Ranking Disney World Transportation
Ranking Disney World Transportation Options
Getting around “The World” can be just as fun (or not) as being in the parks! One thing we know for sure, they are not created equal. Here is our ranking from worst to first on getting around WDW!
5. Disney Bus - This is our least favorite option, though its the most prevalent in the parks. Depending on where you’re going and when, waiting for the bus (coming from or going to the park) can take a long time. Mornings and later nights get busy, and we have also been stuck on an overcrowded bus with no AC in the middle of August. Sometimes you will get lucky and have a bus to yourself, a perfect place for a little nap!
4. Walking - If you are lucky enough to have stayed at a resort that is close enough to walk to the parks then this can be a great option to escape from the crowds. However, the resorts in walking distance from the parks tend to be very expensive and when you have already walked 20,000 steps, its hard to muster up many more steps to get back to your hotel.
3. Boat - There are many types of boats or water taxis available from Disney Resorts, Disney Springs and TTC to Magic Kingdom. The boats are a great option and can be fun for kids. Be warned that they will shut down if there is lightning in the area, so you may be forced to take a bus if that’s the case. Depending on the type of boat you are boarding you may have to break down your stroller to enter. If you have a toddler that is sensitive to loud noises, some of the boats have loud engines or horns.
2. Skyliner - The Casual Disney Dad’s favorite option for getting around Disney is the Skyliner. This is the most exciting of the modes of transportation, with great views and in our experience you are more likely to be in your own Skyliner gondola (not guaranteed). The gondolas are not air conditioned but have vented windows for some passive cooling. If you're traveling between different resorts or parks that aren't directly connected, you'll need to get off at Caribbean Beach and board a gondola going in the direction you are headed!
1.Monorail - This is the most quintessential of all the Disney transportation, and The Casual Disney Mama & our son’s favorite of all. While it certainly doesn’t get you everywhere, nothing beats cruising around Seven Seas Lagoon, past some of Disney’s most beautiful resorts, or pulling into the Epcot station. Similar to the Skyliner, the Monorail has 2 lines, so depending on where you are traveling from/to, you may have to transfer at the TTC. You also are not always guaranteed for your group to be in your own car, so be aware of this if you’re traveling with a stroller. If its a particularly busy time, you may have to break your stroller down in order to share space with another party. Regardless, riding the Monorail is (in our opinion) a must during your time at Disney, even if its just to get out of the heat or to resort hop for food & drinks.
*Minnie Van- We have not yet personally used a Minnie van during any of our trips. However, we have very often seen it being utilized by families coming & going from the parks, and it is on our radar to check out next time we go. Things to be aware of are this is a PAID service- meaning the vehicles are operated under Lyft and driven by Disney cast members. You will need the Lyft app in order to access this service, and prices vary based on where you are traveling to, as well as time of day. Price ranges between $30 and $70. Some benefits are avoiding long lines waiting for the bus, and you get to head directly to your destination, plus Minnie vans offer car seats for those who need them.
