Hiya, Katie! Welcome to planDisney and thanks for bringing us your terrific transportation question!
Walt Disney World has
so many ways to travel between the parks and resorts, the majority of which are complimentary to guests. Depending on where you’re starting from and where you’re trying to go, you can travel by land (buses and Minnie Vans), sea (water taxis), and air (monorail and skyliner gondolas). There are so many options in the Vacation Kingdom!
Let’s look at your transportation options for each theme park.
Bus Service: Complimentary bus service between the parks begins around 10 A.M. and is available at all four theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs. Buses generally arrive every 10 to 20 minutes and run throughout the day (schedules subject to change).
Monorail: The monorail is a good option if you are traveling between the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The monorail runs throughout the day, starting 30 minutes before the parks open and ending 60 minutes after park closure (schedules subject to change). Whichever direction you’re headed, you’ll need to transfer lines at the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Water Taxis: Also called FriendShip Boats, this aquatic option is available between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, and makes stops at multiple resorts in-between. The boats run throughout the day and generally arrive every 15 to 30 minutes.
Skyliner: The Skyliner is another way to get to EPCOT from Hollywood Studios (and vice versa). It starts operation one hour before early entry and runs continuously throughout the day. It’s worth noting that the Skyliner does not directly connect Hollywood Studios and EPCOT and you’ll need to transfer lines at the Caribbean Beach Resort station.
Minnie Van: Lastly, you can order a Minnie Van through the Lyft app. This works like any other ride share purchase, but these special polka-dotted vehicles are only available at Walt Disney World. Minnie Vans can be used to get between all four theme parks, resorts, water parks, and Disney Springs.
Remember, you can always find the quickest route using the My Disney Experience mobile app map. Just tap a point on the map—like an attraction, dining location, or park—and click “Get Directions” on the pop-up. The directions will give you estimated travel times for all available modes of transportation (except Minnie Vans and other ride share services). I’m a seasoned Walt Disney World traveler and even I consult the app because it may suggest a route I hadn’t considered.
Katie, I hope this helps you map out your Disney vacation adventure. If you have any other questions, or if you need recommendations or advice, pop back to planDisney and ask away! Our knowledgeable panelists are here to help!
Magical travels!
Matt