryboat schedule sign at the Transportation and Ticket Center, informing guests about departure times for the iconic ferry to Magic Kingdom.
In addition to water taxis, Disney operates large ferryboats between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom.
These vessels – Richard F. Irvine, Admiral Joe Fowler, and General Joe Potter – are capable of carrying approximately 600 guests each, offering a grand and efficient transit across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Ferryboat Schedule
Ferryboats typically start running 30-45 minutes before park opening and continue until about 90 minutes after park closing.
Disney Skyliner: Soaring WDW Transportation
The Disney Skyliner gondola system is the newest transportation option, offering a unique and scenic travel experience.
Disney Skyliner station at Epcot's International Gateway
Alt text: The Disney Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway, showcasing the modern design and accessibility of the gondola system.
Key Facts About the Disney Skyliner
- Cost: Free for all guests.
- Availability: Connects Art of Animation, Pop Century, Riviera, Caribbean Beach resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
- Stroller Policy: Strollers do not need to be folded, and children can remain in them while boarding.
The Disney Skyliner connects four resorts to two theme parks:
Disney Skyliner route map graphic
Alt text: A route map of the Disney Skyliner system, illustrating the lines and stations connecting various resorts and theme parks.
Resorts Served:
- Art of Animation (shared station with Pop Century)
- Pop Century (shared station with Art of Animation)
- Caribbean Beach (central transfer station for Hollywood Studios)
- Riviera Resort
Theme Parks Served:
- Hollywood Studios
- Epcot (via International Gateway)
Disney Skyliner gondola cabin with Mickey Mouse theme
Alt text: A Disney Skyliner gondola cabin adorned with a Mickey Mouse theme, offering a fun and immersive ride experience.
Skyliner Schedule and Operations
The Skyliner schedule is less predictable and not published in advance. Daily schedules are usually posted at station entrances.
Generally, the Skyliner operates from 1 hour before park opening to 90 minutes after park closing.
However, it undergoes daily testing which can sometimes cause opening delays and does not operate during inclement weather (lightning, high winds).
Depending on your party size, you might share a gondola with other guests.
Due to potential weather-related closures and possible long lines, it’s generally not recommended to rely on the Skyliner if arriving precisely at park opening is critical, unless it is your most convenient option.
Minnie Vans: Premium WDW Transportation
Disney Minnie Van exterior shot in motion
Alt text: A pink Disney Minnie Van with white polka dots and Mickey Mouse ears, driving on a road at Walt Disney World.
Key Facts About Minnie Vans
- Cost: Paid service; $22 flat rate plus a per-mile charge.
- Availability: Throughout Walt Disney World and to/from Orlando International Airport.
- Stroller Policy: Strollers must be folded; car seats are provided.
Minnie Vans are a premium, door-to-door transportation service at Walt Disney World.
Originally a flat rate, Minnie Van pricing is now distance-based: a $22 flat fee plus a per-mile charge, making them more expensive than standard ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. However, they can be a worthwhile option for families needing car seats or seeking direct, Disney-operated service.
Disney Minnie Van interior with car seats
Alt text: The interior of a Disney Minnie Van, showing installed car seats for child passengers, highlighting the family-friendly features of the service.
Initially limited to onsite guests, Minnie Vans are now available to all visitors across Walt Disney World.
Minnie Van Schedule
Minnie Vans operate daily from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM.
Alternative WDW Transportation: Ride-Sharing and Car Rentals
Uber and Lyft at Disney World
Beyond Disney’s official transportation, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at Walt Disney World.
Ride Share pick up sign at Disney World
Alt text: A Ride Share pick-up sign at Disney World, indicating designated areas for Uber and Lyft services to pick up and drop off guests.
When using Lyft or Uber, it’s advisable to check their current safety policies. Ride-sharing can be a convenient and often quicker alternative, especially for resort-to-resort travel or when time is a factor.
Renting a Car at Disney World
Renting a car offers maximum flexibility and control over your schedule at Disney World.
However, costs can accumulate with rental fees, gas, and parking charges at Disney resorts. Parking at theme parks is typically standard parking fees unless you are a Disney resort guest and/or a passholder with parking benefits.
Parking lots generally open about an hour before the scheduled park opening.
Disney Transportation Maps: Park Drop-off and Pick-up Locations
Utilize these transportation maps for each park and Disney Springs to identify drop-off and pick-up points:
Magic Kingdom Transportation Map
Magic Kingdom transportation drop-off and pick-up map
Alt text: Map of Magic Kingdom transportation, showing bus loops, monorail station, ferryboat dock, and ride-share locations.
Epcot Transportation Map
Epcot transportation drop-off and pick-up map
Alt text: Map of Epcot transportation, highlighting bus bays, monorail station, Skyliner station at International Gateway, and boat docks.
Hollywood Studios Transportation Map
Hollywood Studios transportation drop-off and pick-up map
Alt text: Map of Hollywood Studios transportation, indicating bus stops, Skyliner station, boat launch, and designated areas for ride-sharing.
Animal Kingdom Transportation Map
Animal Kingdom transportation drop-off and pick-up map
Alt text: Map of Animal Kingdom transportation, showing bus terminal, ride-share pick-up, and drop-off zones.
For a comprehensive overview, this detailed transportation map from https://www.wdwfocus.com/map/ offers an excellent reference.
Detailed Disney World Transportation Map
Alt text: An intricate map of Walt Disney World transportation, illustrating all bus routes, monorail lines, boat routes, and Skyliner paths across the entire resort.
Disney Springs Transportation to Theme Parks
There are no direct buses from Disney Springs to any theme parks.
Resort guests have direct transport to theme parks and Disney Springs. Park-to-Disney Springs transport is available after 4 PM. Guests cannot park for free at Disney Springs and then travel to theme parks.
Disney Springs transportation map with parking and ride-share locations
Alt text: Disney Springs transportation map, pointing out bus stops, water taxi docks, parking areas, and locations for ride-sharing services.
Disney World Transportation Refurbishment Schedule
| VAR1 – Closure or new? | Park, Resort, Or Transportation | What is Closed | Closing date | Re-Opening Date | Reason for closure | Closing date for Filter | Re-opening date for Filter | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnimalKingdom | Animal Kingdom | DINOSAUR (attraction) | 2026 | TBD | DINOSAUR, as well as the rest of DinoLand U.S.A., will be closing to help make way for the new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom. No exact opening date has been released. Read more about what is coming to Animal Kingdom. | 11/05/2023 | 12/31/2076 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| AnimalKingdom | Animal Kingdom | Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (attraction) | NEW | Winter 2025 | It’s Tough to be a Bug will be closing to make way for the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show at Animal Kingdom. No exact opening date has been released. Read more about what is coming to Animal Kingdom. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| AnimalKingdom | Animal Kingdom | Triceratop Spin and DinoLand, U.S.A. (excluding DINOSAUR and The Boneyard) | 1/13/2025 | TBD | Triceratop Spin, as well as the rest of DinoLand U.S.A., will be closing to help make way for the new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom. No exact opening date has been released. Read more about what is coming to Animal Kingdom. | 11/05/2023 | 12/31/2076 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| AnimalKingdom | Animal Kingdom | Kali River Rapids (attraction) | 1/6/2025 | March 2025 | Kali River Rapids will be closed for yearly routine maintenance from January to March 2025. No exact opening date has been announced. | 11/05/2023 | 03/01/2025 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Epcot | Epcot | Spaceship Earth Lounge (NEW! dining) | NEW | Late Spring 2025 | A new elevated lounge experience is coming to the Spaceship Earth building at Epoct. The lounge is expected to open in Late Spring 2025. Read more about what is coming to Epcot. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | ||
| BC | Resort | Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool | 1/1/2025 | 6/30/2025 | The main feature pool, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool, will be closed for routine refurbishment. During this time, guests staying at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Villas can utilize any of the leisure pools available at the resort. | 01/01/2025 | 06/30/2025 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| RR | Resort | Topolino’s Terrace (dining) | 1/12/2025 | 1/25/2025 | Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort will be closed for a brief refurbishment during January 2025. | 01/12/2025 | 01/25/2025 | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| ASSp | Resort | All-Star Sports Resort – Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool | 1/1/2026 | 4/30/2026 | The main feature pool, Surfboard Bay Pool, will be closed for routine refurbishment. During this time, guests staying at All-Star Sports resort can utilize the other pools at All-Star Sports or all pools at All-Star Music resort. | 01/01/2026 | 04/30/2026 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| ASMo | Resort | All-Star Movies Resort – Fantasia Pool | 1/1/2025 | 4/30/2025 | The main feature pool, Fantasia Pool, will be closed for routine refurbishment. During this time, guests staying at All-Star Movies resort can utilize the Duck Pond Pool at the resort. | 01/01/2025 | 04/30/2025 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| CR | Resort | Bay Lake Tower – Bay Cove Pool | 1/26/2026 | Early May 2026 | The Bay Cove Pool, water play area, and whirlpool area at Bay Lake Tower will be closed for refurbishment. Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower can use the pool, water play area, and whirlpool area at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. | 01/26/2026 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| HollywoodStudios | Hollywood Studios | Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (attraction) | NEW | Summer 2025 | A new villains themed show is coming to the same theater that used to house Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Hollywood Studios. The new show is scheduled to open Summer 2025. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||
| HollywoodStudios | Hollywood Studios | The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (attraction) | NEW | Summer 2025 | A reimagined Little Mermaid show is coming to the same theater that used to house Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Hollywood Studios. Originally scheduled to open in 2024, the new show will now open sometime in 2025. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||
| HollywoodStudios | Hollywood Studios | Muppet*Vision 3D (attraction) | 2025 | Permanent | Muppet*Vision 3D will be closing to make way for the new Monsters, Inc themed area at Hollywood Studios. No exact date has been given. Read more about Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||
| HollywoodStudios | Hollywood Studios | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster | 2025 | TBD | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closing to be reimagined to a Muppets themed coaster. No exact date has been given for this. | 11/05/2023 | 12/31/2076 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Astro Orbiter (attraction) | 1/13/2025 | Summer 2025 | Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom will be temporarily closed for routine refurbishment. The attraction is expected to reopen during the summer of 2025. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Big Thunder Mountain (attraction) | 1/6/2025 | 2026 | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will be closed for a major refurbishment that will last more than a year starting January 2025. No reopening date has been announced. | 11/05/2023 | 07/18/1905 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Liberty Square Riverboat (attraction) | 2025 | Permanent | Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will be closing permanently to make way for the new Cars themed attractions coming to Magic Kingdom. Read more about Cars Area at Magic Kingdom. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Tom Sawyer Island (attraction) | 2025 | Permanent | Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will be closing permanently to make way for the new Cars themed attractions coming to Magic Kingdom. Read more about Cars Area at Magic Kingdom. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade (entertainment) | NEW | Summer 2025 | A new nightime parade called “Disney Starlight” will be coming to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025. This was announced at the D23 Convention in August 2024. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||
| MagicKingdom | Magic Kingdom | Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern (dining) | NEW | Late 2025 | A new tavern inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean will be opening in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom in late 2025. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||
| Epcot | Epcot | Test Track (attraction) | 6/17/2024 | Late Summer 2025 | Test Track is undergoing a major overhaul to retheme the attraction and modernize it. The new version is expected to open sometime Late Summer 2025. | 11/05/2023 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| Epcot | Epcot | Gran Fiesta Tour (attraction) | 1/6/2025 | 3/15/2025 | Gran Fiesta Tour will be closed for a brief routine refurbishment at Epcot. | 11/05/2023 | 03/15/2025 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| TyphoonLagoon | Water Parks | Typhoon Lagoon (The entire park) | 11/4/2024 | TBD | Typhoon Lagoon will close for its annual refurbishment in November 2024. At that time, Blizzard Beach will reopen. Reopening date for Typhoon Lagoon is TBD but likely will be March 2025. | 11/05/2023 | 12/31/2076 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| VAR1 – Closure or new? | Park, Resort, Or Transportation | What is Closed | Closing date | Re-Opening Date | Reason for closure | Closing date for Filter | Re-opening date for Filter | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
Disney World Transportation FAQs
Have questions about getting around Disney World? We’ve got answers to common queries about WDW transportation:
How long will my journey take using WDW transportation?
Travel times vary, but it’s always best to allow 90 minutes for transportation, especially if you have dining reservations or time-sensitive plans.
Is Disney transportation really free?
Yes! Nearly all Disney transportation options are complimentary, including buses, monorail, boats, and the Skyliner. Minnie Vans are the only paid Disney transportation service. All other modes are free for all guests, both on and off-site.
How do I get to a theme park from Value or Moderate Resorts using WDW transport?
Before the Disney Skyliner, buses were the only option for Value and Moderate resort guests to reach all four theme parks.
Now, guests at Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts can use the Disney Skyliner to travel to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Note: Disney often provides bus service to and from Epcot for Art of Animation guests, even with Skyliner access.
For parks not served by the Skyliner (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom), and for guests at other Value and Moderate resorts, buses are the primary transportation mode.
What’s the best way for Deluxe resort guests to reach theme parks via WDW transportation?
-
Magic Kingdom Resorts (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian): Monorail or boats to Magic Kingdom, monorail to Epcot, and buses to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Walking is also an option from Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian to Magic Kingdom.
-
BoardWalk Resorts (BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin): Friendship boats or walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Buses are available to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
-
Riviera Resort (Deluxe Villa): Disney Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Note: Bus service to Hollywood Studios and Epcot from Riviera Resort is reduced to once per hour when the Skyliner is operational.
- All other Deluxe Resorts: Primarily rely on buses to reach theme parks.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Monorail Station Sign
Alt text: A sign for the Monorail station at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, directing guests to the iconic elevated train system for park and resort access.
How can I travel between different resorts using free WDW transportation?
Resort-to-resort travel using Disney’s free transportation can be less direct.
A general strategy is to travel to the theme park closest to your destination resort and transfer to a bus or monorail from there.
For example, from Pop Century to the Grand Floridian, take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then the monorail to the Grand Floridian. From Port Orleans Riverside to Animal Kingdom Lodge, take a bus to Animal Kingdom and then another bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
While Cast Members may suggest going via Disney Springs, going through the nearest theme park is often more efficient.
Does Disney offer airport transportation anymore?
No. Disney’s Magical Express, the free airport shuttle, ended in January 2022. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort.
Is there transportation from Disney resorts to Universal Orlando Resort?
Neither Disney nor Universal provides direct transportation between resorts. However, you can arrange third-party transportation services.
How do I travel between parks using WDW transportation?
All four theme parks offer transportation to park hop to another park:
-
Magic Kingdom to:
- Epcot: Monorail or ferry to TTC, transfer to the Epcot monorail.
- Hollywood Studios: Bus.
- Animal Kingdom: Bus.
-
Epcot to:
- Animal Kingdom: Bus.
- Hollywood Studios: Bus, boat, Skyliner, or walk.
- Magic Kingdom: Epcot monorail to TTC, transfer to Magic Kingdom monorail or ferry.
-
Hollywood Studios to:
- Animal Kingdom: Bus.
- Magic Kingdom: Bus.
- Epcot: Bus, boat, Skyliner, or walk.
-
Animal Kingdom to:
- Hollywood Studios: Bus.
- Epcot: Bus.
- Magic Kingdom: Bus.
How do I get to Fort Wilderness using WDW transport?
For Fort Wilderness access, the strategy of going to a theme park and transferring is viable. Alternatively, a boat from Magic Kingdom provides direct access.
Sign showing directions to Hoop Dee Doo and Trails End at Fort Wilderness
Alt text: A sign at Walt Disney World directing guests to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness, popular dining and entertainment destinations.
How can I avoid bus crowds after park closing?
Post-fireworks and park closing, bus lines can be lengthy. To minimize wait times:
- Use a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or Minnie Van.
- Position yourself to exit the park quickly and reach bus stops promptly.
- Watch nighttime shows from outside the park (e.g., Magic Kingdom fireworks from monorail resort beaches).
Is there transportation from Disney Springs to Magic Kingdom or other parks?
No direct transportation exists from Disney Springs to theme parks. To reach a park from Disney Springs, you must first travel to a Disney resort and transfer.
Disney’s Magical Express: End of an Era
Important: Disney’s Magical Express service ended on January 1, 2022.
Magical Express was a complimentary airport shuttle service from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World resorts. While it’s no longer available, Mears Connect (operated by the same company) is a paid replacement service.
Disney's Magical Express bus at Orlando International Airport
Alt text: A Disney’s Magical Express bus parked at Orlando International Airport, once a familiar and complimentary airport shuttle service for Disney World guests.
Explore More WDW Transportation Resources
For deeper insights into Disney World transportation, explore these helpful resources:
[Link to detailed post about Disney World buses]
[Link to detailed post about Disney Monorail]
[Link to detailed post about Disney Boats and Water Taxis]
[Link to detailed post about Disney Skyliner]
[Link to detailed post about Minnie Vans]
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Have you used Disney World transportation? Share your experiences in the comments below!
