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Chapter 4
Did you know that Walt Disney World is the size of Los Angeles? Let's just say there's a lot of (literal) ground to cover.
Knowing how to get from your resort to the park, or even a dining reservation, can help eliminate the unknown and any wasted time.
This chapter will cover buses, monorail, Skyline, boats, and of course the most important mode of transportation: strollers!
Love, Dana
- Bus
- The Monorail
Connects Magic Kingdom to 3 resorts, the Transportation + Ticket Center, and EPCOT - Disney's Skyliner
A gondola system that connects 4 resorts, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT - Boat
My favorite and most relaxing mode of transportation! There are 3 different water taxi systems: EPCOT resort area,
Magic Kingdom, and Disney
Springs. - Paid rideshare service
Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Vans™
Learn Disney Transportation
01.
BUS
MONORAIL
BOAT
SKYLINER
Let me explain the different options!
RIDESHARE/CAR
DOWNLOAD TRANSPORTATION BUNDLE
Looks best fullscreen!
Video: Learning Disney Transportation
There are 5 ways to get around Walt Disney World (besides your own two legs of course):
Use the My Disney Experience App
Whenever you feel completely lost, remember there's a map in your pocket (or fanny pack...)
Use the My Disney Experience app to save time and confusion getting around - along with bus schedules!
More Transportation Tips
When Transportation Starts Running
Buses, monorails, the Skyliner, and boats start running an hour before the earliest park entry AT LEAST. For example, if Magic Kingdom opens at 9:00am and Early Entry starts at 8:30am, you can expect to catch a bus by 7:30am, if not sooner.
Transportation will keep running between the parks and resorts 1 hour after park closing, and until 2am for Disney Springs.
Parking around Walt Disney World
Parking is complimentary for Disney Resort guests and won't cost you anything, including at the theme parks.
If staying off-property, expect to pay $45-50/day for preferred parking and $25/day. If you're hopping to another park you DO NOT have to pay again.
The water parks and Disney Springs are have complimentary parking - yay!
Single strollers and tantem double strollers (like the Uppa Baby Vista) don't need to be collapsed.
Side-by-side double strollers WILL need to be folded up!
Skyliner Tip
Buy Your Flights
If you're flying, it's time to book your flights! The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO for short) and about 20 miles/25 minutes away.
Pro Tip: MCO gets busy, so give yourself plenty of time for your departure. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting TSA Pre-check ($85 for 5 years) or using the new free Reserve system through Clear.
02.
Book Your Flights
03.
There are 4 options to get from your the airport to your resort, and it revolves a LOT around car seats. Here's why:
Most bus transportation exclude car seats - they're not required and they ask that you let them stow it in the bus' luggage compartment.
But if you're in a car, most parents feel safer having their child in a car seat (even though Florida's law doesn't require them in any taxi service.)
Book Ground Transportation
Even if your child is a bit older and doesn't use a stroller at home, I think anyone under nine years old will need one. You walk a LOT in Disney World - the average is eight miles a day - plus it's a nice place to stow your cups, bags + sweatshirts. Note that stroller wagons are NOT allowed.
Here's what you have to decide: bring one with you (we personally gate-check our double Zoe Stroller and love it for Disney!) or rent one for the length of your stay.
There are pros and cons to bringing your own stroller. It's free of course, and since it's yours it's most likely what your kids feel the most comfortable in. But you do risk the chance of it being damaged in transit.
04.
Decide on Your Stroller
This is the only service I've heard of that is allowed to leave the stroller at your resort without meeting you in person.
If you're going the rental route, here are some options I've found.
BABYQUIP
SCOOTERBUG RENTAL
KINGDOM STROLLERS
MAGIC STROLLERS
THINGS TO REMEMBER
You will have to park your stroller before getting in line for an attraction. Sometimes the designated spots are well before the entrance, so keep an eye out for "stroller parking" signs.
Bring a stroller cover for rain and leave it in the boot. If it's a temperamental day, put the cover on before you park/leave it so you don't come back to a soggy stroller.
In a sea of black strollers, tie a bandana or hang a keychain, etc. so it's easier to find.
Be ready to collapse your stroller before boarding a bus.
ON THE BLOG: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STROLLERS
Checklist
CHAPTER 4
LEARN HOW TO GET AROUND
DECIDE ON A STROLLER (RENT OR PACK)
If you have a more specific question not covered here, sign in to the Community and ask your question in the Transportation space here.
continue to chapter 5
