EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Transportation at Walt Disney World (2024)

In addition to the dozens of fun and fabulous attraction ride vehicles you’ll encounter during a Walt Disney World vacation (Hunny Pots! Doom Buggies!), you’re also likely to go on some more practical rides during your visit. These are the many types of transportation vehicles that do yeoman’s work getting you from point A to point B on the 40 square miles of Disney property.

Introduction

Before we get started, you should know that Walt Disney World’s on site transportation system has no requirement that you be staying on property or at a particular resort. And most of the transportation options on site are free. We’ll get into the exceptions in a bit, but you can rest assured that the on-property Disney boat, bus, monorail, and Skyliner system is available to guests at no charge. You don’t have to make reservations or have any sort of ticket to use these transportation vehicles. The drivers don’t even have any mechanism to take payments or tickets.

You might rarely see fine print that some Disney World transportation is only for resort guests. In 20+ years of frequent WDW visits, taking thousands of trips on Disney internal transportation, I have never been asked where I’m staying as a condition of boarding a vehicle, nor have I seen any other guest asked this. That said, on a handful of the most crowded days of the year, you might be asked to show resort ID to get on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, at some times of the day. This is simply for crowd control purposes at the park and has nothing to do with limiting your access to the transportation itself.

You can get anywhere on Walt Disney World property using only free Disney-provided transportation, but bear in mind that many types of trips will require a mid-route transfer. For example, to get from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT, you’ll need to change monorail lines at the Transportation and Ticket Center, or to get from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Beach Club, you’ll need to change buses at the Animal Kingdom park or switch from a bus to a boat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are some situations where using a paid form of transportation (such as a taxi, Uber, or Lyft) can save you time, but if you’re willing to wait, the free option will work.

Free Transportation | Paid Transportation

FREE TRANSPORTATION

Monorail | Disney Transportation Buses | Skyliner | Ferry Boats | Friendship Boats | Water Taxi | Motor Launch Boats | Motor Cruiser Boats | Trams

Monorail

• Where Does This Operate?: There are three monorail lines. The Express Monorail runs a continuous loop between the Transportation and Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom parking) and the Magic Kingdom. The Resort Monorail runs a continuous loop from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Polynesian resort, the Grand Floridian resort, the Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary resort, in that order. The EPCOT Monorail runs back and forth between the Transportation and Ticket Center and front entrance of Epcot.
• What Are the Hours?: Operational hours vary. In general, expect the monorail to run at a minimum from one hour before park open to one hour after park close. The resort line monorail often, but not always, starts moving guests at 6:30 a.m. to accommodate folks with 7:00 a.m. breakfast reservations at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary. Monorail service may stop running early during hard ticket events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If this is the case, or if the monorail temporarily suspends operations for technical reasons, then bus service will be provided as an alternative.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally you can expect the next monorail to arrive within four to seven minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Monorail cars have minimal bench-style seating on either end of each car, with standing room in the center of each car. First thing in the morning, last thing at night, and during crowded times of the year, it’s likely that you may have to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. The monorails are fully wheelchair and ECV accessible. Cast members at the monorail will set up a ramp allowing guests with mobility devices to roll on board.
• What Happens with Strollers?: The vast majority of the time, guests will be able to roll strollers directly onto the monorail, either with or without children in them. There is no need to wake a stroller sleeping child to ride the monorail. Only rarely, during the most crowded conditions, a cast member may ask you to fold a stroller to better accommodate more guests on board. If you’d like to avoid this, you can simply wait until the crowds dissipate.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. To get from the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) to EPCOT, you could take your own car, a ride share vehicle or taxi, or sometimes a bus. To get from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom, you could take the ferry. To get between the Magic Kingdom area resorts, you could take a car, ride share vehicle, taxi, or in many cases you could walk.
• Any Additional Tips?: Guests boarding the monorail at a resort will encounter park security screening there rather than at the theme parks.

Disney Transportation Buses

• Where Does This Operate?: Almost everywhere. Buses are the only form of transportation to/from the Animal Kingdom, water parks, value resorts, and Disney Springs. Buses serve some locations to/from all the other resorts and theme parks.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. You can expect most buses to begin running to a theme park about one hour prior to park opening and continue until about one hour after park closing. Buses run from Disney Springs to the resorts from about 10:00 a.m. to about 1:00 a.m.
• How Often Does This Run?: The standard line is that Disney buses run about every 20 minutes. In practice, this could be a often as every five minutes or as infrequently as every 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and crowd levels at Walt Disney World. There are electronic signs at most resort bus stops that indicate what time the next bus is supposed to arrive; I have found these to be inaccurate at best. If it seems like an inordinate amount of time is elapsing between buses, ask a cast member to inquire about problems on the route.
• What Is the Seating Like?: The primary Disney transport buses are like standard city buses. They have hard, molded plastic seats. During crowded times, the buses fill to capacity and riders may be required to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. All Disney transport buses are capable of transporting wheelchairs and ECVs via a ramp/lift. Most Disney buses are capable of holding two ECVs. In February 2024, WDW added 90 buses that can accommodate three ECVs. There is no way to know where you might encounter these new buses.
• What Happens with Strollers?: All strollers must be folded and carried onto the bus.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: In many cases, no. For most bus routes, your only alternative would be driving your own car or taking a taxi/Uber/Lyft.
• Any Additional Tips?: Car seats are neither required nor accepted on the Disney buses. There are no seatbelts on the Disney buses, as is common on city-style buses in general. If this is an important issue for you, renting a car with a car seat may be the best alternative for you. Disney may add bus transportation for special events.

Skyliner

• Where Does This Operate?: There are five embarkation points: EPCOT (adjacent to the World Showcase entrance of the park. From within EPCOT, the World Showcase entrance is located between the England and France pavilions.), Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (this station is the Skyliner hub), Pop Century/Art of Animation (at the bridge connecting these two resorts). You can go to any of these locations via the Skyliner, but some routes require a transfer. For example, to get from Pop Century to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you must transfer at the Caribbean Beach Resort station. There are helpful cast members and good signage to point you in the right direction.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. In general, you can expect the Skyliner to begin running about an hour before EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios open, and to stop running about an hour after those parks close, but there is significant variability in this. You can ask for the exact hours at any resort concierge desk or theme park guest relations window. There is also signage posted at each station.
• How Often Does This Run?: Skyliner boarding is continuous. If there is no line, you will be able to board immediately.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Cabins have two rows of bench seats facing each other. Seats are wooden slats with back support. The cabins feel clean and airy. Each Skyliner cabin has a maximum capacity of ten guests. Depending on demand, you may be seated with other parties. If there’s a reason why you don’t want to share your cabin with strangers (medical issue, religious issue, impending onboard marriage proposal, etc.) speak to the cast members on site.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. Wheelchairs and ECVs with a footprint smaller than 30” x 48” may roll directly onto the Skyliner. If someone in your party is using a wheelchair or ECV, you will be directed to a separate loading lane where you can board a cabin while it is not moving. When you’re safely inside, it will be seamlessly integrated into the line of moving cabins, ensuring continuous service on the system.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers with a footprint of 30” x 48” or smaller may be rolled directly onto the Skyliner. This is an advantage over the WDW bus system, where strollers must be folded to board.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. See our complete guide to Skyliner alternatives. Even when there are posted open hours for Skyliner, operations may temporarily cease for weather issues, notably high winds or severe lightning.
• Any Additional Tips?: Brief (less than two minutes) stoppages are fairly common, typically to allow a cabin holding a wheelchair to be loaded into the system. Longer stops are extremely rare. There are posted warnings at the Skyliner stations that read, “Those who have a fear of heights or enclosed spaces should not ride.” That said, there is a spectrum of fear. The vast majority of guests have no problem riding the Skyliner.

Ferry Boats

• Where Does This Operate?: The ferry runs between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom. This is the only route.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. Generally you can expect the ferry to run from about one hour prior to park opening to about one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule. Typically, ferries arrive every 15-20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: There are two levels of bench seating. Guests must take stairs to get to the second level. Seating availability is somewhat limited. During crowded times, you may have to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. Wheelchairs and ECVs can roll on board via a ramp.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can roll on board. There is no need to remove the child.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. You can take the monorail instead.
• Any Additional Tips?: Ferry use may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.

Friendship Boats

• Where Does This Operate?: Friendship boats run a loop which includes Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club resorts, and EPCOT. There are also Friendship boats inside Epcot, servicing the World Showcase area.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. Generally you can expect the boats to begin running to a theme park about one hour prior to park opening and continue until about one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: The Friendship boats run approximately every 15-20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Bench seating mostly indoors, but with some seats outside.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Generally yes. However, if the water level is particularly low or there are high winds in the area, wheelchairs and EVCs may not be able to board.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally be rolled on board without being folded. Depending on the conditions, some captains may ask that children vacate strollers while they are being wheeled aboard.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: The DHS/Epcot/Resorts loop can be walked. You can also get from EPCOT to DHS via the Skyliner.
• Any Additional Tips?: Friendship boat service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions. If the boats cease operation for more than fifteen minutes, buses will be added to service this route.

Water Taxi and DVC Ferry

• Where Does This Operate?: There are two routes. One serves a loop between Disney Springs, Old Key West resort, and Saratoga Springs resort. The other route serves a loop between Disney Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.
• What Are the Hours?: Service typically begins running from the resorts at approximately 10:00 a.m. and continues until approximately 11:30 p.m.
• How Often Does This Run?: The water taxi boats run approximately every 20 minutes in the morning and early afternoon and approximately every 10 minutes in the later afternoon and evening.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Bench-style seating, fully open to the elements.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Wheelchairs and ECVs may generally roll aboard. This may change if water levels are particularly low.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally roll aboard. The captain may ask that children vacate strollers when boarding.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. There are buses that serve these routes. You can also walk between Old Key West, Disney Springs, and Saratoga Springs.
• Any Additional Tips?: Service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.

Motor Launch Boats

• Where Does This Operate?: Motor launches serve some locations in the Magic Kingdom and Magic Kingdom resorts area.
• What Are the Hours?: Launches typically run from half an hour prior to park opening to 45 minutes after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally boats run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Wooden bench-style seats, fully open to the elements.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Wheelchairs may be accommodated if folded and carried on board. ECVs are not permitted.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded to board.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Guests can use the monorail or walk between the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary resorts. Cars (private car, taxi, Uber, Lyft) can be used to get between the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, or alternatively, take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to the Contemporary or a bus to the WL or FW.
• Any Additional Tips?: If there is a boat waiting, this may be a faster way than the monorail to get to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Serve may be suspended during severe weather.

Motor Cruiser Boats

• Where Does This Operate?: Motor cruisers run a loop between the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness and between the Magic Kingdom and the Wilderness Lodge.
• What Are the Hours?: These boats typically run 30 minutes prior to Magic Kingdom park opening to approximately one and a half hours after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally boats run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Plastic bench-style seating. Some seats are covered inside and others are outdoors.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes, although water level issues may cause a change in this.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally be wheeled on board. Captains may ask that children vacate strollers before boarding.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Buses are available to service these routes.
• Any Additional Tips?: Service may be suspended during severe weather.

Trams

• Where Does This Operate?: Trams take guests from the park entrances into the far reaches of the parking lots at the Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are no trams directly at the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Guest who have driven their own cars to the Magic Kingdom will find trams that go from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the parking lot.
• What Are the Hours?: Generally, the trams run from one hour before park opening to one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule. Trams generally come every five minutes at park opening and closing time. During the day, they run less frequently, perhaps every 15 minutes. If your car is not too far out, it may be faster to walk.
• What Is the Seating Like?: There is a large step up onto bench style seating.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Folded wheelchairs might be accommodated in the first row of each tram car. Guest riding in wheelchairs or ECVs may not board.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded and carried onto the tram.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. You can walk to your car rather than taking the tram. Guests in wheelchairs or ECVs will likely be parked in the handicapped spots closest to the park gates, making this walk minimal.
• Any Additional Tips?: Successful tram use is dependent on knowing where you parked your car. PLEASE make note of your lot name and row number so you know where to exit the tram when the time comes.

PAID TRANSPORTATION

Mears Transportation Buses | Minnie Vans | Uber and Lyft | Taxis

Mears Transportation Buses

Mears Connect buses transport guests between Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World resorts. Mears has been running shuttles from MCO to WDW for decades, and it previously operated Disney’s Magical Express service. In 2023 the for-pay Mears Connect service “merged” with upstart competitor Sunshine Flyer, forming Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.

Mears Connect has two forms of service: Standard and Express.

Standard service functions much like Magical Express did. This is a shared bus ride that may make a few stops at other hotels, and you’ll have a “limited” wait for your ride to depart from the airport. Rides may be reserved either one-way or round trip. Depending on the promotions in effect, each leg should cost $16-21 for adults and $12-15 for children ages 3-9. Children age two and under ride free. Buses are wheelchair and ECV accessible. Wait times may be lengthy. We’ve clocked guests waiting more than 40 minutes for a departure from MCO to Walt Disney World.

The Express Service is much like a town car service. After a “minimal” wait, your party is transported in a dedicated vehicle – though small parties may be combined. You’re driven directly to your hotel with no stops. The round trip price is $250 for up to four passengers, with additional passengers transported at $55 each, round trip. Mears advertises that it will not implement surge pricing during high demand transportation windows.

Both the Standard and Express services from Means Connect Driven by Sunshine have options for handicapped guests.

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft work at Walt Disney World much like they do in the rest of the world. Download the apps and you can compare prices for different size vehicles and different arrival times. You will be able to arrange rides to/from the airport, Disney resorts, Disney theme parks, and off-site locations.

One nuance about using ride shares and taxis (see below) at Disney World is that these vehicles may not drop guests directly at the Magic Kingdom. Instead they’ll have to use the Transportation and Ticket Center at the MK drop off and pick up point. You can get from the Magic Kingdom to the TTC by monorail or ferry. For more information, see our post on where to pick up a ride share at Walt Disney World.

Minnie Vans

Minnie Vans are subset of the Lyft app. These super cute cars have the advantage of being able to drop guests directly at the Magic Kingdom, but the cost is significantly higher than using a standard ride share car.

Taxis

The Orlando area is also served by old school taxis. One of the largest taxi services in the area is Mears, the same folks that run the Mears Connect buses. They can be reached by phone at 407-422-2222. Some guests prefer to use a metered service rather than a ride share. Others like having the ability to request a certain type of vehicle.