If you’re planning a Disney trip, understanding the Disney bus system is essential. At Disney World, the bus is available to Disney Resort hotels theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Disneyland’s buses are used primarily as parking lot shuttles. Whether you’re visiting Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, knowing a few bus schedule tips can help you maximize your park time.
This complete guide will cover when Disney buses run, where to find your bus stop, and what to expect from park-to-park transfers at Disney theme parks like Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
At Walt Disney World, Disney buses run starting about 60-90 minutes before the park opening and continue 60-90 minutes after the park closing. This means that if the rope drop at Magic Kingdom Park is at 9:00 AM, buses will begin running around 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM (to account for Early Entry perks and early breakfast reservations)
For Disneyland Resort, bus service starts about 60 minutes before the park opens and runs until approximately one hour after the park closes.
Buses operate at 20-minute intervals on average, but during peak times, such as park opening and closing time, buses may run more frequently. You can check bus times using the My Disney Experience app.
Disney Bus Schedule by Location
Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)
Magic Kingdom Park: Buses run 60-90 minutes before park opening and until one hour after park closing (or longer for special event nights such as Halloween Parties or Disney After Hours).
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Buses operate at generally the same schedule as Magic Kingdom Park, with additional evening hours for special events such as Jollywood Nights.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: First buses leave 60-90 minutes before theme park opening.
Disney Springs: Buses from Resort hotels to Disney Springs Town Center usually start around 9:00 AM and run until about 12:30 AM. Disney buses do NOT travel directly between Disney Springs and the theme parks — you’ll need to transfer at a resort. For Minnie Vans and ride-share pickups, head to the Disney Springs Marketplace.
EPCOT: Similar schedule as Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Water Parks: Buses to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon begin one hour prior to park opening. Some resort routes may combine a water park with another destination such as Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs.
After-Hours: For late-night returns more than an hour after park closures, Minnie Vans, taxis, or ride-share services are recommended.
Off-Site Hotels: Some off-site hotels near Disney World offer shuttle buses. Schedules vary widely but are usually limited to just a few departures each morning and evening, which may not align with your needs or special after hours events. These also may travel only to the Transportation & Ticket Center, leaving you to transfer onto other Disney World Transportation methods to reach your desired destination.
Disneyland Resort (California)
Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure: On-site buses serve as parking shuttles from the Toy Story lot to the theme parks — they’ll operate generally along the same times as the parking lots are operational. Bus options from offsite (non-Disney) hotels may include paid Anaheim Regional Transportation or other private shuttle operations.
Park-to-Park Transfer: Disney’s two California parks are located facing one another across a central pedestrian esplanade, about 100 yards (91 meters) apart. No buses are necessary.
More Resort Transportation Options at Disney World (Florida)
Transportation and Ticket Center
The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) serves as a major transportation hub. It’s where guests who park at Magic Kingdom’s parking lot will board a monorail or ferryboat to reach the park entrance. It’s also a transfer point for some rides to EPCOT, as well as where many off-site shuttles pick up and drop off.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola lift system that connects Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation Resorts to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Monorail Service
The Disney World Monorail System is a high-speed, elevated train that offers convenient transport along three lines:
- Resort Monorail: Stops at Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, and the TTC (for Magic Kingdom Parking Lot and transfers to EPCOT)
- Express Monorail: Stops at Magic Kingdom and TTTC (for Magic Kingdom Parking Lot and transfers to EPCOT)
- EPCOT Monorail: Stops at EPCOT and TTC (for Magic Kingdom Parking Lot and transfers to Magic Kingdom)
Water Transportation
Water Taxis and Ferryboats provide scenic and relaxing travel options for select resorts near Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. Giant ferryboats also offer transportation from the Magic Kingdom parking lot (Transportation & Ticket Center) to the park’s main entrance.
Minnie Vans
Minnie Vans are private, Disney-themed ride-share vehicles that provide direct transportation to Disney Resort hotels and parks, offering a personalized and comfortable travel experience. While most Disney World Transportation is free, Minnie Vans charge a per-ride price — they’re part of the Lyft rideshare platform.
Parking Trams
Each theme park offers courtesy trams between its parking lots and the park’s main entrance (or to the TTC in the case of the Magic Kingdom).
Additional Disneyland (California) Transportation Options
Monorail
The Disneyland Monorail is an elevated train system that quickly connects Disneyland Park with the Downtown Disney District (near the Disneyland Hotel). Unlike at Disney World, the monorail at Disneyland is more of a ride/attraction than a transit system. A theme park ticket is required to board, and there are only two stops — one at Downtown Disney and one deep inside Disneyland park (in Tomorrowland).
Disneyland Resort Trams
Disneyland Resort Trams provide transportation from the parking areas to the main entrance of the Disneyland Resort. These trams are perfect for those who are parking in the Disneyland parking lots and need a quick and convenient way to get to the parks. As mentioned earlier, the Toy Story lot relies on buses rather than trams.
FAQs About the Disney Bus System
1. Can I Take a Disney Bus to a Resort for Breakfast?
Yes, you can usually take a bus to Disney World resorts for breakfast. However, you may need to transfer at a Disney theme park or Disney Springs. For instance, traveling from All-Star Resorts to Contemporary Resort for breakfast at Chef Mickey’s may require a stop at Magic Kingdom Park first.
2. Do Disney Buses Have Car Seats?
No, Disney buses do not have car seats.
3. How Do I Get to ESPN Wide World of Sports?
Bus service is not regularly scheduled from Disney resorts to Wide World of Sports, but it does occasionally appear during special events such as RunDisney marathon and half-marathon weekends. Check with your front desk for the latest information, but we suggest being fully prepared to rely on ride-share / taxis.
Final Tips for Disney Transportation
Use the My Disney Experience app to check your options.
Plan for travel time, as bus wait times vary.
For early dining reservations, consider using Minnie Vans or taxis.
If you need assistance, ask cast members at your resort or theme park.
By planning ahead and understanding the Disney bus system, your Disney trip will be seamless and stress-free! Whether you’re staying at Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside, or any other Disney hotels, Disney transportation ensures a smooth ride to the magic.
For a Stress-Free Dream Vacation
The most magical place on earth awaits you, and The Vacationeer is here to take care of your next trip. They cover everything, from your Walt Disney World vacation planning to hotel bookings and even Universal Studios add-ons. With their team of expert Disney planners, you’ll enjoy top-notch service, ensuring your trip is seamless and full of fun! And because they match Disney’s prices and don’t charge planning fees, using them doesn’t cost anything extra. It might even cost less, because they know all the tricks and will monitor for new discounts to automatically apply to your reservation!
For personalized tips, exclusive offers, and the best deals, reach out today! Simply provide your email address, and The Vacationeer will handle all the details. Don’t wait—start planning your dream Disney vacation now!
Leave A Comment