One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney World resort is that all Disney transportation is completely free –no tickets, no passes, no extra fees.
Whether you’re heading to the parks, hopping between resorts for dining, or exploring Disney Springs, Disney’s transportation network makes it easy to get around without ever needing a car. When you check into your resort, one of the first things you want to do is learn where the transportation pick-up locations are and what time they start (usually around 7 am, well in advance of rope-drop time).
The only paid option is Minnie Vans, a premium rideshare service operated through Lyft. Everything else – buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner (gondola ride) –is included with your stay and part of the immersive Disney experience.
How All Free Disney Transportation Works
- No tickets or reservation needed
- Transportation typically starts 60 minutes before park opening
- Runs until 1-2 hours after park closing
- All options are stroller-friendly
- All are accessible for wheelchairs and ECVs
Most guests find they don’t need a rental car at all when staying at a Disney resort – the transportation network is that comprehensive and reliable.
Disney Buses
Disney’s bus system is the backbone of transportation across the entire property. Every Disney resort has bus stops, and buses run frequently and continuously throughout the day.
Where Buses Go
- All four theme parks
- Both water parks
- Disney Springs
- Some resort-to-resort routes (usually via Disney Springs)
How Often They Run
- Every minute during peak times (mornings and park close)
- Every 10-15 minutes during non-peak times
What to Know
- Air-conditioned (a blessing in Florida heat!)
- Strollers can stay open on most buses
Disney Monorail
The monorail is iconic Disney transportation – fast, smooth and nostalgic.
Where the Monorail Goes
There are three monorail lines:
1. Resort Monorail Loop
- Magic Kingdom
- Contemporary Resort
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC)
2. Express Monorail
- Direct between TTC and Magic Kingdom
3. EPCOT Monorail
- Direct between TTC and EPCOT
Why It’s Useful
- Fastest way to get to Magic Kingdom
- Scenic ride (especially the EPCOT loop)
- Great for resort dining at monorail hotels
- Air conditioned
Disney Skyliner
The Skyliner is Disney’s gondola system -a breezy, relaxing way to travel with amazing views that goes to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Each gondola is decorated with a different Disney movie theme and the cast members will allow you to wait for a certain theme to board with a smile!
This is the transportation option that kids get most excited about – my kids have taken an entire day to simply ride the Skyliner over and over again until they rode every movie theme and cast members were so excited to help and gave them Skyliner specific stickers which was such as magic moment for little kiddos.
Where the Skyliner Goes
The Skyliner connects:
- Parks: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios
- Resorts: Caribbean Beach Resort (main hub), Riviera Resort, Pop Century Resort, Air of Animation Resort
What to Know
- Fast and continuous loading
- Listen carefully to make sure you get out at the right destination and don’t leave at a connecting stop
- Not air-conditioned but breezy in the air
- Strollers can roll on without folding (usually up to 30” x 48”), larger strollers may need to be folded
- Separate (optional) loading zone for handi-capable guests
- Skyliner pauses during lightning or heavy storms (buses available during these times)
Pro-Tip: Taking the Skyliner drops you right at International Gateway – a quieter entrance between the UK and France pavilions, giving you a huge rope‑drop advantage for nearby attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It also means an easier exit after fireworks and access to some unique character meet‑and‑greets. Tackling EPCOT from this entrance also means you’ll be moving with the magic and against the crowds most of the day.
Disney Boats and Ferries
Disney’s water transportation is peaceful, scenic and surprisingly efficient.
Where the Boats Go
- Between Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness
- Between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge
- Between Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian & Polynesian
- Between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (friendship boats)
- Between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort, Saratoga Springs, Old Key West
What to Know
- Not air-conditioned but breezy
- Beautiful views, especially at sunset
- Great for resort-to-resort dining
Walking Paths
Some resorts are close enough to walk to the parks – a huge perk. If you prefer not to walk, one or more of the above-mentioned Disney transportation continues to be available.
- Between Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom (10 minutes)
- Between Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom (15–20 minutes)
- Between BoardWalk, Beach Club & Yacht Club and EPCOT (5–10 minutes)
- Between BoardWalk area and Hollywood Studios (15–20 minutes)
- Between Saratoga Springs and Disney Springs (10 minutes)
If the walk is short, it can be faster than buses during peak times. However, your appetite to walk can be easily influenced by how sore your feet are from a previous park day and the heat!
Minnie Vans (Paid)
Minnie Vans are Disney’s premium rideshare service, operated through the Lyft app.
Cost
- ~$25-50 USD (CAD$35-70) per ride
- Varies by distance and time of day
What to Know
- Minnie mouse themed van
- Accommodates 6 guests
- 2 car seats included
- Direct travel to resort and parks, including drop-off right at the Magic Kingdom gates (not TTC)
- Ordered through the Lyft app
When They Can be Useful
- Early morning dining reservations if you don’t want to use free Disney transportation
- Traveling with babies or toddlers that may be nervous about other Disney transportation options
The Bottom Line
Disney transportation is one of the biggest perks of staying on property. It’s free, reliable, and designed to make your vacation feel seamless from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re gliding through the sky on the Skyliner, cruising across the water by boat, or hopping on a monorail to Magic Kingdom, getting around Disney World is part of the magic.
For more information on staying at a Disney World resort, visit Disney World Resorts: Where to Stay. For information about each resort, download our Disney World Resorts Guide printable.