Disney World Transportation Basics
Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco so getting around can be a little bit complicated. I wanted to create a Disney World transportation cheat sheet so that you can know all the basics of getting around on your Disney vacation.
Buses
Buses are the most common form of transportation at Walt Disney World. Buses run from resorts to parks and from parks to parks (only if you have a park hopper option and it is after 2 pm). Currently buses are not running from Disney Springs to the parks to limit the amount of people in Disney Springs. Buses also do not run from resort to resort. If you are staying at a Disney World resort, you can check your bus schedule at anytime via the Disney MyExperience App. This is a great tool so that you don't just miss a bus or so that you don't sit forever waiting for a bus.
Buses at larger resorts have multiple stops before they leave for the parks. Its worth talking to a cast member about the bus route to find the closest bus stop to your room as well as the last bus stop before it leaves for the parks.
Strollers: You are required to collapse strollers on all buses.
Boats
My personal favorite form of transportation! Boats run from the Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom. Boats also run between Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary as well as between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. You can also take a boat from the Boardwalk hotels to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This same boat route can take you between Epcot and Hollywood Studios as well (you just have to stop at the Boardwalk hotels on the way). Boats also run from Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs.
Boats can periodically stop running due to weather so if it looks like it might storm you should find a backup option.
Strollers: Smaller boats require you to collapse your stroller. Larger boats do NOT require you to collapse it. But you may be asked to do so if there are a lot of passengers. You also may be asked to remove your child from the stroller.
Skyliner
This is the newest form of transportation at Walt Disney World. It runs between Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Riviera Resorts and connects you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This transportation may require some transfers to get you to your destination so pay attention. The Skyliner is not for everyone. If you have fear of small spaces, you might want to take another form of transportation.
Strollers: You are NOT required to collapse your stroller on the Skyliner.
Monorail
Everyone loves a ride on the monorail! A monorail runs from the Ticket and Transportation Center directly to Magic Kingdom. One also runs in a circle around Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom in this order: Contemporary, Ticket and Transportation Center, Polynesian, Grand Floridian and back to Magic Kingdom. You can also catch a monorail from the Ticket and Transportation center to Epcot.
Strollers: You are NOT required to collapse your stroller on the monorail.
Minnie Van
**Minnie Vans are currently suspended due to COVID restrictions** Minnie Van runs pretty much anywhere on the Disney World property and can be ordered via the Lyft app. This is one of the easier ways to get somewhere quickly. This is also one of the easier ways to get from resort to resort. They are owned and operated by Disney (unlike other ride services). They also come equipped with two Rear or Forward facing car seats which make them very handy if you have children. Bonus: the drivers are trained to install the carseats! Rides generally cost $25+.
Taxis/Ride Services
Uber, Lyft and taxis also operate within Disney property. We have used these before we had kids when we had reservations at other resorts. They are less expensive than the Minnie Vans but also don't come with the family friendly additions.
I hope that this cheat sheet to Disney World Transportation has made it easier to understand how to best get from one place to another. If you have any questions, leave a comment below!