Bus Guide
Disney Buses Explained: Routes, Wait Times & What to Expect
Updated regularly based on current transportation patterns
Disney buses are the backbone of Walt Disney World transportation. They're the only mode that connects every resort to every park, every day. While they lack the glamour of the monorail or the novelty of the Skyliner, buses are often the most reliable — and sometimes the fastest — way to get where you're going.
This guide covers how the bus system works, what wait times to expect, and when buses should be your first choice.
How Disney Buses Work
The Basic Network
Disney operates dedicated bus routes from every resort to:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- Disney Springs
Each resort has its own buses to each destination. You won't stop at other resorts along the way (with a few exceptions during very low-crowd periods).
Where to Find the Buses
Every Disney resort has a dedicated bus stop area, typically near the main lobby or entrance. Each destination has its own marked lane or stop.
At the theme parks, buses pick up in designated areas:
- Magic Kingdom: Bus loop at the Transportation and Ticket Center (you take a ferry or monorail to the park first, then catch buses back from TTC)
- EPCOT: Bus loop near the main entrance
- Hollywood Studios: Bus loop near the main entrance
- Animal Kingdom: Bus loop near the main entrance
- Disney Springs: Buses depart from multiple points throughout the complex
Bus Frequency
Disney doesn't publish bus schedules. Instead, buses run on a rotation — when a bus completes its route and returns, it heads back out. The goal is a bus every 20 minutes, though actual frequency varies.
Bus wait times are one of the hardest things to predict at Disney. A bus might arrive in 2 minutes or 25 minutes, and you won't know which until you're standing at the stop.
Wait Times: What to Actually Expect
Disney's official guidance is that buses arrive every 20 minutes. Reality is more variable.
Typical Wait Times by Time of Day
| Time Period | Expected Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (before park opening) | 5-15 minutes | Buses run frequently for rope drop |
| Morning (8:00-11:00 AM) | 10-20 minutes | Steady service |
| Midday (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM) | 10-25 minutes | Can be longer during slow periods |
| Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) | 10-20 minutes | Service increases for park arrivals |
| Park close (9:00 PM+) | 15-35 minutes | Buses get crowded, waits increase |
The Frustrating Truth About Bus Waits
Bus waits are highly variable. You might wait 3 minutes one day and 28 minutes the next, on the same route at the same time.
Factors that affect wait times include: how many buses are assigned to that route, traffic on the roads, how quickly buses load at each stop, and how many guests are traveling at that moment. None of this is visible to you while you're waiting.
The only real-time information available is the My Disney Experience app, which shows estimated wait times at some bus stops — but even these estimates are approximations.
When Buses Are Your Best Option
Despite their reputation for unpredictability, buses are often the right choice.
You're going to Magic Kingdom from a non-monorail resort
If you're not at the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian, the bus is your most direct route to Magic Kingdom. The bus drops you at the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you'll take the monorail or ferry to the park itself — but this is still simpler than trying to connect via EPCOT's monorail or other routes.
Exception: Skyliner resorts (Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera) can take Skyliner to EPCOT, then monorail to Magic Kingdom. But that's 2-3 connections versus one direct bus.
You're going to Animal Kingdom from anywhere
Animal Kingdom has no Skyliner or monorail service. The bus is your only Disney transportation option (unless you drive or take a rideshare).
You need reliability over experience
Buses run in all weather conditions. The Skyliner closes during lightning. Boats operate at reduced capacity in bad weather. Buses keep running. If you have a time-sensitive reservation and the weather looks threatening, the bus is the safe bet.
You're at a bus-only resort
Many Disney resorts — including all the All-Stars, Port Orleans, Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and others — have bus-only service. For these resorts, buses are your primary transportation mode by default.
It's late at night
Buses often run latest of all transportation options, continuing until about an hour after the last park closes. The Skyliner and monorail have similar hours, but buses tend to be more consistently available late.
When to Consider Alternatives
Buses aren't always the best choice.
You're at a Skyliner resort going to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios
Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera all have Skyliner access. For EPCOT (International Gateway) and Hollywood Studios, the Skyliner is typically faster and more predictable than the bus — unless the Skyliner line is very long or weather is threatening.
You're at a monorail resort going to Magic Kingdom
The monorail is more direct and more enjoyable. Why bus to TTC and wait again when you can take the monorail straight there?
You're at an EPCOT-area resort going to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios
If you're at BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, or Dolphin, you can walk to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The walk takes 10-20 minutes depending on which resort and which park. The bus might be marginally faster on paper, but when you factor in waiting for the bus, the walk often wins.
You're not in a rush and want the experience
If time isn't critical, the Skyliner and monorail are simply more enjoyable than a bus ride. They're air-conditioned, scenic, and feel like part of the Disney experience. Buses are utilitarian.
Bus Strategies That Work
Arrive early for rope drop
For park opening, buses start running 45-60 minutes before the posted opening time (sometimes earlier for early entry). Aim to be at the bus stop early — the first buses of the day are often the least crowded.
Don't wait forever
If you've been waiting 25+ minutes and no bus has appeared, consider your alternatives. Sometimes a bus will arrive in the next minute. Sometimes it won't. If another transportation option is available (Skyliner, monorail, walking, rideshare), it might be worth switching.
Stand near the front of the line
Buses fill from front to back. If you're near the front of the queue, you're almost guaranteed a spot on the next bus. If you're near the back, you might have to wait for the following one.
Check the line before parking yourself
At park closing, look at the lines for your resort's bus before committing. If the line is enormous, consider:
- Waiting in the park for 20-30 minutes while crowds clear
- Walking to a nearby resort and catching their bus (if it's the same general direction)
- Using rideshare
Know the bus stop layout at your resort
Some resorts have multiple bus stops or a confusing layout. Disney Springs buses might leave from a different area than park buses. Learn the setup on your first day so you don't waste time later.
Special Situations
Park-to-Park Buses
Direct buses between parks are limited. There is typically a bus connecting the parks to one another, but frequency is lower than resort-to-park service. If you're park hopping, consider:
- Skyliner between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (via International Gateway)
- Monorail between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom (via TTC)
- Friendship boats between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Disney Springs Buses
Every resort has bus service to Disney Springs. These buses sometimes make multiple stops at different Disney Springs locations.
Disney Springs to parks is less direct. You'll often need to bus to Disney Springs, then transfer to another bus to the parks. If your resort has direct park buses, use those instead.
Early Morning Magic / Extended Evening Hours
Buses run for these special ticketed events, but wait times can be inconsistent during the transition periods (right before and after the main park hours).
Resort-to-Resort Transportation
Direct resort-to-resort buses don't exist in most cases. If you want to visit another resort for dining or exploring, you'll typically need to:
- Bus to a park or Disney Springs, then bus to the other resort
- Take the Skyliner (if both resorts are on the Skyliner line)
- Walk (if they're near each other)
- Use a rideshare
Accessibility
All Disney buses are wheelchair and ECV accessible. The bus kneels (lowers) and has a ramp for boarding. Wheelchair and ECV spots are available, though space is limited.
If you're using a mobility device, you'll typically board first. Cast members will direct you and secure the device for travel.
Tips for Bus Transportation
Use the My Disney Experience app
The app shows estimated bus wait times for some stops. It's not always accurate, but it's better than nothing.
Consider the return trip when picking transportation
Just because you took the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios doesn't mean you have to take it back. If the Skyliner line looks long at park close, the bus might be faster for the return.
Avoid the bus stop immediately after fireworks
This is peak bus demand. If possible, watch fireworks from a position that lets you get to the bus stop before the show ends — or stay in the park an extra 30 minutes and let the crowds clear.
Don't forget the buses have AC
In Florida heat, a 10-minute wait for an air-conditioned bus might be more comfortable than a 20-minute walk. Consider your energy and the weather, not just the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do buses run during lightning? Yes. Unlike the Skyliner and boats, buses continue operating in most weather conditions.
Can I bring food on the bus? Yes, though it's polite to avoid messy or strong-smelling food.
Are buses crowded? During peak times (rope drop, park close), yes. Midday buses are usually less crowded.
How late do buses run? Typically until about an hour after the last park closes. Check the app during your visit for exact hours.
Can I take the bus with a stroller? Yes. Strollers must be folded before boarding.
The Bottom Line
Disney buses aren't glamorous, but they're essential. For many routes, they're the only option — and even when alternatives exist, buses are sometimes the fastest choice.
The key is understanding when to use them and when to consider alternatives. Wait times are unpredictable, and that unpredictability is frustrating when you're on a schedule. The more you know about your options, the better decisions you'll make at the bus stop.
For real-time help comparing buses to your other options based on current conditions, see how the app handles bus routing.