How do I get around Walt Disney World Resort?
Using transportation while at Walt Disney World can be complicated if you aren’t familiar with it. Once inside Walt Disney World Resort, you have multiple options of transportation. Buses, monorail, skyliner and boats are available. It will all depend where you are and where you want to go.
The most popular mean of transportation is buses. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take two of them, but it is possible to do get around by only using buses.
When it comes to the monorail, you can board it at the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or the Polynesian Resort. And, they also connect Magic Kingdom with Epcot. For some of us, riding the monorail is an attraction on its own.
The Skyliner is always an option. This is an “air gondola system”… yes! You can see a very large part of Walt Disney World Resort from above! It connects several resorts such as Disney´s Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animtation and Disney´s Rivera Resort with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Speaking of boats, depending on which resort you are staying at, you could potentially take a boat to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney Springs.
Should I rent a car?
I have been asked multiple times about the advantages of renting a car while staying on property. While it can be easier to not wait in line to use the bus, boat, monorail… there are a couple of things to consider. Unless you are familiar with the area, driving in a foreign city to you and your family can be complicated. Also, consider the distance to/from the parking lot to the park entrance. (Disney buses will drop you off as close as possible to it.) You will also have to budget for parking and the rental itself. Parking at the resort will be betwen $15 and $25 per night of stay. Remember all children will need a car seat according to their age, height and weight.
What about transportation to and from the airport?
Up until January 2022, if you are staying at one of the Disney Resorts, you receive complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport. This is why you may have friends and family telling you all about the Disney Magical Express, however, this service is no longer available. The current options are private transportation, shuttle service or rideshares.