Resorts Gal Routes: The Most Efficient Routes Around Walt Disney World
We visit the parks and resorts often, and I constantly find myself offering directions or, at the very least, talking with other guests. When I mention that I write about travel to Walt Disney World, I am almost always asked the same question: What’s your best tip for visiting Walt Disney World? The answer is simple: Know where you’re going and how you’ll get there before your vacation. Simply put, you should know your transportation options.
Learning your transportation options is not so simple. However, researching the routes you’ll need to take during your vacation will save you time and energy. We recommend writing out a loose itinerary for your entire week and highlighting any places where you’ll need to use complimentary transportation. Then, research how to get to that destination.
For example, you might have a character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace one morning with plans to visit Epcot afterward. You would need to know how to get to Disney’s Riviera Resort from your resort and then how to get to Epcot afterward. This is not the kind of thing you would want to wait until the day before to figure out. Imagine being at Magic Kingdom and worrying about your plans for the next day instead of living in the moment with your family. If you had already researched your route, you would have a few simple notes saved in your phone (or whatever you use) that detail the steps you would take for that day. It might look something like:
- Wake up at 7:00 a.m.
- Take a bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the resort by 8:00 a.m.
- Take the Skyliner to Disney’s Caribbean Beach.
- Transfer on the Skyliner to Disney’s Riviera Resort.
- Walk to Disney’s Riviera Resort’s lobby and take the elevator to Topolino’s Terrace.
- Breakfast Reservation at 9:15 a.m.
- After breakfast, take the Skyliner from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot’s International Gateway.
It’s important to note that this route will not work for everyone and will vary depending on where you’re staying. Also, you might notice we allowed almost an hour and a half of travel time because we’re using complimentary transportation and a resort transfer. By resort transfer, I mean traveling from one resort to another with a stop in between. This can take time. However, you will get to enjoy a pleasant ride on the Skyliner.
It’s also important to note that if you ordered a car service like an Uber, Lyft, or a Minnie Van, this route would be significantly shorter. If you were staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs, you could leave by 8:50 a.m. and still get to Disney’s Riviera on time for your reservation at 9:15 a.m. Therefore, a car service will almost always be the quickest option if you don’t mind the extra expense.
While we do not focus on using extra-cost car services on our Resorts Gal Routes, you should be prepared to use one if needed. For example, say you slept late and had to get to your breakfast reservation at the last minute. For us, and I assume others, we feel as though we’ve already paid a good deal to visit Walt Disney World in the first place. So it would be rare for us to pay extra for transportation. But these kinds of things happen from time to time.
Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get to our Resorts Gal Routes. I personally tracked and photographed each of the routes below. You won’t need to read them all. But if one applies to your situation, it will provide insight (and often insider knowledge) that will benefit your vacation. Check back often because we update this series regularly, and don’t forget to sign up for a copy of our five best transportation tips at the end of this article.
Magic Kingdom
The Two Quickest Ways to Travel Between Magic Kingdom and Epcot: Find out how to park hop between Magic Kingdom and Epcot or vice-versa. You’ll have multiple options, but one route is a little more fun than the rest!
How to Take a Boat from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian and Polynesian: If you’re at Magic Kingdom with plans to visit the Grand Floridian or Polynesian, one of the best ways to travel is by boat. This boat service leaves Magic Kingdom, travels to the Grand Floridian, and then offers continuing service to the nearby Polynesian.
How to Take a Boat from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: We love to visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Sometimes, a boat ride from Magic Kingdom is the perfect way to relax and recharge. We almost always plan a meal when we visit the resort, even if it’s just at the quick service restaurant.
Walking from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This article provides a map showing the distance between the theme park and the resort. It also shows photos and details of what to expect along the way.
Walking from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian: Preview photos and the distance of the walkway between Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. We think this walkway is the perfect place to escape the crowds when exiting the park later in the evening.
Epcot
The Two Quickest Ways to Travel Between Epcot and Magic Kingdom: This is a repeat of our route listed above for Magic Kingdom. If you’re park-hopping, make sure to read over it. It offers time-saving tips that will apply depending on where you’re going first when you reach Epcot.
The Three Ways to Park Hop Between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Find out your three options and the total time each route takes when park-hopping between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
How to Take the FriendShips Between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot: This detailed guide shares our average travel time when taking the FriendShip boats from Hollywood Studios to Epcot. It includes stops at the Epcot Resorts on the way.
How to Take the Skyliner Between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot: This article discusses the route to ride the Skyliner between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot or vice versa. On the way, you’ll make one stop at Disney’s Caribbean Beach, where you’ll transfer to another gondola line.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
How to get from Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Disney Springs: This guide shares how to get to Disney Springs from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This route is often popular because Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks. Some guests like to continue their afternoon or evening at Disney Springs after visiting the park.
Disney Springs
Taking the Walking Path Between Disney Springs and Old Key West: In this article, we take the walking path from Disney Springs to Disney’s Old Key West. This is a reasonably long walk that we wouldn’t necessarily recommend unless you enjoy nature walks.
Disney’s Water Parks
How to Get to and From Disney’s Blizzard Beach: You’ll likely have to take a transfer bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the way to and from Blizzard Beach Water Park. Find out the specifics of this route and when you prefer a car service.
How to Get to and from Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Most resort guests will need to take a transfer bus to Disney Springs on the way to Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. We discuss this route in detail and when and why we sometimes prefer to hire a car service on the return trip.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
How to Take the Shuttle or Walk Between Jambo House and Kidani Village: If you’re visiting or staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll likely want to travel between Jambo House (the main lodge) and Kidani Village (the DVC Resort). This guide details the walking distance and where to locate the shuttle if you prefer to ride.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
The Three Ways to Get from Disney’s Beach Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: This article compares the three ways to get between Disney’s Beach Club and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (FriendShips, Walking, and Skyliner)
Disney’s BoardWalk
How to Get to Disney’s BoardWalk: Find out how to get to Disney’s BoardWalk from other theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. (We recommend visiting the BoardWalk later in the day for sightseeing!)
Shortcut When Walking Between Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk: If you’re familiar with the area or staying at Disney’s Boardwalk, we enjoy taking this shortcut when walking to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Walking Between Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Disney’s Riviera: We explore the walking path between the lobbies of these two resorts. Guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach will likely enjoy walking to the Riviera for a meal or two during their stay, or vice-versa.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Options to Get Between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom: This article compares the two methods of travel between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Magic Kingdom, including the average time it takes. (Walking, Monorail)
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground
How to Get to Hoop Dee Doo Revue: If you have plans to dine at the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, make sure you know how to get there, and I don’t mean just Fort Wilderness. You need to know how to get to the Settlement, which will vary depending on how you arrive at the resort!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Options for Traveling Between Disney’s Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom: This guide shares the three ways you can travel between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Magic Kingdom. We compare the average times and distance if you decide to walk. (Walking, Boat, Monorail)
Taking the Monorail Between Grand Floridian and Epcot: Most guests don’t realize you have to transfer monorails at the TTC to get between the Grand Floridian and Epcot. This route takes some time, so you’ll want to know how long it takes to come and go.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Options for Traveling Between Disney’s Polynesian and Magic Kingdom: This guide details the three ways you can travel between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Magic Kingdom. (Walking, Boat, Monorail)
How to Get to ‘Ohana at the Polynesian: If you have breakfast or dinner reservations at ‘Ohana, this guide will help you figure out the best way to get there from your origin point. (Consider our guidance on using complimentary transportation first thing in the morning.)
Walking Between Disney’s Polynesian and the Transportation and Ticket Center: While this is a simple route, you’ll want to be aware of it and know when to use it. If your village is near the TTC, this route could save you a decent amount of time, especially when taking the monorail to Epcot.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
How to Get to Port Orleans French Quarter from Disney Springs: We share options for traveling between Disney Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter with our average travel times, including a need-to-know tip about this bus service. (Boat, Buses)
The Walking Distance Between Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside: We love this stroll between the French Quarter and Riverside. Find out why you might want to take this walk. (This guide is repeated below for Riverside Resort.)
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
The Walking Path Between Port Orleans Riverside and the French Quarter: Did you know you can walk between Port Orleans Riverside and the French Quarter? Preview photos of the route and the total distance.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
How to Get to Disney’s Riviera Resort for Dining: This guide shares how to get to Disney’s Riviera Resort for dining or sightseeing.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Walking Between Saratoga Springs and Disney Springs: There are two walking paths between Saratoga Springs and Disney Springs. Each path ends on opposite sides of Disney Springs, so you’ll want to consider where you’re going before choosing a path.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Options for Traveling Between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom: This guide discusses the two ways to travel between Wilderness Lodge, including shared bus service and the average time the boats take versus the bus. (Boats, Bus)
We hope you found this series helpful in planning routes for your vacation. Sign up below to get a copy of our five best transportation tips for Walt Disney World sent to your inbox.
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