Did you know that the Disney World resort you choose plays an important role in determining how quickly you get to the theme parks?
In addition to the complimentary bus transportation service provided to all Disney Resorts, some resorts offer direct walking paths (for true express access to the parks) or additional complimentary transportation options (like the monorail, Skyliner or water taxi service) that can get you to the parks a lot quicker than the bus service!
Plus, choosing the right resort can make a huge difference to your family’s day – especially if you have little ones that you would like to take back to your resort for a nap if you’re planning on enjoying a fireworks show or late night extra magic hours!
Here’s our list of recommended resorts for each theme park so that you can minimize your travel time and maximize your fun!
Park: Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Recommended Resort: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Why: This iconic Disney Resort has a dedicated walking path that leads directly to the Magic Kingdom! A quick 10-minute walk and you’re at the park entrance!
Bonus: The Contemporary Resort also offers direct monorail access to the Magic Kingdom and connecting monorail service to Epcot for an iconic Disney Transportation experience.
Resort Update: As of Late 2020, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has also added a direct walking path to the Magic Kingdom! The walk time averages between 12 – 16 minutes (depending on your pace) which makes this monorail resort a fantastic option if the Contemporary is not available!
Park: Disney’s Epcot
Recommended Resorts: Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Why: All have a direct walking path to Epcot! A quick 10 – 15-minute walk and you’re at the international gateway entrance! Perfect for those visiting Epcot during one of its signature festivals (like the International Food and Wine Festival or the Flower and Garden Festival)
Bonus: These resorts also offer a water taxi service to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also walk to Hollywood Studios from these resorts!
Honorable Mention: Disney’s Riviera Resort – features direct Skyliner access to Epcot (a quick 9-minute ride)
Park: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Recommended Resort: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Why: The direct Skyliner service between this resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets you to the park in a speedy 6 minutes!
Bonus: You can also use the Skyliner system from this resort to get to Epcot – About a 14-minute journey.
Con: Bus service to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot is reduced at this resort.
Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Recommended Resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Why: It is literally a quick 5-minute bus ride between Animal Kingdom Lodge and its namesake theme park
Bonus: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best-themed resorts on property – its immersive design and beautiful theming will transport you to a faraway land. It’s like having two vacations in one! Plus you get to enjoy the sights of Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, Elks, Kudus, Gazelles, Wildebeests and other animals free-roaming the property’s savannah!
Honorable Mentions:
These resorts don’t offer direct access to a theme park, but they do offer bonus transportation options
Resorts: Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation,
Pros: Access to the Disney Skyliner system for transportation to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios
Cons: You do have to change stations at Caribbean Beach Resort when going to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. These resorts also offer reduced bus service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Ready to plan your Disney Vacation? Please get in touch! Our Dream Makers use their expert knowledge of Walt Disney World to help you plan a truly magical experience that’s customized to your family’s needs!
