Planning a trip to Disney World? There’s so much magic to look forward to, but Disney transportation can be a beast if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Whether you’re trying to hop between parks, get back to your resort, or make it to that dining reservation, it’s easy to make mistakes that scream “rookie traveler”. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Here are 10 transportation mistakes you’ll want to avoid that’ll have you maximizing your Disney time and minimizing the stress.
Thinking the Monorail Connects All Four Parks
Sure, the monorail is iconic, but it doesn’t take you everywhere. It connects Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and a few deluxe resorts (like the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian).

So, if you’re trying to get to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or any of the other resorts, you’ll need a bus, Skyliner, or rideshare. Make sure to plan out your routes ahead of time to avoid surprises!
Forgetting Rideshare as a Backup Plan
To be fair, Disney transportation is pretty reliable…until it isn’t. Buses can run late, Skyliner lines get long, and sometimes you just need to get somewhere now.

We’d recommend keeping rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft handy for emergencies or tight schedules.
Not Realizing You Can’t Park Directly at Magic Kingdom
Just in case you didn’t know, there’s no parking lot at Magic Kingdom. You’ll park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and then take a monorail or ferry over to the park. Occasionally, buses will run too.

Don’t make the rookie mistake of skipping this crucial step in your timing! You’ll want to plan for at least 30 extra minutes for this transfer, especially in the morning rush.
Assuming You Can Drive to Any Resort Without a Reservation
Are you thinking you can just pop into the Grand Floridian or Beach Club whenever you want, just to explore? Well, not so fast.

If you don’t have a hotel or dining reservation, you likely won’t be allowed to park at the resort. If you want to resort-hop, you’ll want to use Disney transportation options like the buses, Skyliner, or ferries.
Not Budgeting Enough Time for Park-to-Park Transfers
Park-hopping is fun, but getting from one park to another can eat into your day if you’re not prepared.

We highly recommend allowing for at least 45 minutes to an hour for park-to-park travel, especially if you’re relying on buses or the Skyliner. Don’t forget that you can use the monorail between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, or also rideshare for other park combinations.
Assuming Every Resort Has Direct Buses to Every Park
Not all resorts have direct transportation to every destination. For example, you may need to transfer buses or use a combination of transportation options.

You may want to check with your hotel’s front desk or the My Disney Experience (MDE) app to know what’s available. If you didn’t know, resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation have Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which can save you LOADS of time.
Skipping the Disney Skyliner Because It Looks Scary
Are you afraid of heights and worried about the Skyliner swaying? Trust us, the Skyliner is much smoother and more enjoyable than it looks!

Plus, it’s one of the fastest ways to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from resorts like Caribbean Beach, Riviera, and Pop Century. Also, the views from the Skyliner are unmatched which is perfect for your social media shots!
Thinking There’s Only One Ferry to Magic Kingdom
While the big ferry from the TTC to Magic Kingdom is the most popular option, it’s not the only one.

Smaller ferries also connect resorts like Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and the Polynesian directly to Magic Kingdom. These smaller boats are often less crowded and can feel like a hidden gem compared to the larger ferry.
Not Checking the My Disney Experience App for Bus Times
The My Disney Experience (MDE) app isn’t just for booking rides or dining. It’s also a game-changer when it comes to transportation.

Use it to check estimated bus arrival times at your resort. It can save you from standing around at the bus stop wondering when (or if) your bus will show up.
Getting on the Wrong Monorail Line
The monorail system has three different lines: the Resort line, the Express line to Magic Kingdom, and the EPCOT line.

It’s easy to mix them up if you’re not paying attention, especially in the rush of a park day. Look for the signage or ask a cast member for help to avoid an accidental detour.

Also, FYI, the Express line is usually faster for getting straight to Magic Kingdom from the TTC, and the Resort line is better for exploring the resorts and dining there.

Hopefully those tips will have you zipping around Disney World like a pro in no time. And in the meantime, be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars as we bring you all the latest updates from Disney!
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What are your favorite Disney World transportation tips? Let us know in the comments below!
Only Minnie Vans are allowed on park property. Don’t try ordering a regular lift after a late night at the parks, you’ll just watch a dot do loops around the transport hub. Trust me.
FYI: there are no buses from resort to resort. So you have to go to a park first and switch buses. Going to a resort from the parks can be time saving if you are trying to go to another park and the Monorail or the direct bus has a long line. Go to an Epcot resort (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, or Swan and Dolphin and walk to the International Gateway entrance of Epcot. Especially if World Showcase is your destination. This is true if you are going to the Studios as well. There is a path from the Epcot resorts to the Studios. Last!y if the wait to go to Disney Springs from the parks looks long, take the bus to Saratoga Springs. There is a nice path from there to Disney Springs.