By Land, By Air or By Sea: The many ways to get around Walt Disney World

Posted:  Parks Resorts

Greetings and salutations, fellow travelers! If you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World, you know how big a place it can be. Between the resorts, the four parks, the two water parks, and Disney Springs, getting around can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Disney has plenty of travel options available for those who want to avoid the stress of driving and just want to enjoy their vacation. So, let’s take a closer look at them.

Disney’s Riviera Resort Skyliner Hub. Colorful gondolas are going to and from the hub. There is a pond nearby and a walkway going up to the hub. The sky is dark and cloudy

 

Buses

Photo 2: Bus stopped next to a curb. The bus is covered in characters from the movie Toy Story: Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, and Slinky Dog

Buses are the bread and butter of Disney World transportation. No matter what resort you’re staying at, Disney’s buses are likely to be a part of your daily plan. I’ve spent plenty of time on Disney’s buses during my own travels at Walt Disney World, and I definitely have come to appreciate them. After a long day at the parks, being able to sit back and enjoy a ride in air-conditioned comfort back to the resort is great.

Bus stopped next to a curb. There is a picture of Dumbo flying on the bus, and the illuminated bus name says “Fort Wilderness”

 

Monorail

Orange Monorail Train pulling into station on its rails. The station has wooden beams above and lanterns hanging above.

When talking about monorails, two things come to mind immediately. The first is that song from The Simpsons, and the other is the iconic Disney train system. Every time I talk about Walt Disney World resorts at family gatherings, the question I usually get is, “Which ones are on the monorail?” Even after all this time, the monorail feels futuristic and provides one of the smoothest rides ever. 

When talking about monorail, we usually think of Epcot or Disney’s Contemporary Resort and neighboring Bay Lake Tower, but the monorail also links up with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and the Magic Kingdom.

Orange Monorail Train pulling into station on its rails.

 

Boats

From the ferries to Disney Springs from Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs to the Friendship Boats from Epcot and Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas and even the water taxis to Magic Kingdom from Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there are lots of ways to get around on the water at Walt Disney World. Outside of buses, Disney’s ferries and water taxis provide the most options for getting around.

Three Blue and White Water Taxis sitting at a dock in Disney Springs. In the horizon, you can see the restaurants and shops in Disney Springs.

While boat travel may not be the fastest way to get around, I personally find Disney’s ferries to be a very relaxing way to travel, with great views and wonderfully cool breezes that give a welcome break from the Florida heat.

During stormy weather, the boats will be closed down, and buses will take over, so if the weather looks bad, be sure to plan accordingly.

Blue and White Water Taxi with Yellow Trim sitting at a dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The Captain of the boat is opening the door, and people are sitting at the back of the boat.

 

Skyliner

Metal Archway Entrance into the Disney Skyliner. There is a sign on the Archway that says, “Enter, Disney Skyliner, Enter.” The blue sky is in the background.

Walt Disney World’s newest way of getting around, the Skyliner, was one of my favorite ways to get around. This gondola system provides some of the most amazing views from high above as you travel to Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Yellow Gondola moving through Monorail Hub. Pictures of Star Wars characters R2-D2, BB8, and C3PO are found on the sides of the gondola.

Those with a fear of heights may find the Skyliner a bit unnerving, but I personally love this one. It’s one of the most unique and memorable forms of public transit I’ve ever been on.

Disney Skyliner Hub Entrance. The hub is a dark gray building with a black roof. There are black railings leading up to the entrance, and the sign on the building reads, “Disney Skyliner.”

Like the ferries, the Skyliner closes during storms, and Disney buses will take over its routes. So, if the weather gets bad, it’s time to head to the bus stops.

So, the next time you plan a trip to Walt Disney World, always remember that if you just want to enjoy your stay and let someone else do the driving, Disney has you covered. Whether by road, by futuristic rail, across the clear blue water, or high above it all, you’re sure to get where you want to go.

White and Pink Friendship Boat docked at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort at night. The lights of the boardwalk illuminate the night sky in the horizon.

Until next time, fellow travelers!

 

~Stephen 

 

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