
Planning a magical day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney veteran, getting to the park as quickly as possible is always a top priority. If you’ve ever driven to Magic Kingdom, you know that parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) is the first stop on your journey—but did you know there’s a quicker way to get from the TTC to the gates of Magic Kingdom than the Monorail or Ferryboat?
For those driving to Magic Kingdom (whether you’re a local or simply not staying at a Disney Resort), you’ll want to know this little-known Disney transportation tip to make your trip a lot smoother!
The Transportation and Ticket Center
When you drive to Magic Kingdom, you don’t actually park directly at the gates of the park. Instead, you’ll park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), located about 1.5 miles from Magic Kingdom’s entrance. From there, you’ll need to hop on one of Disney’s transportation options to reach the park.
While staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel comes with the perks of free and direct transportation options like buses, the Disney Skyliner, and even boat service, many visitors find themselves parking at the TTC, especially if they’re staying off-property or are local day-trippers.
Once you park at the TTC, you’ll either take a tram to the transportation hub or walk if you’re close enough. This is where the journey truly begins, as you’ll need to choose between the Monorail or the Ferryboat to get to Magic Kingdom.
The Classic TTC Options: Monorail vs. Ferryboat
When you arrive at the TTC, the most common transportation options are the Monorail or the Ferryboat across Seven Seas Lagoon.
The Monorail
The Monorail is one of Disney’s most iconic forms of transportation. With two lines departing from the TTC, you can either take the Magic Kingdom line directly to the park or the EPCOT line (for those headed to EPCOT). However, while the Monorail is fun, it can get pretty crowded, and long lines often form during peak times.
The Ferryboat
If the Monorail line is too long, many Disney Cast Members will direct guests to the Ferryboat. The Ferry is a relaxing way to cross Seven Seas Lagoon and offers some pretty scenic views of Cinderella Castle and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Plus, the Ferry can hold more people than the Monorail, so it’s often a quicker option for large crowds. However, boarding can still take time, and it’s not always the fastest way to the park.
While both the Monorail and Ferryboat are tried-and-true Disney transportation methods, there’s a secret option most guests overlook that can shave precious minutes off your journey to Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Bus Service at the TTC
Here’s an insider tip that could save you time: Disney bus service from the TTC to Magic Kingdom! That’s right, while most people head straight for the Monorail or Ferryboat, there’s often a quicker and less crowded alternative—Disney buses!
When Is the Bus Available?
Disney typically rolls out bus service from the TTC to Magic Kingdom during peak crowd times or when there are technical issues with the Monorail or Ferryboat. If either transportation system is temporarily down or if crowd levels are high, Disney buses will swoop in to help manage the flow of guests and get people to the park faster.
However, the bus service isn’t always well-advertised, so many guests don’t realize this option is available, leaving the buses less crowded and often faster than other methods.
How to Find the Disney Bus Service at the TTC
When you arrive at the TTC, most guests head straight for the Monorail entrance or make a left toward the Ferryboat dock. But if you want to catch the bus, take a right at the hub of the TTC, past the restrooms. Look for the bus loading zone tucked away from the main flow of traffic. You’ll often find a Cast Member stationed there who can tell you if the buses are running.
If the buses are in service, they offer a direct, hassle-free ride from the TTC straight to the front gates of Magic Kingdom. No waiting for the Monorail or Ferry to fill up, no standing in long lines—just a quick ride to the park entrance.
Why the Bus Is Faster
In our experience, taking the Disney bus from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom is significantly faster than either the Monorail or Ferryboat, especially during busy times. Here’s why:
- Quick Loading: While the Monorail and Ferryboat take time to load large crowds, the buses generally have fewer passengers, meaning you can board and depart much quicker.
- Direct Route: The bus offers a direct ride to the Magic Kingdom entrance, skipping the scenic (and often slow) journey across the water.
- Less Crowded: Since most guests don’t realize the buses are available, they’re often far less crowded than the other transportation options. This makes for a more comfortable and efficient ride.
How to Spot the Buses
If you’re unsure whether the bus service is available, simply look to your right when you enter the TTC and head toward the bus area. A Cast Member will typically be there to assist you, and if the buses are in operation, they’ll guide you in the right direction.
During high-traffic times, such as holidays or special events, the bus service is more likely to be running. And even if the Monorail and Ferryboat are still operational, taking the bus can give you a head start on your magical day at Magic Kingdom.
Returning to the TTC After a Day at Magic Kingdom
After a long, magical day at Magic Kingdom, the crowds can seem overwhelming when it’s time to head back to the TTC. If you want to avoid the lengthy lines at the Monorail and Ferryboat, keep an eye out for Resort Monorail service. While the Resort Monorail makes stops at the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, it will eventually drop you back at the TTC. This can be a less crowded way to return to your car.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you drive to Magic Kingdom and find yourself at the TTC, don’t automatically head to the Monorail or Ferryboat. Take a moment to look for the Disney bus service on the right-hand side of the TTC. It’s a hidden gem that can get you to the gates of Magic Kingdom faster and with less hassle.
Whether you’re a local making a day trip or a visitor staying off-site, this TTC tip will help you maximize your time and make the most of your Disney day. After all, the sooner you get to Magic Kingdom, the sooner the magic can begin!
Looking for more Disney tips and tricks? Be sure to check out Disney Tips for more insider advice on navigating the parks, avoiding crowds, and making the most of your Walt Disney World experience.