Getting to Disney Springs: Every Transportation Option Explained

Disney Springs is Walt Disney World's dining, shopping, and entertainment complex. Unlike the theme parks, no admission ticket is required — you just show up. Transportation is simpler too, though there are a few things worth knowing to avoid unnecessary waiting.

By Bus

Buses run from every Disney resort to Disney Springs. This is the primary transportation option for most guests.

What to Expect

• Direct service from every Disney resort
• Multiple drop-off points at Disney Springs — buses stop at different locations throughout the complex
• Runs from mid-morning (typically around 10:00 AM) until about midnight — hours are longer than park bus service
• Frequency: roughly every 20 minutes

Important: Know Where Your Bus Stops

Disney Springs is large, and buses stop at different points. When boarding the return bus at Disney Springs, make sure you're at the right stop for your resort. Signs are posted, but the layout can be confusing on your first visit.

Tip: Note where your bus drops you off when you arrive. The return pickup is usually in the same general area.

When Buses Work Best

From most Disney resorts: The bus is your only Disney transportation option to Disney Springs. It's straightforward — wait at your resort's stop, ride directly there.

Evening visits: Bus service to Disney Springs runs later than park bus service, typically until about midnight.

When Buses Get Crowded

Weekend evenings: Disney Springs is popular with locals and tourists alike. Friday and Saturday evenings see the heaviest bus traffic.

Special events: Holiday periods, new restaurant openings, and special events increase traffic.

The return trip: Getting back to your resort at 10-11 PM can mean longer waits as many guests leave around the same time.

By Boat

Boats travel the Sassagoula River, connecting Disney Springs to several resorts.

Resorts With Boat Service

When to Take the Boat

You're at a Sassagoula River resort: The boat is a pleasant alternative to the bus, especially in the evening. The river ride is scenic and relaxing.

The bus line is long: Sometimes Disney Springs return buses get crowded at night. The boat dock is typically calmer.

You're not in a rush: The boat is slower than the bus but more enjoyable. If you have time, it's a nice way to start or end a Disney Springs visit.

When to Take the Bus Instead

You're in a hurry: The bus is faster, especially from Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside where the boat makes multiple stops.

Bad weather: Boats don't run during lightning or heavy rain. The bus is more reliable.

You're not at a Sassagoula River resort: Most resorts don't have boat service to Disney Springs. The bus is your only Disney option.

Walking

From Saratoga Springs: A walking path connects Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs in about 10-15 minutes. This is the only resort within practical walking distance.

If you're at Saratoga Springs, walking is often the fastest option — no waiting for a bus or boat.

Getting to Disney Springs From the Parks

Disney Springs is not directly connected to the theme parks by dedicated park-to-Springs transportation. If you're at a park and want to get to Disney Springs:

1. Take a bus back to your resort, then catch the Disney Springs bus
2. Take a rideshare directly from the park to Disney Springs
3. Drive if you have a car

The two-bus approach works but takes time — you're looking at 45-60 minutes minimum. A rideshare is faster if you're in a hurry.

Getting From Disney Springs to the Parks

Similarly, there's no direct Disney bus from Disney Springs to the theme parks.

Your options:

1. Bus back to your resort, then bus to the park
2. Rideshare from Disney Springs to the park
3. Drive

Some guests plan Disney Springs as an evening activity after the parks close, which avoids this transit issue entirely.

Parking at Disney Springs

If you're driving (rental car, personal vehicle, or rideshare), Disney Springs has free parking.

Two main garages:

• Orange Garage — closest to The Landing and Town Center
• Lime Garage — closest to West Side

Surface lots are also available but fill up faster on busy evenings.

Tip: Arrive before 5 PM on weekends for the best parking availability. After 6 PM, garages can fill up and you may be directed to overflow parking.

Timing Tips

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday afternoons — less crowded, easier parking, shorter bus waits
• Early evening on weekdays — restaurants are less packed
• Avoid Friday and Saturday after 6 PM if possible — this is peak Disney Springs

Bus Timing

• Going: Buses start running to Disney Springs around 10:00 AM
• Returning: Last buses leave Disney Springs around midnight
• Peak return time: 9:00-11:00 PM — expect longer waits

Tips

• Note your bus drop-off location — the return pickup is usually nearby
• Boat service is scenic but slow — take it when you have time, not when you're in a hurry
• No direct park-to-Springs buses — plan accordingly if you're combining park and Springs visits
• Weekend evenings are the busiest — for a relaxed experience, visit on weekday afternoons
• Free parking is available — if you have a car, driving to Disney Springs is simple and avoids bus waits

The Bottom Line

Getting to Disney Springs is straightforward for most guests — take the bus from your resort. Guests at Sassagoula River resorts have the bonus option of a scenic boat ride. And if you're at Saratoga Springs, walking is the fastest choice.

The main thing to know: there's no direct connection between Disney Springs and the theme parks via Disney transportation. Plan your day so that Disney Springs is either your first stop or your last, and you'll avoid the awkward double-bus transfer.

For help planning your Disney Springs trip alongside park visits, see how the app handles routing.