Walt Disney World has four main transit modes that connect parks, resorts, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. This pillar shows when to choose Monorail, Skyliner, Buses, or Boats, how to transfer fast, and where accessibility and stroller rules matter. We link to official pages so you can confirm operating details on your date.
Key Takeaways
- Transit inside Walt Disney World is complimentary. No fare is collected on monorails, Skyliner, buses, or boats.
- Pick by distance and transfer. Monorail is best for Magic Kingdom to EPCOT via the TTC. Skyliner is best for EPCOT International Gateway to Hollywood Studios and the linked resorts. Boats are great for the EPCOT Resort Area and Magic Kingdom lagoon crossings. Buses fill every other gap including Animal Kingdom.
- Transfers you should know Caribbean Beach is the hub for Skyliner. The TTC is the hub for Monorail and the Magic Kingdom ferry.
- Hours vary by day. Always check the Park Hours calendar and the mode’s official page on your morning.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Screenshot closing times and all aboard times from the app for quick access… then plan your last ride with a cushion.
Simple System Sketch
Magic Kingdom ◄──── Ferry ────► TTC ◄──── Monorail ────► EPCOT
▲ ▲
│ │
Resort Launches Resort Monorail Loop
(Grand Floridian, Poly, Contemporary ◄──► TTC ◄──► Polynesian ◄──► Grand Floridian ◄──► Magic Kingdom
Contemporary, Wilderness)
EPCOT International Gateway ◄──► Caribbean Beach Hub ◄──► Disney’s Hollywood Studios
▲ ▲
│ │
Disney’s Riviera Art of Animation / Pop Century
Arrows show typical directions you will travel. Transfers happen at TTC for monorails and MK ferry, and at Caribbean Beach for Skyliner.
Monorail… When to Use It
Best for Magic Kingdom area resorts, Magic Kingdom to EPCOT via the TTC, and grand arrival moments.
Lines
- Resort Monorail TTC ⇄ Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort ⇄ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa ⇄ Magic Kingdom ⇄ Disney’s Contemporary Resort ⇄ TTC
- Express Monorail Magic Kingdom ⇄ TTC
- EPCOT Monorail TTC ⇄ EPCOT
Transfers For Magic Kingdom ⇄ EPCOT, ride MK Express to TTC, then switch to the EPCOT Monorail.
Accessibility Monorail stations have ramps or elevators. Mobility devices can roll on with Cast Member assistance.
Official info Monorail Transportation · Transportation and Ticket Center · Park Hours
Niko’s Note 🐾 The Magic Kingdom ferry between TTC and MK is a breezy alternative during peak monorail queues.
Skyliner… When to Use It
Best for EPCOT International Gateway ⇄ Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the connected resorts. Smooth for rope drop and park hops when the line is running.
Key stations International Gateway at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach hub, Riviera mid‑line stop, Art of Animation/Pop Century shared station.
Transfers Nearly all riders transfer at Caribbean Beach to change directions.
Accessibility and strollers Stationary loading areas exist for wheelchairs and ECVs. Most standard strollers within 31 in by 52 in can roll on without folding.
Official info Disney Skyliner · Stroller size and access notes in the Accessibility Planning Guide PDF: WDW Access Guide
See our deep guide Skyliner… Best Routes and Transfer Tips
Buses… When to Use Them
Best for Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and any route not covered by rail or boats. Buses are the safety net during weather pauses.
Frequency Dispatch varies by time of day and park demand. Expect more frequent service at open and close.
Boarding Queues are clearly labeled by destination at resorts and parks.
Official info Bus Transportation · Park Hours
Niko’s Note 🐾 If Skyliner pauses for weather, Disney typically adds buses between the affected resorts and parks.
Boats… When to Use Them
Best for Lagoon crossings to Magic Kingdom, and the Friendship Boats around Crescent Lake between the EPCOT Resort Area and Hollywood Studios. Also handy for Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.
Boat types Large ferries on Seven Seas Lagoon, smaller resort launches on Bay Lake and around Magic Kingdom resorts, and Friendship Boats near EPCOT.
Accessibility Varies by vessel and water level. Ask the dock Cast Member for the next accessible boat.
Official info Water Transportation
Niko’s Note 🐾 Boats are scenic and calm. If time is tight, compare to walking paths or Skyliner for EPCOT Resort hops.
Popular Point to Point Moves
- Magic Kingdom ⇄ EPCOT Monorail via TTC is the classic route. Ferry can replace the MK Express leg during heavy queues.
- EPCOT ⇄ Hollywood Studios Skyliner via Caribbean Beach is usually quickest. The Friendship Boats and the walking path are good backups from International Gateway.
- Polynesian or Grand Floridian ⇄ Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail or direct launch boats.
- Contemporary ⇄ Magic Kingdom Walk or Resort Monorail.
- Any Resort ⇄ Animal Kingdom Usually bus.
Accessibility and Strollers… Quick Notes
- Wheelchairs and ECVs Monorail and Skyliner have dedicated boarding flows. Buses and boats vary by vehicle and water level. Ask the Cast Member at the stop for the next accessible option.
- Strollers Follow the 31 in by 52 in guideline. Many strollers roll onto Skyliner without folding. On boats and monorails you may be asked to fold depending on crowding.
References WDW Access Planning Guide PDF · Monorail Transportation · Disney Skyliner · Water Transportation · Bus Transportation
Our 4 Parks 1 Day Video… Transit Playbook
We used monorail, Skyliner, boats, and walking paths to visit all four parks in one day. See the plan, time stamps, and tips in our video post: 4 Parks 1 Day… Our Real Transit Playbook
Keep Planning
- Hub: Theme Parks Hub
- Compare: Monorail vs Skyliner… Which Is Faster Today
- Deep dive: Skyliner… Best Routes and Transfer Tips
FAQ
Is Disney transportation free Yes. All four modes listed here are complimentary for guests.
What time do the monorails and Skyliner start Hours vary by park and date. Check the Park Hours calendar and each mode’s official page on your morning.
Can I ride Skyliner without a park ticket Yes. You can ride to the International Gateway station at EPCOT without tapping into the park.
Does Animal Kingdom connect by any mode other than bus Not at this time. Use resort buses from any area.
Sources
- Monorail Transportation Official overview and stations: disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/monorail-transportation
- Transportation and Ticket Center Services, parking trams, monorail, ferry: disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/transportation-and-ticket-center
- Disney Skyliner Network overview, stations, and notes: disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disney-skyliner
- Bus Transportation Routes and notes: disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/bus-transportation
- Water Transportation Ferryboats, launches, Friendships: disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/water-transportation
- Park Hours calendar Daily operating hours: disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-hours
- Accessibility Planning Guide Stroller sizes and boarding notes: WDW Access PDF
