If you’ve never visited Walt Disney World in Florida before, the sheer size and scale of it all could take you by surprise. It is truly one of the region’s most unique and immersive locations that has the ability to take you into another world, while you run, scream and laugh your way around the 40-square-miles of park.

Walt Disney World includes the four main theme parks, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Each of these parks are packed full of themed rides, attractions and shows suitable for the whole family.

The idea of visiting an area almost as big as the island of Jersey can seem overwhelming at first, but Disney has countless ways of getting around so that you can get the most out of your day. In this article we cover some top tips for efficiently and effectively getting from A to B whilst at Walt Disney World.

Getting to Walt Disney World

While staying in one of our villas near Disney, we’d highly recommend hiring a car to get you to and from the parks. Not only will this allow you to travel at times that suit you, but it will also allow you to experience other parts of Orlando during your stay. If you don’t fancy driving, then ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are extremely popular in this area. A recent trip (June 2019) from a villa on Highlands Reserve, located on the US27 in Davenport, to Animal Kingdom cost less than $20 each way; worth bearing in mind when you consider that daily car parking charges at Disney World are $25.

Is There a Bus Service From My Villa to Disney?

In a word, no. The only form of transport that will take you from your doorstep to where you want to be in Florida, is a car. The free Disney buses do not stop at local communities. If the driver of your family really wants a day off, you could use Uber or Lyft and you’ll be there in no time!

Getting Around Walt Disney World

Once you have parked your car, or been dropped off by your ride, then a new world unfolds in front of you. Disney has numerous internal transport options allowing you to get between parks with relative ease, at no additional cost. One of our favourite ways of getting between locations is the network of water taxis that operate, allowing you to sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride across the lakes.

• The Monorail operates between Magic Kingdom and Epcot
• Water taxis operate between Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Regular bus service operates between Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom is connected to the three other parks by a bus service

Is The Disney Monorail Free?

Yes, the Disney Monorail is free for all, even to those that are not staying within the Walt Disney World Resort. The other modes of transport (mentioned above) are all free as well.

Is There Transport to Disney Springs?

Yes, if you are planning to go shopping at Disney Springs or just fancy exploring it a little bit more you can leave your car in the car park and use Disney transportation to travel there and back quite easily. 

How Frequent are the Services?

Buses, monorails and water taxis operate frequently throughout the day, typically every 15 minutes or so. At busy times you may encounter long queues so allow plenty of time and plan ahead.

Our Tips for Getting Around:

Plan Ahead

This should probably go without saying but we can’t understate the importance of having at least some idea of what you are intending to do and when. It’s vital to maximise your time properly in the parks, so perhaps check ahead for scheduled maintenance on rides or other services so that you have up-to-date information. We would suggest either downloading the Disney Experience app or following us on Facebook to get the latest information. Another good way of keeping up with the latest news on parks, rides and all things Florida is to look at our blog page regularly.  

Have a Back Up Plan

If you arrive at the park and find that the ride you want to go on has unexpectedly shut or the queue is too long, have an alternative that you can fall back to. You can always come back to your original choice later in the day or on a second visit and you’ll spend less time procrastinating and more time having fun!

Don’t Be Afraid to Walk!

With the slew of transport options around Disney World, walking may seem like an unnecessary activity, particularly in the heat, but it could save you loads of time in the long run! Consider hiring a stroller or take a buggy for the little ones, even if they are too big for them at home (their little legs, together with the heat and long days, will soon get tired and slow the whole family down). There are various signposted walking routes between the four theme parks, so you can easily head off on foot without the worry of losing your way. These walking routes not only offer another option but can give some much needed quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.  

Pick Your Timing

Naturally at certain points of the day, buses and other transport options are going to be much busier. Each evening, when the fireworks come to a close, there is a monumental rush as everybody attempts to leave, so why not use this time for other things? Typically the gift shops stay open for an hour or so after the park closes; giving you a great chance to do some retail therapy while everyone else fights for a place on the bus, alternatively, if you’ve driven or booked a taxi, you could always stroll back to the car.

If you want to know more about what is at each park, then look at our in-depth guide to each one on our website. Our ticket page allows you to purchase 7 or 14 day entrance tickets to every Disney park in Orlando, at very competitive prices.

Hopefully, this article will help you navigate Walt Disney World and allow you to make the most of your time there. If you have any tips or tricks that you have employed to get around the parks, why not let us know on Facebook or Twitter? Alternatively you can check out our other blog articles for more information on Orlando and Disney World.