Tips & Tricks to Know about the Walt Disney World Bus Transportation

When you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort, one of the most magical perks is the convenience of the Disney Transportation System. With a comprehensive network of buses connecting every Disney Resort hotel to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs, getting around the sprawling resort is a breeze.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, understanding how to make the most of the bus system can save you time and help you focus on enjoying your magical vacation.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Disney’s bus transportation, from the basics of how it works to expert tips that will make your Disney experience even more seamless.

The Basics: How Disney’s Bus System Works

The Disney Transportation System buses are a lifeline for many guests, offering free and reliable transportation throughout the resort. Buses generally run approximately every 20 minutes, transporting guests from their Disney Resort hotels to the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and Disney Springs.

One of the major benefits of using the Disney buses is their convenience. Buses drop guests off close to the main entrances of the parks and Disney Springs, which is particularly advantageous when visiting Magic Kingdom. Unlike guests who drive and must park at the Transportation and Ticket Center before taking the Monorail or Ferry Boat across Seven Seas Lagoon, those using the bus can be dropped off just steps from the park entrance.

At each Disney Resort hotel, bus stops are equipped with digital screens displaying the estimated arrival times for the next buses to various destinations. These estimates are generally accurate, but it’s always a good idea to allow for a little flexibility in your plans, as buses may occasionally arrive slightly ahead of or behind schedule.

Traveling Between Disney Resorts

One of the most common questions guests have is how to travel between Disney Resort hotels, especially when dining reservations are involved. While there aren’t direct buses between resorts, you can easily reach your destination by transferring buses at a theme park or Disney Springs.

For example, if you’re staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and have dinner reservations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you would first take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then transfer to a bus heading to the Grand Floridian. This method is straightforward, but it’s important to allow plenty of time—at least an hour—especially during peak times.

Pro tip: Arrive early at your destination and take some time to explore the resort. Each Disney hotel has its own unique theming, lobby, and grounds, making the journey almost as enjoyable as the destination.

Shared Buses: What to Expect

While many Disney Resort hotels have dedicated bus routes, some share buses with nearby resorts. This can affect your travel time, especially during peak periods, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning your day.

Here are some examples of Disney resorts that share buses:

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Contemporary Resort share buses from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa share buses from Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Sports, Music, and Movies) share buses between the resorts and Disney parks throughout the day.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts (French Quarter and Riverside) share buses, with one stop at the French Quarter and four stops at Riverside.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club share buses to and from Disney Springs, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom.

While sharing buses might slightly extend your travel time, it’s usually not a significant delay. However, if you’re on a tight schedule or trying to get somewhere for a specific time (like a dining reservation or a show), it’s wise to allow extra time.

Internal Bus Loops: Navigating Larger Resorts

Some Disney Resort hotels are so expansive that they have their own internal bus loops, making it easier to get around without walking long distances. These loops are particularly handy during the hot summer months or when a typical Florida storm rolls in.

Here are some resorts with internal bus loops:

• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Resorts
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (transportation between Kidani Village and Jambo House)
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (transportation between French Quarter and Riverside)
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

While the internal bus loops can be convenient, sometimes it’s faster to walk, especially if your destination is nearby. If you time it right and catch the bus just as it arrives, it’s a great option. However, if you find yourself waiting for a while, consider walking instead.

Also, take note of the routes each park bus takes within your resort. Sometimes, the bus stop nearest the main lobby isn’t the first stop on the route, meaning you can hop on any bus to quickly get to the lobby, dining, or shopping locations within your resort.

Traveling to Disney’s Water Parks

If you’re planning a visit to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, Disney buses provide convenient transportation from your resort hotel, especially during peak season and summer months when direct buses are typically available. However, during low season or winter months, getting to the water parks may require a bit more planning.

During these quieter times, you might need to take a bus to Disney Springs first, then transfer to a bus headed to the water parks. The same applies when returning to your resort—you’ll need to catch a bus back to Disney Springs before hopping on your resort bus.

Keep in mind that currently, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open, as Blizzard Beach remains closed.

Top Tips for Using Disney’s Bus Transportation

Here are our top tips to help you make the most of Disney’s bus system and keep your vacation as stress-free as possible:

Catch the First Bus: If you’re aiming to rope drop a park (arrive before it officially opens), plan to catch the first bus from your resort. These buses typically start running 45 minutes before park opening, including Early Theme Park Entry time for resort guests.

Avoid the Post-Closing Rush: The bus stations at the parks get extremely busy right after park closing. To avoid the long lines, consider leaving a bit before the park closes or taking your time and enjoying the park as it empties out. Buses usually run for about an hour after the park closes, giving you plenty of time to catch a less crowded bus.

Monorail or Walk Between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom: There may not always be a bus available between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. In such cases, the Monorail is your best bet. For a leisurely alternative, consider walking between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the International Gateway or taking the Disney Skyliner or FriendShip Boats.

Navigating to Fort Wilderness: When heading to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the best route is to take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then use the water taxi to reach Fort Wilderness. This avoids the need to navigate the sometimes confusing internal bus loop.

Direct Buses to Disney Springs: Later in the day, you can catch a bus from any of the theme parks directly to Disney Springs, making it easy to end your day with some shopping, dining, or entertainment.

Ready to make the most of your Disney vacation? Use our in-depth guide to Disney’s bus transportation system to navigate the parks like a pro and maximize your magic!