Learning all the transportation options at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort can be intimidating. If you find it overwhelming to figure out how to travel from the resort to the theme parks, shopping areas, and other Orlando area activities, this article is for you!
I know when our family travels to Disney, knowing our transportation options BEFORE we arrive is incredibly comforting.
In this post, you will learn about all the modes of transportation available at the Grand Floridian, so you know EXACTLY how to get around.
8 Transportation Options at Grand Floridian Resort:
Option #1. Take the Monorail
One of the best benefits of staying at the Grand Floridian is the convenient access to the Monorail.
Where is the Monorail located at the Grand Floridian Resort?
Incredibly, there is a boarding station for the Monorail right inside the resort’s lobby. To find the monorail platform, head to the SECOND floor inside the main entrance.
Where can you go on the Monorail from the Grand Floridian?
- Magic Kingdom: This is the most popular destination for guests, and arriving at Magic Kingdom via the Monorail is one of those “Disney Must-Do” things for many people! The best news is that Magic Kingdom is the FIRST stop after you leave Grand Floridian on the monorail, so it only takes a minute or two to get there. You will go through security at the Grand Floridian Monorail Station, meaning you can SKIP the security line at Magic Kingdom!
- Contemporary Resort: The next stop is the Contemporary, where one of my favorite resort attractions is Chef Mickey’s, a buffet restaurant with character dining and a view of the Monorail traveling through the building. You’ll reach the Contemporary about 7-10 minutes after leaving the Grand Floridian.
- Transportation & Ticket Center: This is where you would go if you wanted to go to Epcot using the Monorail. It will take about 12 minutes to arrive from the Grand Floridian.
- Epcot: Take the Resort Monorail line from the Grand Floridian to the Ticket and Transportation Center, then transfer to the Epcot Monorail. The total trip will take about 30 minutes because of the transfer. The view of Epcot from the Monorail is one of the best at Disney World!
- Polynesian Village Resort: This resort is the stop after the Transportation and Ticket Center and right before you make a full circle back to the Grand Floridian. It will take about 15 minutes on the Resort Monorail line to reach.
Option #2: Take the FREE Disney bus!
Did you know Disney World provides FREE bus transportation from the Grand Floridian? Being able to jump on and off these buses is one of the best benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort.
Where can I go from the Grand Floridian by bus?
The Grand Floridian Resort offers DIRECT bus transfers to any of the following places:
- Hollywood Studios: The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes. It is 6.4 miles (10.2 km) away.
- Animal Kingdom: The bus ride is typically between 10-15 minutes. It is 7.1 miles (11.4 km) away.
- Disney Springs: The bus ride is approximately 20 minutes. It is 6.2 miles (9.9 km) away.
Since Epcot and Magic Kingdom are accessible by the monorail at the Grand Floridian, no bus service is provided. You can even WALK to Magic Kingdom. 🙂
In addition, you can get to these locations from the Grand Floridian with ONE bus transfer.
- Blizzard Beach: Take the bus to Animal Kingdom. Then, get off the bus and find the shuttle going directly to Blizzard Beach.
- Typhoon Lagoon: Take the bus to Disney Springs. Then, get off the bus and find the bus going directly to Typhoon Lagoon.
- ANY of the other Disney World Resorts: Do you have dinner reservations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Or do you want to check out the Beach Club for your next vacation? Luckily, it’s EASY to get to any of the other 20+ Disney hotels from the Grand Floridian using the free Disney bus transportation. You only need to take the bus to Disney Springs or the closest theme park. Then get off the shuttle and find the bus that goes directly to the resort you want to visit!
- ESPN Wide World of Sports: Check with the front desk regarding bus transportation here. The schedule and operating hours change depending on what events are being held. If there are no direct buses, you must take a bus to one of the parks and transfer to ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Where are the bus stops at the Grand Floridian Resort?
There is only ONE bus stop at the Grand Floridian, and it’s just a short walk outside the main entrance. When you exit out the front, turn right and follow the walkway until you arrive at the bus stop. The covered bus stop is between the Grand Floridian Convention Center and the resort’s lobby, where you check in.
What is the bus schedule at the Grand Floridian?
When you arrive at the bus stop, you will find a screen showing when the next bus for each destination is expected to arrive.
Bus service typically begins 45 minutes before the parks open and ends 1 hour after they close. 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.
You can expect a bit of a line to board the bus at certain times, such as in the morning as the parks are opening. So, give yourself ample time to get to your destination for a reservation or show. Our family usually leaves our room about an hour before we want to arrive, just to be safe.
Option #3: Take an Uber/Lyft from the Grand Floridian
If you don’t want to ride on or wait for the bus, using a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is easy. Just open the app and select your destination, and you will be matched with a driver within seconds.
Where can an Uber pick me up at the Grand Floridian?
There is plenty of space for your rideshare driver to stop and pick you up outside the main lobby.
You can also visit places OUTSIDE Walt Disney World Resort with a rideshare service.
We have often stayed at a Disney resort but wanted to visit somewhere else for a day or evening. To help save money, we rarely rent a car, so we have to find alternate transportation.
Luckily, rideshares like Uber can easily take you from the Grand Floridian to the following locations:
- Sea World
- Universal Theme Parks
- Downtown Orlando
- Restaurants, parks, etc. Honestly, you can go anywhere you want!
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 from the resorts, I’ve had to wait less than ten minutes to get picked up.
The one-way fare around Walt Disney World averages about $15. In my opinion, if you have limited time to travel somewhere, it is money well spent!
Option #4: Take a TAXI
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.
If you want to take a taxi from the Grand Floridian, 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: Ride in a MINNIE VAN
Disney World has partnered with Lyft to provide MINNIE VANS, which are Minnie Mouse-themed mini-vans!
This option will be more expensive than a regular Lyft vehicle, but there are quite a few added benefits:
- 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.
- They can fit up to SIX people.
- The fare includes up to 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.
How do I get a Minnie Van to pick me up at the Grand Floridian Resort?
To schedule a Minnie Van, choose your destination using the Lyft app. Then, order the Minnie Van to come and pick you up. Although it probably doesn’t make sense for each trip, it’s perfect when time or energy is in short supply.
Option #6. WALK from the Grand Floridian!
Where can I walk from the Grand Floridian?
If you’re staying at the Grand Floridian and you want to walk to another location, you have three options:
Option #1 – Magic Kingdom:
This is the only park within walking distance of the Grand Floridian. It’s a huge advantage to be able to get to Magic Kingdom this way since it’s one of the CLOSEST resorts to the park.
A paved pathway goes around the western side of Seven Seas Lagoon. While at the resort, keep walking north until you find the path. You will also find plenty of signs around the Grand Floridian pointing you in the correct direction. And if you get confused, just follow the monorail!
One of my favorite things about this walk is how your excitement builds as you get closer and closer to Cinderella’s Castle!
The distance is only 0.8 mi (1.3 km), so it’s a short and easy walk even for small kids. It should take about 15 minutes at a moderate pace.
Option #2 – The Contemporary:
If you continue past Magic Kingdom, the walking path will take you to the Contemporary. Although it’s a relatively easy walk, it takes about a half hour from the Grand Floridian. But if you have some time and want to enjoy the sights along the way, it’s a fun way to get to this resort!
Option #3 – Polynesian Village Resort:
If you have a dining reservation at the Polynesian or want to check out the famous over-water bungalows, I highly recommend using the walking path. It takes you in the opposite direction to Magic Kingdom along the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s a beautiful walk and short enough that you should be able to get there within 15 minutes!
Option #7. Take a boat
Where can a boat take me from the Grand Floridian?
The water taxis at the Grand Floridian will take you to two locations.
Stop #1 – Polynesian Village Resort:
This is the first stop after the Grand Floridian; it takes about 10 minutes to get there. You’ll see the front of both resorts and views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Stop #2 – Magic Kingdom:
After stopping at the Polynesian, the water taxi continues to Magic Kingdom. You will be dropped off at the front of the park about 20 minutes after you leave the Grand Floridian. Remember that when you leave Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian will be the FIRST stop, so the trip is much shorter. 🙂
Where is the boat dock located at the Grand Floridian?
The water launch dock is at the northern end of the resort, in the same direction as Magic Kingdom. There are signs posted that will help point you in the correct direction.
Option #8: Drive yourself!
Getting in your car and driving yourself is an often overlooked way to travel from the Grand Floridian to other Orlando locations. Driving around Disney World and the surrounding area is pretty easy. The hardest part is usually navigating the traffic!
One benefit of driving yourself is that the parking at Disney Springs, theme parks, and water parks is FREE! Unfortunately, many guests don’t realize (or forget) that if you stay at a Disney World Resort, parking does not cost anything. Free parking is an incredible benefit of staying at the Grand Floridian, as parking costs a minimum of $25 per day at each park.
In addition, you have the convenience of being able to go anywhere you want in Orlando without waiting for outside transportation. We often spend a day or two at another location, like the beach or Sea World, and having your own car really helps! 🙂
Can I walk from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to the theme parks or other resorts?
You call to Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, and the Polynesian Resort from the Grand Floridian.
If you want to go to the other theme parks, water parks, or resorts, you MUST use another form of transportation.
Does the Disney Skyliner stop at the Grand Floridian?
No, there is no Skyliner boarding station at the Grand Floridian. If you want access to the Skyliner from your resort, you should stay at Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort, Pop Century, or Art of Animation.
Can I take the Disney Monorail from the Grand Floridian?
YES! There is a monorail station at the Grand Floridian’s main building. See option #1 above for more information.
Do Disney Buses travel to every park from the Grand Floridian?
No. Because there are other transportation options at the Grand Floridian, bus service is not available to Magic Kingdom or Epcot. You can take a bus from the Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs.
What is your favorite transportation option while staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort?
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