Getting Around Walt Disney World

Up until this past April my family had always been close enough to the Walt Disney World Resort to drive.  Well, we had to move across the country which meant flights and Disney bus transportation now became a part of our vacation experience.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous this first time, having to rely on Disney transportation everywhere with a young child and an infant.  However, I will say I was so happy with the ease and convenience of it all!  From Magical Express to park transportation to runDisney race transportation, it was so well organized!  Here is a breakdown and some tips for using Disney transportation!

Disney’s Magical Express

As you know, Disney is famous for their outstanding customer service!  Well, you do not need to wait until you get to your resort in order to experience it!  Disney offers a complimentary shuttle from MCO to any Walt Disney World Resort (just another one of the perks of staying on property)!  You want to know the best part?  In most cases, they grab your bags for you and deliver them to your room!  That is so wonderful if you are like my family with a double stroller and 15 carry-on items!!! 

There are signs all throughout MCO that direct you where to go to find some smiling Cast Members ready to help you board your bus!  This service will also pick you up at your resort on your last day and take you back to MCO in plenty of time for your return flight!  Bonus, if you fly certain airlines, you can check-in at your resort and Disney handles your luggage for you!!  Tip:  Upon arrival have your MagicBands and confirmation number ready to go as this will help the check-in process be easy and quick!  When leaving, make sure you have the paper they deliver to your room to board the bus!

Disney Parks Transportation

Disney offers bus service from your resort to all of the parks, waterparks, and Disney Springs!  Depending on the size of your resort, there will be at least one bus stop where you can catch a bus to these locations.  There are some resorts that offer additional methods of transportation as well such as boats or monorail. 

Though there is no resort to resort transportation, you can easily catch a connecting bus at any park or Disney Springs for reservations located at a resort other than where you are staying!  Buses run all throughout the day starting about an hour before park opening until the last guest is back to their resort at night!  The resorts also have screens now that give you an estimate as to when the next bus will be arriving at your resort!

Disney’s Express Transportation

This is a new service that Disney has started offering.  Inside each park there is an Express Transportation location.  You check-in and pay for either the day or a week and this allows you access to be transported by bus from inside one park to inside the next park.  The best perk of this service, and what makes it 100% worth it for me, is that you do not have go through security again!!  If your budget allows, I would highly recommend adding this to your vacation on your first park day!  Be advised though, at this time they are not equipped to charge to your magic band so you will need a credit card to purchase this service!  

runDisney Transportation

Transportation is provided from each of the on-site resorts for all of the events during a runDisney weekend.  We shared a bus with another resort for all of the events except the actual race mornings.  I was very impressed with the transportation and rarely had to wait for a bus for any event! 

Minnie Vans
Disney has rolled out a new mode of transportation for its guests.  The Minnie Vans will utilize a smart phone app to request the service.  These vans will take you anywhere on property for a flat one-way fee of $20.  Think Uber with a Disney twist!  Cars seats are available which makes this a perfect option for young families.


Taxis/Uber

If you choose not to utilize the transportation that Disney provides for its guests, then a taxi or Uber are always an option!  Some people choose to use these services when they have a resort to resort transportation need.  

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About the Author:

Morgan Scully- Travel Advisor
Morgan is passionate about all things Disney. From an early age she loved taking in the magic of Disney World, but its when she became a mom and she saw life through her daughter's eyes that she truly understood how amazing a Disney vacation can be for a family. Morgan is well versed in all things Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. She also serves as Whitney World Travel's Military Vacation Specialist-- helping the brave men and women who serve our country and their families get the most out of their vacations. Morgan is a graduate of Texas A&M University.