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Ok, let’s get into it. When it comes to navigating the wonderland that is Walt Disney World, the bus transportation system is your best friend. Whether you’re hopping between parks, heading back to your resort for a midday break, or exploring Disney Springs, these buses are the literal carriers of your magical journey. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this awesome service.
Why Use Disney Buses?
First things first, why should you even consider using the Disney bus system? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Convenience: The buses are designed to get you where you need to go without the hassle of driving and parking.
- Cost: It’s free! Yes, you read that right. The bus service is included in your park admission or resort stay.
- Coverage: The buses cover almost every corner of Walt Disney World, from theme parks to water parks to Disney Springs.
How the Disney Bus System Works
Disney’s bus service is the main mode of transportation for anyone trying to get around the entire Walt Disney World Resort area. Buses go just about everywhere on property, including the hotels, theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks (though the water parks often do require a transfer).
All guests can use the bus system, not just guests staying onsite. Per Disney policy, anyone visiting the theme parks can leave their cars parked and use a bus to hop to another park, visit a resort, or go to Disney Springs.
And the best part? Using the buses is completely free — all you have to do is hop on.
Disney World Bus Schedule
Disney World is heavily structured and the bus schedules are no different. They are well-optimized to run 20 minutes in between each other, so you should never have to wait longer for a bus ride.
Theme Parks
In the mornings, Disney buses begin operating approximately 45 to 60 minutes before each theme park opens. They continue running until about one hour after the parks close.
Hot Tip: If you’re trying to catch the first bus, line up around 30 minutes before the bus is scheduled to take off. This might sound early, but if you’re trying to make rope drop, timing is essential.
Disney Springs
The WDW bus routes between the resorts and Disney Springs typically start around 45–60 minutes before it opens, and buses will continue to operate until around 12:30 a.m.
How Frequently Do the Disney Buses Run?
While frequency can certainly vary no matter what type of Disney park transportation you’re using, you can typically expect that a bus will show up about every 20 minutes.
Resort-Specific Stops
| Resort | Bus Stops |
|---|---|
| All-Star Resorts | Shared stops at All-Star Sports, Music, and Movies |
| Pop Century & Art of Animation | Separate stops for each resort |
| Caribbean Beach | Multiple internal stops |
| Port Orleans (Riverside & French Quarter) | Separate stops for each section |
The Good, the Bad, and the Crowded
Just like with any other aspect of Disney World, the time of year you travel may have a drastic effect on your experience. If you’ve used a Disney World crowd calendar and are traveling during a quiet month, expect full buses during peak hours and empty buses during off-peak hours. If you’re traveling during a busy month, expect a full bus no matter the time.
The Good
- Reliability: Disney buses are generally reliable. They run on a consistent schedule, and you can usually expect a bus to arrive every 20 minutes.
- Friendly Drivers: Most drivers are friendly and go out of their way to make your trip enjoyable. They also often share fun facts and tips about the parks.
- Accessibility: The buses are equipped to handle strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs, making them accessible to everyone.
- Decoration: Many of the buses are designed with your favorite characters in mind, which makes it fun to guess which one you’ll get (my bets are always on Pluto)
The Bad
- Crowds: During peak times, such as park opening and closing, buses can get extremely crowded. You might find yourself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests, just like we were last year trying to make Magic Kingdom’s rope drop (spoiler alert: we made it).
- Wait Times: While buses generally run every 20 minutes, there can be delays, especially during busy periods or inclement weather.
- Comfort: The seats are not the most comfortable, especially after a long day of walking around the parks.
The Crowded
- Peak Times: Expect the buses to be most crowded first thing in the morning and right after the parks close. If you can, try to travel during off-peak times to avoid the rush.
- Special Events: During special events like fireworks shows or holiday celebrations, buses can be packed. Plan accordingly and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
Tips for Using Disney Buses
- Plan Ahead: Check the bus schedules and plan your day accordingly. You can check when the next bus should arrive on the My Disney Experience App. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, especially if you have dining reservations or Genie+ selections.
- Be Patient: Delays can happen. Bring a book, download some games on your phone, or just enjoy the people-watching while you wait.
- Travel Light: If possible, try to travel light. Strollers, large bags, and other bulky items can make the bus ride less comfortable for you and other guests.
- Be Courteous: Remember that everyone is trying to enjoy their vacation. Be courteous to your fellow passengers and the bus drivers.
Alternatives to Disney Buses
While the bus system is the backbone of Disney transportation, there are several alternatives that might suit your needs better in certain situations.
Monorail
Guests staying at a resort on the monorail can use it to get to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Those resorts include the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian. If you’re visiting one of the parks or resorts mentioned above, you’re also free to use it to get to anywhere on the WDW monorail service line. The monorail also goes to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you will use it (or the ferry) to get to and from Magic Kingdom.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is one of the newer additions to the Disney transportation line up. With stations at Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Riviera, and Art of Animation, guests can use the Skyliner to get to Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway entrance of Epcot (near World Showcase). Some guests prefer the Disney Skyliner vs. the bus because it offers a scenic view and can sometimes be faster than the buses are.
Boats
Every park except for Animal Kingdom also offers boat transportation that will take you to certain parks and resorts. The Friendship Boats have stops at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Yacht & Beach Club, the BoardWalk, and Swan & Dolphin. There are also boats that travel along the Bay Lake area, stopping at Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness, the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge. A separate boat route travels between the Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge.
If you’re staying in the Disney Springs area, you’ll have access to the Sassagoula River Cruise. This boat has stops at Port Orleans (both Riverside and French Quarter), Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Disney Springs.
Ride Share
Sometimes, the good ‘ol Uber or Lyft app works wonders. Here’s an example of why you’d pay for this service, from yours, truly.
We woke up at 6:30 am to be at Animal Kingdom for a 7:30 am rope drop. Upon walking to the bus lineup, we realized we wouldn’t be getting on the next bus. We decided we’d split a Lyft ride since it would cost around $6 a person with our party of 6. The Lyft rider picked us up and dropped us off at the front of Animal Kingdom’s gate right at 7:20 am. If we had to wait for a bus, we might have missed out on Flight of Passage in the morning.
Final Thoughts
The Walt Disney World bus transportation system is an important part of the Disney experience. While it has its ups and downs, it remains a reliable, convenient, and cost-effective way to get around the parks and resorts. By planning ahead, being patient, and considering alternatives when necessary, you can make the most of your Disney transportation experience. So hop on, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
