Getting Around Walt Disney World: A Complete Transportation Guide

Walt Disney World is not just a theme park — it’s a 47-square-mile resort the size of a small city! Luckily, Disney makes it easy (and often fun) to get around with a variety of transportation options that connect the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.

Whether you’re gliding above the treetops, cruising across a lagoon, or hopping on a classic bus, here’s everything you need to know about Disney transportation.

Disney Buses

Where They Go:

Disney buses travel between every Disney Resort hotel and all four theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Why Guests Love Them:

  • Complimentary for all Disney guests (no ticket or resort stay required).

  • Air-conditioned and frequent — generally every 20 minutes.

  • Drop off right near park entrances for easy access.

Travel Genie Tip:

If you’re heading to an early breakfast reservation or park opening, allow extra time — buses can fill quickly first thing in the morning.

Disney Skyliner

Where It Goes:

The Skyliner gondola system connects:

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • EPCOT (International Gateway entrance)

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (main hub)

  • Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Why Guests Love It:

  • Soaring views of the resort — it’s like a mini attraction itself!

  • Fast and convenient for resort-to-park travel.

  • Gondolas arrive every few minutes, so lines move quickly.

Travel Genie Tip:

Skyliner service can pause during storms or strong winds, so always have a backup plan on rainy days.

Disney Monorail

Where It Goes:

The iconic “Highway in the Sky” connects:

  • Magic Kingdom

  • EPCOT

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • The Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC)

Why Guests Love It:

  • A classic Disney experience — great for photos and nostalgia.

  • Quick transfers between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

  • Perfect for resort hopping along the monorail loop.

Travel Genie Tip:

If you’re staying at a monorail resort, you can even ride to the park in comfort with your coffee in hand.

Disney Boats & Ferries

Where They Go:

Water transportation connects several resorts and parks, including:

  • Magic Kingdom area: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian.

  • EPCOT/Hollywood Studios area: Disney’s BoardWalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Swan & Dolphin.

  • Disney Springs area: Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside, and French Quarter.

Why Guests Love It:

  • Scenic, peaceful, and a relaxing break from buses.

  • Great for a breezy evening ride after dinner.

Travel Genie Tip:

Boats may have limited service during lightning or storms — check the My Disney Experience app for updates.

Disney Minnie Vans (via Lyft)

Where They Go:

Anywhere on Disney property — and even to and from Orlando International Airport (extra cost).

Why Guests Love It:

  • Private, air-conditioned ride operated by Disney Cast Members.

  • Includes car seats for little ones.

  • Drop-off points are often closer than standard rideshare locations.

Travel Genie Tip:

Use the Lyft app to book. They’re pricier than regular rideshares but perfect for early dining reservations or tired feet at the end of the night.

Walking Paths

Where They Go:

Many Disney resorts are connected to nearby parks or other resorts by beautiful walking trails, including:

  • Grand Floridian ↔ Magic Kingdom

  • Contemporary ↔ Magic Kingdom

  • EPCOT ↔ Hollywood Studios (via BoardWalk path)

Why Guests Love It:

  • Peaceful, scenic, and great for getting steps in.

  • Sometimes faster than waiting for transportation.

Travel Genie Tip:

Always check park maps before walking — some areas don’t have sidewalks or may close after dark.

Driving & Parking

If you’re bringing your own car or renting one, driving around Disney property is easy. Roads are well-marked, and parking lots are located at each park and resort.

Standard Parking

  • If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you receive complimentary standard self-parking at the theme parks. 

  • For non-resort guests parking at the theme parks: standard self-parking is about $36/day for a passenger car or motorcycle. 

    • Oversized vehicles, campers, buses, tractor trailers $40/day.

Preferred Parking

  • Preferred parking (closer to the park entrance) for cars/motorcycles is generally in the range of $45-$55/day, and can go higher on peak dates. 

Valet Parking

  • Valet Parking is available at Deluxe resorts and Coronado Spring snge of $42/day plus tax. 

Additional Info & Tips

  • Once you pay for parking at one theme park for the day, you can park at the other theme parks that same day without paying again (just show your receipt). 

  • For resort parking: While standard self-parking at many Disney-owned Resort hotels is free for overnight guests, some hotels (particularly those operated by third parties) may charge for overnight parking. For example: at the resort operated by Marriott under Disney license it’s around $36/night for self-parking, $44/night for valet. 

  • Free parking is available at certain areas: e.g., the water parks and the shopping/dining district Disney Springs have complimentary standard parking. 

Final Thoughts

Transportation at Walt Disney World isn’t just about getting from point A to B — it’s part of the magic! From the nostalgic chime of the monorail doors to the sweeping views from the Skyliner, Disney’s network of buses, boats, trains, and trails makes every journey memorable.

Need help choosing a resort with the easiest transportation for your plans?

Your Genie Travel Co advisor can help match your resort to your perfect park days — making every trip as seamless as it is magical.