Whether you’re flying or driving to Walt Disney World (WDW), at some point you’ll undoubtedly use one or more types of on-property transportation. But, what transportation do you use – and when should you use it? From getting to the parks to navigating to and from the resorts, here’s how to use Disney World transportation: your questions answered.
If you’re not familiar with WDW transportation, start digging into to the hows and wheres and it’s almost like learning another language. I mean, there are buses, boats, and the Monorail. So, exactly when should you use them and how do you make the most of the free service? Here’s what you need to know about Disney World transportation.
The Different Types of Free Disney World Transportation
Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of complimentary WDW transportation:
Motorcoaches: A fancy word for buses, every on-property resort offers motorcoach transportation to get you to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs. Motorcoaches also run between some resorts for breakfast advanced dining reservations.
Monorail: Disney’s Monorail takes guests from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to Magic Kingdom. There are also three Monorail Resorts (Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, & Contemporary Resort) that offer monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and the other Monorail Resorts on the same line.
Boats: There are a few kinds of boats that go from a few WDW Resorts and theme parks/Disney Springs:
- Magic Kingdom Ferry: You’ll find the largest of the boats at TTC. These large, two-story ferries go back and forth between TTC and Magic Kingdom.
- Water Taxis: Water taxis are smaller, therefore allowing for fewer passengers. Around the Seven Seas Lagoon, water taxis pick up passengers at Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian Resort and make a beeline for Magic Kingdom. Also heading to Magic Kingdom are water taxis from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
- Disney Springs Resort Ferryboat: Not only is the ride a leisurely one, you’ll hit the following resorts on your ride:
- Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter
- Port Orleans Resort—Riverside
- Old Key West Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Can You Use Disney World Transportation if Not Staying on Property?
Absolutely! Once you’re on property, you may use any and all free means of WDW transportation to get to and from TTC, the theme parks and resorts.
Please keep in mind, though: WDW transportation, although free, can take time to get where you need to be. It’s suggested that you make sure to have at least 90 minutes to get where you need to be. I completely agree with that.
Is There Transportation Between Disney Resorts?
Yes, but only for on-property breakfast reservations. If you’re flying in and will not have the use of a personal vehicle, make sure to talk to a castmember at the front desk to schedule a pick-up to your breakfast’s resort.
Is Disney’s Magical Express Free?
Yes! If you have an on-property resort reservation and are flying to MCO, you’ll receive complimentary transportation to and from the airport. The easiest way to take advantage is to call and attach your flight number to your resort reservation well before you leave. Of course, if you have a Magicband, you can scan it at the Magical Express area at Orlando International Airport as well.
Looking for more free things at Disney? Here’s my list of the best secret free things at Walt Disney World.
Can I Hire Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World?
Yes! Of course, prices vary depending on time of day and where you’re going.
WDW has officially partnered with Lyft, so you can order Minnie Vans to take you around or to the airport. For the latter, it’s quite a fee: $150 one way to MCO. If you want to use the Minnie Van service, make sure you have the Lyft app downloaded and ready to go.
Can You Park at Magic Kingdom?
No, sorry. You’ll need to park at your on-property resort or at Transportation and Ticket Center and use one of the free transportation methods to get to Magic Kingdom.
What Time Do the Parking Lots Open at Disney World?
About two hours before each park’s official opening each day.
Heading to Magic Kingdom early? Here are four things to do before rope drop at Magic Kingdom.
Can You Walk Between Parks at Disney World?
I wouldn’t suggest it. If you do, you’ll be walking on major highways with massive amounts of traffic – and that’s illegal. There are, however, some WDW Resorts that you can walk to a single park. For example, Beach and Yacht Club Resorts are close enough to Epcot that you can walk.
How Much Does it Cost to Park at Walt Disney World?
That depends on where you park. At the four WDW theme parks, standard vehicle parking costs $25 per day if not staying on property. Larger, oversized vehicles will spend $30 per day. If you want to splurge, Preferred Parking at the four theme parks is available for $50 per day and is in lots close to the theme park entrances. But, once you’ve paid for parking for the day, you may park at any of the other theme parks complimentary – just hold on to your receipt and be prepared to show it at the theme park gates.
If you’re staying on-property at a WDW Resort, you’ll pay a daily tiered parking fee depending on where you’re staying:
- Value Resorts: $13 per night
- Moderate Resorts: $19 per night
- Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night
If you’re a DVC member and are staying at a resort using points, overnight parking is free.
Is There Free Parking at Disney World?
Yes, but only at the waterparks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs. If you’re a Disney Annual Passholder (AP), you may park free at any of the theme parks while your pass is valid. Keep in mind that, even if you have an AP, you’ll still be charged an overnight rate for parking at the WDW Resorts.
Is a Disney World Annual Pass for you? Here are eight hefty discounts to consider.
Is There Valet Parking at Disney World Resorts?
Yes, Valet Parking is available at select Disney Deluxe Resorts for $33 a night.
Is Disabled Parking Free at Disney World?
Nope. Standard daily parking rates apply.
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