Buses are one of the most common methods of transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort because every one of the Disney Hotels offers a bus service. While not the flashiest mode of transportation (looking at you, Skyliner), the buses are the most extensive and widely used throughout the resort for two reasons:

• Disney World’s complimentary buses services every Disney Resort hotel and theme park.
• They are reliable, air conditioned and offer extended hours to travel where you need to go at Walt Disney World.

In this article we’ll cover:

• How Disney’s bus system works
• Disney bus stop locations
• Timing, typical wait times and how to avoid long lines
• Tips for strollers and boarding with little kids
• What else to consider vs. other transportation options

If you’re looking for a complete overview of Walt Disney World transportation system, be sure to read The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Walt Disney World.

Save time, money and the hassle of driving and parking with complimentary bus services nearly anywhere you want to go at Walt Disney World Resort.

The easiest way to get from one spot to another once you’re on property is to map out your route in the My Disney Experience app.

1. Tap the three horizontal lines on the bottom right of your screen
2. Scroll down to “Getting Around”
3. Tap “Transportation and Parking”
4. Tap “Show List”
5. Tap “Walt Disney World Bus Service”
6. Tap “Get Directions” for the most direct bus route to get you to your destination in no time.

Once aboard a Disney bus, relax and enjoy the air conditioned ride while taking in the scenery of Walt Disney World Resort.

Remember, no payment or tipping is necessary because Disney bus services are complimentary for all guests and visitors of Walt Disney World Resort.

There are over 60 bus stop locations at Walt Disney World, all connected by the resort’s free bus service.

• Theme Park bus stops are located outside of the main entrance
• Locate the Bus Directory signs to find the correct gate for your Disney Resort Hotel

Whether you're staying in a value, moderate, deluxe, or Disney villa, bus service from all Walt Disney World Resort hotels to the theme parks begins 45 minutes before the parks open.

For Park Opening:

• Arrive at your desired bus stop about 60 minutes prior to park opening. This will give you adequate time to queue before the first bus departs (45 minutes before the theme park opens).
• For example, if you are staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and would like to board one of the first buses to Magic Kingdom for a 9:00 am opening, plan to arrive at the resort bus stop by 8:00 am.

For Park Closing:

• The last buses leave theme parks one hour after the parks close.

During the Day:

• Disney bus service between the parks and hotels continues throughout the day every 20 minutes.

Disney Water Parks:

• If you're headed to one of the Disney Water Parks, bus service begins from the hotels 45 minutes prior to park openings and runs continuously every 30 minutes throughout the day. Return service ends one hour after the water parks close.

At every bus stop there are display boards with clearly marked destinations and departure times.

When using the Disney bus system, it’s important to note the following:

• No luggage is permitted on Walt Disney World Resort buses.
• No alcohol is permitted on Walt Disney World Resort buses.
• All strollers must be folded and stowed out of the aisle.
• Medical strollers for Guests with disabilities will be treated as wheelchairs.

Families love the ease of using Walt Disney World buses, without the need for car seats. Everyone can board together and find seats for a comfortable ride to their destination.

• Newer buses are joining the fleet with WiFi and charging ports!
• Some bus routes require the additional assistance of another form of transportation.

Question: How do I check the Walt Disney World bus schedule?

Answer: Most on property hotels have screens and signage outside and/or in the lobby which will indicate bus schedules and current wait times. You can also use the “My Disney Experience” app for schedules from the convenience of your hotel room.

Question: How much does it cost to ride the Walt Disney World bus?

Answer: Walt Disney World bus transportation is free when you’re on property, even if you originally come from outside the resort.

Question: Can I use Disney buses to go between Walt Disney World theme parks?

Answer: You can use Disney World Buses to go between any theme park.

Question: Which Walt Disney World Resort hotels have direct bus access to theme parks without additional stops?

Answer: Pop Century has its own dedicated route, but typically other routes have no more than 2 hotel stops at most.

Question: Will my bus stop at other locations before my final destination?

Answer: Some routes make multiple stops along the way. For example, Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are along the same route.

Question: Do I have to transfer buses to get from Point A to Point B?

Answer: Some routes require a bus transfer. For example, if you are going from any Disney Resort hotel to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, you will take the bus to the Disney Springs area and then transfer onto the bus for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Step-by-step instructions can be found under the transportation section of the “My Disney Experience” app.

Question: Can I take the Disney World bus from Orlando airport to my hotel?

Answer: Disney’s Magical Express has been discontinued. But Get Away Today recommends booking MEARS Connect, with standard, express, and private transfer options between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney Resort hotels.

We hope this helps you decide on Walt Disney World transportation for your family! If you’re looking for a complete overview of Walt Disney World transportation system, be sure to read The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Walt Disney World.

When you're ready to book your Walt Disney World vacation, you can find all of our discount vacation packages online. Our Walt Disney World travel specialists are also available to help you find the best deals and travel transportation tips at 855 GET AWAY.