Disney’s Complimentary Bus Transportation (Everything You Need to Know)
The wheels on the bus go round and round all day long at Walt Disney World. Disney’s bus system is the most significant transportation option between the resorts and theme parks. It’s also a complimentary form of transportation available not only to resort guests but to anyone visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.
If it’s been a while since you last visited Walt Disney World, or it’s your first time, you might be interested in how the bus system works. While it’s not a complicated system, this overview will bring you up to speed on standard bus procedures, bus designs, interiors, accessibility info, and where to find the bus stops at each of the parks and Disney Resort Hotels.
How Disney Buses Work
Every resort at Walt Disney World offers bus transportation. Additionally, many of the parks offer bus transfers to those who are park-hopping. However, you will need to use the monorail when park-hopping between Magic Kingdom and Epcot or vice-versa. Additionally, you’ll need to walk, boat, or use the Skyliner between Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
When you arrive at a park bus stop, you’ll join a dedicated queue to wait for the bus. When the bus driver arrives, he or she will allow anyone riding the bus to exit first. It’s a good idea to stay in the queue until the bus driver gives you the all-clear to board the bus. After emptying the bus, they will load guests waiting in the handicapped area. Up to six guests can board the bus with an ECV or wheelchair. We’ll discuss boarding procedures for those with accessibility needs in a separate section further down. After the bus driver has loaded guests in wheelchairs or ECVS, he will raise the platform and close the back door.
Guests are then given the okay to board the bus through the front door. If you have a stroller, it must be folded or broken down to enter the bus. It’s a good idea to do this before the bus loads guests. You will be responsible for keeping it near you on the bus. Buses do not have car seats or seat belts. It is essential to find a seat and make room for others. As more guests board the bus (if you’re able), it’s considerate to offer your seat to those who might need it more than you. Those guests might include young children, parents carrying children, elderly guests, and those visibly exhausted or in need.
The bus driver will fill the bus to its entirety when many guests are waiting. That means every seat must be full, and the entire middle section from the front to the back will be filled with standing guests. This is not intended to come across as ugly, but the longer guests leave gaps and refuse to make space for others, the longer you wait, as the bus driver will continue to load as many people as possible. If the bus fills, the remaining guests will have to wait on the next bus. Buses tend to run every 15-20 minutes, sometimes quicker.
The only place we ever run into an issue is traveling to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the late afternoons (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) I’ve lived in this area for almost two years and can assure you it gets backed up. I have a couple of rules when visiting Disney, and one is to not leave until after 7:00 p.m. (I have to drive past the Animal Kingdom to get home.) If you’re leaving the Animal Kingdom, you should be fine. However, if traffic in the area is backed up, it could take some time for a bus to return to the park to pick you up.
Many guests are unaware of this, so it’s best to pack your patience, especially when riding the buses. We don’t typically see any other traffic issues except an occasional traffic incident or the area around Disney Springs, which gets congested occasionally. Thankfully, the buses have a private lane they enter when they get close to Disney Springs, which allows them to bypass most traffic.
Disney is considered a bubble, so it’s fairly simple to get around the property. But the minute you set foot outside the bubble, expect almost immediate traffic. Those areas are near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where an access road leads to Highway 192 and the busy Kissimmee area, and the far end of Disney Springs, which adjoins the city of Orlando. The dreaded I-4 sits only a block away.
All the rules and procedures we’ve discussed are posted at every bus stop. Another important thing to note is that you must stay behind the yellow line. This seems like common sense, but it’s not always the case at some of the smaller, more crowded bus stops at the resorts. If a bus driver begins to pull up to the stop and sees someone standing across the yellow line, they will not pull in until that person has moved. Often, people do not pay attention or understand why the driver won’t pull ahead. Meanwhile, the bus driver is motioning for someone to get back. Again, I don’t mean any of this in a scolding manner. But the entire process would be much smoother if people were paying attention or aware of the rules. So, if you’re taking the time to read this, you’ll at least be aware of these things, and you will know when you see them happen.
For example, a young lady with an infant in a stroller was attempting to board the bus to Disney Springs during a recent stay at Disney’s All-Star Music. She had just arrived, checked in, and was on a first visit to Disney World with her child. She had her hands full and had no clue that she needed to break down her stroller, which took some time. When we got on the bus, she was visibly stressed and apologized to the other guests. Another guest and I were able to help her exit the bus when we got to Disney Springs, and she knew what to do going forward. I wanted to mention this example because it’s important to remember that Disney can be overwhelming, and it’s always best to give others grace.
Unposted Rule: No luggage or alcohol of any type is permitted on Walt Disney World Resort buses. If you’re leaving a theme park, cast members will not allow you to exit the park with any alcoholic beverage in open containers. But you can board a bus with a regular drink and food. Most bus drivers will ask that you have any drinks secured with a lid. So, if you have coffee or a soda, you’ll want to get a lid before heading to the bus stop. We rarely see anyone eating on a bus. It’s just not a good place out of respect for others. But we do transport food from time to time in covered containers.
Bus Hours
Disney lists the following hours for the buses on their website.
Bus service between Disney Resort hotels and Disney theme parks begins 45 minutes prior to opening and ends one hour after closing.
Bus service between Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs is available during Disney Springs operating hours—and ends one hour after closing.
Reference
In general, we have found that the buses begin to run anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes before park opening. From our experience, they continue to run until they get everyone back to their resort hotel. We are NEVER in a rush to leave the parks at the end of the night and don’t recommend it unless you like standing in a massive line with others. When the parks close, the primary gift shops remain open an hour longer. So, while you can no longer join a line for an attraction, you can shop, walk around, or find a spot on a bench while the park begins to clear. We usually get in line for a ride about 5-10 minutes before the park closes. Then, we take our time leaving when we exit the ride.
*If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, check the “My Hotel” section of the My Disney Experience app to preview the bus times. For example, if you’re staying at the Beach Club, you might look and see the next Magic Kingdom bus arrives in fifteen minutes. If you hurry to the stop, you can likely make that bus. However, if you get halfway there and realize you forgot something in the room, you probably won’t make it.
Bus Designs
One of the fun aspects of using Disney World transportation is the design. Below, we have a Donald Duck-themed bus in blue with red and yellow stripes. This is an older bus, and you can tell by the sticker of Donald Duck in the window. All of the newer buses have wraps.
Here is one of the newer Mickey Mouse buses. You can tell how Mickey is wrapped around the bus’s frame.
This Zootopia bus debuted in 2024. The details are stupendous. Check out the small windows for tiny animals and their special door!
Here we have a bus featuring Dumbo.
The Encanto-themed bus has been relatively popular.
This one is Coco-inspired.
Lastly, here is a bus with a Figment wrap.
Bus Interiors
Most of the buses have pretty standard interiors. The one pictured below is an older style with a slightly different setup in the back section.
Most back sections will look like this.
A new fleet of buses debuted in 2024. Here is a photo of the interior. These were designed to allow up to three guests in wheelchairs or ECVS to ride at once. The older buses can only board two. All buses have overhead railings and straps for standing guests to hold. A few poles in various spots are also available.
The front seats of the newer buses fold down. They have armrests on each side and a charging port underneath them. I believe most guests don’t realize these seats fold. We ride them almost weekly, and nearly every guest goes straight to the back of the bus, even when there are no ECVS or wheelchairs.
Here is the back of the bus. These buses have about 3-4 fewer seats than the older style and are equipped with a unique Q ‘Straint system.
The Double Bus
You might run into a double bus if you’re traveling during the holidays or Spring Break. We often see these buses at Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They are brought out to help accommodate the crowds, and if you’ve been in a crowd, you’ll likely be happy to see one. They carry a good deal more guests than the average bus.
Here is a photo of a portion of the interior.
Accessibility
Those with accessibility needs will wait for the bus in a marked area. The bus driver will load you first. When you arrive at your destination, the bus driver will unload you after everyone clears the bus. The driver will then let down the ramp and help you exit. If you can walk enough to enter or exit the bus, the driver will usually guide your ECV. If not, they will help guide it and secure you in the seat once you’ve boarded.
Here is a photo of the ramp where you’ll board the bus. This is a simple process that the drivers practice regularly. So if you have any apprehension, no worries. These cast members do an excellent job.
Here is a photo of the Q ‘Straint system on the new buses. Guests will back their ECV into this spot. Again, the bus driver will help you. Then, he will lower a lever to secure your chair.
Bus Stops at the Parks
The bus stops are pretty easy to find when you exit the parks. You’ll return to the same area where you exited the bus when you arrived. You’ll want to locate your resort on the bus signage and find the corresponding number. Below is a photo of bus signage for Epcot. (Please do not use this photo as your guide. Disney changes the bus stops from time to time to accommodate crowds.)
Here is a photo of the walkway from Magic Kingdom to the first set of bus stops.
Below are maps with the location of each park’s bus stop highlighted.
All of the bus stops are partially covered. But if the rain is blowing sideways, that’s another story.
If you’re park hopping, bus transportation is available after 10:00 a.m. between the following parks:
- Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
- Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Epcot and Animal Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Bus transportation is not provided between the theme parks and Disney Springs. You must go to a resort to catch a bus to Disney Springs.
Bus Stops at the Resorts
Each resort has a bus stop that travels to specific destinations. We’ve listed the location of each resort bus stop below, along with a link to a map that highlights it. If you want a quick list of each resort’s bus destinations, we have a separate Disney Resort Bus Schedule.
All-Star Resorts Bus Stops: If you’re staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, or All-Star Sports Resorts, the bus stop is near the resort’s entrance. Each resort has one bus stop, and we have a transportation map that highlights its location.
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Transportation Map
- Disney’s All-Star Music Transportation Map
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Transportation Map
Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Bus Stops: Both Pop Century and Art of Animation have only one bus stop. Each resort’s bus stop is located at the front of the resort near the lobby. Our maps below highlight the bus stop’s location.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Bus Stops: Coronado Springs has four bus stops. Most of the buses stop in the following order when they enter the resort: Casitas (Bus Stop 2), Ranchos (Bus Stop 3), Cabanas (Bus Stop 4), and El Centro/Gran Destino Tower (Bus Stop 1). The only exception is the Disney Springs bus, which starts at Bus Stop 1 and then circles the resort. We explain how the bus system works in detail in our Coronado Springs Transportation Guide.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Bus Stops: Caribbean Beach has six bus stops in the following order: Martinique, Old Port Royale, Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Aruba. Additionally, the resort’s internal shuttle service stops at a seventh bus stop for the Disney Skyliner. We have a detailed transportation guide for Caribbean Beach if you want to learn more. Our map below highlights the bus stops in each village.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Bus Stops: Port Orleans Riverside has four bus stops: West Depot, North Depot, East Depot, and South Depot. The Disney Springs bus doubles as an internal shuttle for the resort and makes a stop at Port Orleans French Quarter. Our Port Orleans Riverside Transportation Guide details the exact route and how to use it. Our resort map also highlights the location of each bus stop.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Bus Stop: Port Orleans French Quarter Resort only has one bus stop near the lobby entrance.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Bus Stops: Fort Wilderness has a significant number of bus stops on three internal bus loops. If traveling to Magic Kingdom, you’ll need to use the Settlement bus stop. For all other Disney destinations by bus, you’ll need to use the Outpost bus stop. Make sure to read over our Fort Wilderness Transportation Guide or our guide for more details on how to get around the resort efficiently.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Bus Stops: Saratoga Springs has five bus stops. They stop in the following order, with the exception of the Disney Springs bus: The Grandstand, The Carousel, The Paddock, Congress Park, and The Springs. Guests staying in the Treehouse Villas must walk or take a separate bus to The Springs to access bus transportation. Our Saratoga Springs Transportation Guide details each of these routes.
Disney’s Old Key West Bus Stops: Old Key West has five bus stops. The buses stop in the following order, with the exception of the Disney Springs bus, which doubles as the internal shuttle: Peninsular Road, South Point, Turtle Pond Road, Miller’s Road, and Hospitality House. Make sure to read over our Old Key West Transportation Guide if you’re planning a stay at this resort. You’ll likely want to use the bus system to travel around the resort.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Bus Stop: Disney’s Riviera Resort only has one bus stop. You’ll walk out of the resort’s main entrance and follow the directions that lead to the bus stop. The entire walkway is covered; you can’t miss it.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bus Stops: Animal Kingdom Lodge comprises two resorts, Kidani Village and Jambo House, the main lobby. Therefore, a bus stop is available at both locations. They are both to the left when you exit the lobby. When you return to the resort (except for Disney Springs), the bus stops at Kidani Village first, then Jambo House.
Disney’s Beach Club Bus Stop: Beach Club has one bus stop. You’ll walk out the lobby’s front door and take a left down the covered walkway to the bus stop. Beach Club shares a bus service with neighboring Disney’s Yacht Club and, in some instances, with Disney’s Boardwalk.
Disney’s Yacht Club Bus Stop: The Yacht Club bus stop is immediately to the left outside the resort’s main entrance. It shares bus service with Disney’s Beach Club and, in some instances, with Disney’s Boardwalk.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Bus Stop: Disney’s Boardwalk has one bus stop. It’s down a walkway to the left when you exit the resort’s main entrance. From time to time, Boardwalk shares the same bus service with Beach and Yacht Club.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Bus Stop: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has one bus stop. It’s outside the resort’s side entrance, closest to the gift shop. Wilderness Lodge shares bus service to and from Epcot and Magic Kingdom with Fort Wilderness. Bus service to and from Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs is shared with Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bus Stop: Disney’s Contemporary Resort has one bus stop. Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower will also use this stop. It’s to the right when you exit the resort’s main entrance. The Contemporary often shares a bus service with Wilderness Lodge for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Bus Stop: Disney’s Polynesian has one bus stop. A couple of walkways lead out to it, depending on your room location. The bus stop sits underneath the monorail track facing the resort’s parking lot. Bus service is shared with neighboring Disney’s Grand Floridian.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Bus Stop: Grand Floridian has one bus stop. It’s down a walkway to the right when you exit the resort’s main entrance. Bus service is shared with the Polynesian.
All the resort bus stops have electronic signs displaying the wait times for the next bus. We have found these signs to be accurate for the most part. The bus’s location is transmitted back to the sign, which provides an estimated time to expect the next bus. The data updates about once a minute, so you’ll see some fluctuation if the bus gets stopped at a light or in traffic.
Buses To and From the Airports?
Unfortunately, Disney’s Magical Express service ended several years ago, so you will need to secure transportation between the Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort Hotel. A similar service is available for a fee called Mears Connect by Sunshine. We have not used this service, but if you’re not accustomed to using Uber, Lyft, or a private car service, this is a widely used alternative. We see the buses constantly dropping off guests and picking up guests from the resorts.
Other Complimentary Disney Transportation
During your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll have other options for transportation to and from the parks. Here are a few other resources:
Disney Monorail: This guide details how, when, and where to use the monorail system at Walt Disney World. The monorail has three lines: the resort line, an express line to Magic Kingdom, and the Epcot line.
The Disney Skyliner: Most guests enjoy riding the Skyliner gondolas even if they’re not staying near them. This guide details everything you need to know about the Skyliner.
FriendShip Boats: This guide tells how to take the Friendship Boats across Epcot or between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The boats stop at the Epcot Resorts along the route.
Magic Kingdom Ferry: Find details for taking the Magic Kingdom Ferry to the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center).
Disney Springs Transportation Guide: This guide details everything you need to know about getting to and from Disney Springs, including the water taxis that service the surrounding resorts.
Want to save time and energy on your vacation? Get a copy of our 5 best transportation tips for Walt Disney World.
In the Comments
We hope you found this resource valuable in learning about the bus service at Disney World. Feel free to share your thoughts, experience, or any questions you might have in the comments section below.
