Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Transportation Guide
When it comes to transportation options at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you’ll find quite a few choices. With so many options, it might even feel a little overwhelming. Knowing how to get to and from your resort to other destinations is critical. The last thing you want is to waste half an hour because you “thought” you knew the way to a theme park. Even worse, we’ve seen many guests receive wrong directions from others who mean well, but might be a bit turned around themselves.
We recommend reviewing our entire guide before your trip. You’ll also want to check the end of this guide for an opportunity to get our free transportation cheat sheet. It’s a great reference to use while on vacation.
As you can imagine, a deluxe resort like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offers multiple modes of transportation, which can make things confusing. Below, we’ll review Disney’s complimentary transportation options for resort guests. We’ll also discuss hours of operation, accessibility concerns, and how to get to other popular destinations across Walt Disney World.
List of Transportation Options at Disney’s Grand Floridian
Disney’s Grand Floridian has the following transportation options available:
- Disney World Resort Monorail
- Resort Watercraft
- Disney Bus Transportation
- Walking
You can travel directly to and from the Grand Floridian to the following Disney Destinations:
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney Springs
*Note: You will have to change monorails for Epcot, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. Additionally, you can travel to Disney’s water parks like Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and other Walt Disney World Resorts. However, most of these destinations require multiple forms of transportation. As we continue, we’ll share our practiced methods for each destination.
Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
There are three options for using complimentary transportation between the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. If you’re staying at the Grand Floridian, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these options. If you run into crowds or inclement weather, you’ll need to know the best way to return to your room.
#1 Take the Monorail from Disney’s Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
The monorail is the most popular mode of getting to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian. It’s also the fastest!
The monorail platform is on the second floor of Grand Floridian’s lobby, which is in the main building. Once you reach the lobby, you can take the stairs or an elevator to the second floor.
Before you reach the monorail platform, you must go through a security clearance. I consider this a benefit because when you arrive at Magic Kingdom, you’ll exit the monorail and walk straight to the turnstiles.
Magic Kingdom is the first stop on the monorail when you leave the Grand Floridian. So it’s a quick trip around the lagoon. However, you’ll want to join the correct monorail line when you leave Magic Kingdom. (It’s the resort monorail–on the far left.)
Additionally, you’ll have a few stops on the way back. When you leave Magic Kingdom, you’ll stop at the Contemporary, the Transportation and Ticket Center, and the Polynesian before returning to the Grand Floridian.
Monorail Hours for Disney’s Grand Floridian:
Per Disney, “The Resort Monorail and Express Monorail begin operating 30 minutes prior to when Magic Kingdom park opens and stop one hour after Magic Kingdom park closes.” (Reference: Disney Monorail Hours) These hours include early theme park benefits. Additionally, the resort monorail will continue to run for deluxe resort extended evening hours and extra-ticketed parties at Magic Kingdom.
#2 Take the Gold Flag Resort Watercraft to Magic Kingdom
Guests can take resort watercraft to and from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian. Boat service travels directly from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian and then to Magic Kingdom. (Bonus: You can use this boat to get to the Polynesian.)
You’ll find the boat dock for Disney’s Grand Floridian on Seven Seas Lagoon next to Narcoossee’s restaurant. This boat service begins one-half hour before the park opens. Boats continue to run until 45 minutes after the park closes. It’s a wonderful way to travel.
*This boat service pauses each night before and during the evening fireworks.
Accessibility Note:
Most transportation options at Disney’s Grand Floridian accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Disney provides an overview of each form of transportation on their website.
Unfortunately, the boats that service the Gold Flag launch might not always be an option for those in wheelchairs and ECVS. It depends on which type of boat is running and other existing conditions like the water level.
Learn More: Transportation and Mobility Disabilities at Disney World
#3 Walk from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
Walking is one of the best ways to get to and from the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom! A few years ago, a sidewalk was paved between the two destinations, and it’s a game changer when it comes to escaping the crowds. We visit the Grand Floridian fairly regularly and enjoy walking this route if and when the weather is comfortable. It’s an excellent way to decompress from the parks.
The walk is approximately 0.70 miles from the back of Grand Floridian’s lobby to the Magic Kingdom. We track our times and map the routes. This one takes an average of 15 minutes, about 1700 steps.
The entrance to the walkway is just beyond Gasparilla Island Grill. Note that the walkway is rarely busy, and nature is all around. We’ve seen snakes cross this path multiple times–a common Florida thing everywhere. However, we’ve also seen a doe and her fawn at the edge of the woods.
Tip: Use this walkway to return to the Grand Floridian after the evening fireworks. It sure beats standing in a long line for the monorail or boat service!
Grand Floridian to Epcot
You will need to take the monorail to get back and forth between the Grand Floridian and Epcot. However, you’ll have to take the Epcot monorail to get to Epcot. This means you’ll have to take the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer to the Epcot monorail. This is a relatively long route. But it’s the only complimentary option for traveling to Epcot. It’s also usually a pleasant ride, especially through Epcot.
First, you’ll need to take the resort monorail from Grand Floridian to the Transportation and Ticket Center. On the way, the monorail will make its usual stops at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort before arriving at the TTC. When you exit the resort monorail at the TTC, a separate ramp leads to the Epcot monorail. If you look for it, a sign will point you in the right direction and save you a few steps. (Most people miss it.)
It takes approximately 11 minutes to reach Epcot via the monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center. The ride is pleasant, and travels through Epcot before exiting again near the park’s front entrance. You’ll remain in a secured area when you exit the Epcot monorail. This allows you to walk directly to the ticket turnstiles at Epcot instead of going through another security checkpoint.
*Bus service is only provided during inclement weather or when the monorail goes down.
Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios
You’ll need to use Disney’s bus transportation to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Grand Floridian’s bus stop is outside the resort’s main entrance to the far right. It takes approximately 12 minutes to travel from Disney’s Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios. When you leave Hollywood Studios, the bus stop for Disney’s Grand Floridian is usually Gate 6, which is in the first bay.
The Grand Floridian’s bus service is shared with Disney’s Polynesian. Buses pick up and drop off in the following order: Disney’s Polynesian, Disney’s Grand Floridian, and then the Disney Destination. Grand Floridian’s bus stop is on a walkway outside the resort’s front entrance. The walkway is to the right of the antique cars when you walk out the front doors. It’s a covered area, so you won’t get drenched if it’s raining.
Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom
Those looking to get from the Grand Floridian to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also want to take the resort bus service. This is one of the longer return routes you’ll encounter with the extra stop at Disney’s Polynesian.
Disney provides signs at each resort bus stop that estimate the wait time for the next bus. These times are based on the bus’s proximity to the resort via Wi-Fi. For example, you might see the wait for your desired location fluctuate. Sometimes, they fluctuate due to traffic or if the bus stops at a red light. We have found that the posted arrival time is pretty accurate.
Grand Floridian to Disney Springs
Disney’s Grand Floridian also provides bus service to Disney Springs. The bus ride from the Polynesian to Disney Springs averages 17 minutes.
Disney buses drop guests off at Town Center, the middle entrance to Disney Springs. It’s not uncommon to encounter traffic around the Disney Springs area. So allow 45 minutes to an hour to get to the venue, depending on how long you wait for the bus.
When you leave Disney Springs, you’ll want to locate the Polynesian bus stop. As a reference point, there’s a walkway to the bus stops near the Coca-Cola Store and Wolf Gang Pucks. If you want to learn more about getting around Disney Springs, we have a guide with Disney Springs transportation tips.
How to Get to Disney’s Water Parks from the Grand Floridian
When visiting Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll take a bus to Disney Springs from the Grand Floridian. From there, you’ll reboard a bus to Typhoon Lagoon. At the end of your visit, you’ll take a bus from Typhoon Lagoon back to Disney Springs. Then, you’ll locate the Grand Floridian’s bus stop.
To get to Blizzard Beach, you’ll take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From there, you’ll take a transfer bus to Blizzard Beach. You’ll follow the same methods to return. Occasionally, Disney offers direct bus service to the water parks. When you get to the bus stop, check the wait time screen. It will indicate a separate slot when direct bus service is running. But in most cases, it will say, “Take a transfer bus to the destination.”
How to Get From the Grand Floridian to Other Popular Destinations
You might have dinner reservations at another resort or want to experience a little resort-hopping during your vacation. We wouldn’t blame you!
You probably know that you can take the resort monorail to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. You can also walk or boat to the Polynesian. Here are a few tips for other popular destinations!
Grand Floridian to Disney’s Boardwalk
If you visit Disney’s Boardwalk from the Grand Floridian, take a bus to Hollywood Studios. Then you can walk or take a Friendship Boat to the Boardwalk. (Check to ensure that transportation is within operating hours if you have an early breakfast or late dinner.)
Grand Floridian to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness
Walk, boat, or monorail to Magic Kingdom. Then, take a resort boat or bus to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness. After 3:45 p.m., you can take the resort monorail to the Contemporary. Then, boat from the Contemporary to Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge.
Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom Lodge
To reach Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, then take another bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are two stops at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. One is at Kidani Village, and the other is at Jambo House (the main lodge). Make sure to exit at the correct stop.
Grand Floridian to the Skyliner Resorts
If you want to ride the Disney Skyliner (for leisure), take a bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and board the Skyliner. We have a separate guide that details the route. Stops include Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, Riviera Resort, and Epcot’s International Gateway.
*Remember, these tips are subject to Disney’s transportation hours of operation.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, a Disney vacation requires a good deal of planning. We like to focus on the time you’ll spend at the resorts, including getting to and from them. So, we hope you found this guide helpful in planning your stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. You might also enjoy some of these other articles:
- The Pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast Review
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Coffee Guide (All Your Options)
- Bus Schedule With Average Travel Times for Grand Floridian
For more on transportation, see our Disney World Transportation Guide. You might also enjoy our other popular resources for the Disney World Resorts and Dining at Disney World. Make sure to get a copy of our free PDF below.