How do you get from the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs?
If you are staying at the Dolphin or planning a future visit, you probably want to know the different ways to get to Disney Springs from the resort.
Below, I will detail FIVE specific ways you can make this journey.
WDW Dolphin to Disney Springs:
Option #1: Take the FREE bus to Disney Springs!
Did you know that the Dolphin provides FREE bus transportation to Disney Springs? And the best part is that the bus stop is just a short walk outside the main lobby entrance. When you exit the front lobby, turn left and follow the covered walkway until you arrive at the bus stop.
Bus service to and from Disney Springs typically begins 15 minutes before opening and ends 90 minutes after closing. Once they start, the buses run continuously throughout the day. I have found that you can typically expect a bus to arrive around every 20 minutes or so.
You will find a screen at the bus stop showing when the next bus to Disney Springs is expected to arrive.
Once your bus leaves the Dolphin, arriving at Disney Springs should take about 15 minutes. Don’t be surprised if there is heavy traffic as you get closer.
As you can imagine, since the buses do not cost anything extra, they’re the most popular way to travel. However, at certain times of the day, such as in the evening around dinner, you might experience a bit of a line to board the bus. So make sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at Disney Springs for a reservation.
Option #2: Take an Uber from the Dolphin to Disney Springs
If you want to get to Disney Springs fast, using a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from the Dolphin is easy. This option can save a lot of time, especially if you just missed the bus. Just open the app and select Disney Springs as your destination, and you will be matched with a driver within seconds.
The easiest place to meet your driver is outside near the Dolphin Resort’s front lobby, as there are plenty of spots for them to stop and for you to get in the car. You must mark your location CORRECTLY in the app to avoid any delays.
The driving distance from the Walt Disney World Dolphin to Disney Springs is 4.3 miles (6.9 km), and the drive should take 10-15 minutes, depending on the amount of traffic. Another benefit of Uber or Lyft is that they can drop you off on the west or east end of Disney Springs, depending on the shops or restaurants you want to visit.
The one-way fare from the Dolphin averages under $15.
If you have limited time to travel to Disney Springs, I think it is money well spent!
TWO rideshare companies operate in Disney World – Uber and Lyft. Between them both, there are a lot of drivers cruising around. Almost every time I’ve used a rideshare to the parks, I’ve had to wait less than 10 minutes to get picked up.
Option #3: Ride in a MINNIE VAN to Disney Springs
One fun thing about using the rideshare service Lyft is that they have partnered with Disney World to provide MINNIE VANS, which are Minnie Mouse-themed mini-vans!
A big benefit of using a Minnie Van from the Dolphin to get to Disney Springs is they are driven by DISNEY CAST MEMBERS. I know many people like this fact because the drivers are Disney employees, which provides additional peace of mind.
While using the Lyft app at the Dolphin, choose Disney Springs as your destination. Then, order the Minnie Van to come and pick you up.
While this option is fun, as you can see above, it is more expensive than a regular Lyft vehicle. But in addition to a Disney Cast Member driving, here are a few additional benefits of a Minnie Van.
- They can fit up to SIX people.
- Includes two car seats, which your driver will install for you.
- These vans can fit scooters and wheelchairs, but please pre-arrange your ride if you need this service.
Option #4: Take a TAXI to Disney Springs
I know some people don’t like using Uber or Lyft because they don’t know about the person driving or don’t feel comfortable using the app. If this describes you, calling a traditional taxi company for a ride is easy.
Taking a taxi to Disney Springs has many of the same benefits as rideshares, such as not having to wait for a bus. But of course, you must pay for the taxi ride, where the buses are free.
If you want to take a taxi from the Dolphin, I recommend calling Mears Taxi, a well-known and trusted company in the Orlando area. You can even schedule and book your ride online.
Option #5: Drive yourself to Disney Springs!
Getting in your car and driving yourself is an often overlooked way to go from the Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs. It’s probably the fastest way to travel since you don’t have to wait for someone to pick you up. 🙂
The distance between these two locations is only 4.3 miles (6.9 km). The drive takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
One nice thing about Disney Springs is that parking is FREE! Seriously, it’s rare for anything to be free at Disney World. 🙂
There are multiple parking lots and garages when you arrive at Disney Springs. Pay attention to where you park, as some of these lots are HUGE, and it can be hard to find your car again.
- Click HERE to view a printable map of Disney Springs. This map can help you determine the best place to park, depending on the shops or restaurants you want to visit.
Related Posts:
Can I take the Disney boats from the Dolphin to Disney Springs?
There is boat transportation at the Dolphin, but the boats do not travel to Disney Springs. You can take the Friendship Boats to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, the Boardwalk, or the Yacht and Beach Clubs.
Can I take the Disney Monorail from the Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs?
No, the monorail does not have a boarding station at the Dolphin, nor does the monorail travel to Disney Springs. If you want access to this transportation option from your hotel, you must stay at the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Polynesian Village Resort.
Can the Disney Skyliner take me from the Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs?
No, the monorail has no boarding station at the Dolphin. In addition, the monorail does not travel to Disney Springs.
If you want a Skyliner boarding station at your hotel, stay at the Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, or Pop Century.
Can I walk from the WDW Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs?
The short answer to this question is NO. First, the distance between the resort and Disney Springs is fairly long, at around 4.3 miles (6.9 km). And second, there are no walking paths that connect them. You must take the bus or a rideshare/taxi or drive yourself!
What is your favorite way to travel from the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort to Disney Springs?
Leave a COMMENT below!
