The Fastest Way To Get Around Disney World

The fastest way to get around Disney World depends on where you’re going, where you’re staying, and how Disney’s transportation is set up for that specific route.

In some cases, like heading to Magic Kingdom, Disney transportation is actually much faster than driving because buses, boats, and Minnie Vans drop you right at the entrance.

But for other destinations, especially the water parks or certain resort-to-resort trips, driving yourself can save a surprising amount of time.

Wait times also matter.

If a bus shows up in five minutes, Disney transportation and driving take about the same amount of time.

If you’re stuck waiting 20 minutes, having a car suddenly becomes the faster option.

Mobility devices can also impact which option is quickest, since some transportation methods offer easier boarding than others.

Below, I break down when it’s faster to drive yourself and when Disney transportation is the fastest way to get around Disney World, so you can spend less time traveling and more time enjoying your trip.

The Fastest Way To Get Around Disney World

For most theme parks and resorts around Walt Disney World, it’s a toss up between which method of transportation is the fastest.

Sometimes you have to wait 20 minutes for a bus to come and in those cases driving yourself will be faster.

But if you’re only waiting 5 minutes for a bus, it’s about the same amount of time.

One thing to consider with this is if you’re using any sort of mobility device.

Some of Disney’s transportation options are accommodating with these with no delay, some don’t accommodate them at all, and some can make limited accommodations.

Below I go into detail when it’s faster to drive yourself and when it’s faster to take Disney transportation.

When It’s Faster To Drive Yourself

Here are the instances where it is quicker to drive yourself (or take a rideshare) instead of taking Disney’s transportation.

Blizzard Beach

If you’re going to the Blizzard Beach water park, it is faster to drive yourself.

This is because there is no direct complimentary transportation to Blizzard Beach.

You have to take a bus to Animal Kingdom first, then hop on a different bus that runs just to Blizzard Beach, unless you’re staying at Coronado Springs or any of the All-Star Resorts.

If you’re going to the Typhoon Lagoon water park, it is faster to drive yourself.

This is also because there is no direct transportation to Typhoon Lagoon.

You have to take a bus, boat, or even walk to Disney Springs first, then hop on a bus that runs just to Typhoon Lagoon.

NOTE: Disney is beginning to implement reservation verification systems for Disney Springs bus and boat transportation.
You must provide a valid resort reservation, dining reservation, or recreation reservation in order to take a bus or boat from Disney Springs to anywhere else on property.
I anticipate this will soon spread to even more areas around Disney World.

If you’re staying at Saratoga Springs or any of the Hotel Plaza Blvd resorts, you can walk to Disney Springs.

If you’re staying at Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Treehouse Villas, Port Orleans French Quarter, or Port Orleans Riverside, you can take a boat to Disney Springs – weather permitting.

All other guests would take a bus to Disney Springs before hopping on the 2nd bus to Typhoon Lagoon.

When It’s Faster To Take Disney’s Transportation:

Here are some instances where it will be faster to take Disney’s transportation options.

Magic Kingdom

If you’re going to Magic Kingdom, it’s faster to take Disney’s transportation.

Disney buses and the Disney Minnie Vans drop off right at the Magic Kingdom entrance.

All other transportation has to go through the Transportation and Ticket Center first, then take a monorail or ferry across the lagoon to Magic Kingdom.

Additionally, if you’re going from one Disney resort to another or one theme park to another, it’s faster to take Disney’s transportation IF the resorts are on the same monorail, Skyliner, or boat routes.

These parks and resorts include:

• Monorail – Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Contemporary, Bay Lake Tower, Magic Kingdom, Transportation & Ticket Center, Epcot
• Skyliner – Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, Epcot, Hollywood Studios
• Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake Boats – Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Contemporary, Bay Lake Tower, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Magic Kingdom, Transportation & Ticket Center
• Disney Springs Boats – Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Treehouse Villas, Port Orleans River, Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney Springs
• Epcot Area Boats – Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach, Swan, Dolphin, Epcot, Hollywood Studios (you can actually walk between all of these too)

All other resort to resort combinations or theme park to theme park combinations, it would be faster to drive yourself.

Getting Around Disney World Without Using Disney Transportation

Depending on where you want to go, some places are faster to get to than others if you have a car for your trip.

A good rule of thumb is to drive yourself to the water parks (parking is always free), but if you’re going to Magic Kingdom, take Disney’s transportation.

If your resort is on additional transportation lines like a boat, monorail, or ferry, use those to get around to your connecting resorts or theme parks rather than driving.

If you prefer to drive yourself around, here is a guide about how to get around Disney World without using Disney’s transportation.

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