Ready for a road trip?
While Disney offers complimentary transportation to and around Walt Disney World® Resort, sometimes it’s in your best interest to get around in your own vehicle. If that’s the case for your family, here is my guide to navigating Disney World by car.
Should you drive or fly to Disney World?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not you should drive to Disney World:
- How far would the drive be?
- What is your budget?
- Can everyone fit in the car comfortably or would you need to rent a larger one?
- How long do you have for travel?
- Will you be able to fit all your luggage?
If budget will be your deciding factor, keep in mind the following expenses: gas, snacks/meals, and hotels (if the drive will be longer than 8 hours). Remember that flying will have extra expenses too, such as airport parking and baggage fees.
Family road trips can be a lot of fun and add to the memories. Having a car gives you flexibility in your plans and schedule. Plus, you won’t need to worry about coordinating transportation if you want to visit an attraction outside of Disney.
On the other hand, flying saves time and pressure on the driver. And with airlines offering discounted fares you may find a better deal than you think.
The answer really depends on your location and budget, so research both options before making a decision. No matter how you get there, Disney World will be just as much fun!
Should you rent a car?
The other half of the car debate is whether or not you should rent a car if you choose to fly.
If you’re flying into Orlando Internal Airport and you’re staying at a Disney Resort you have the option of using Disney’s Magical Express shuttle service. It is complimentary and is arranged before you arrive to bring you to/from your resort. If you’re not staying on-property, you can see if your hotel offers airport shuttle service (some are free, some are not). Otherwise, you’ll need to either rent a car or get a taxi/Uber.
If you’re flying into another airport, such as Orlando Sanford International Airport, you still have a couple of options. You can arrange for private transportation from the airport to your hotel (Disney or non-Disney) or you can rent a car here as well.
Here are some of the pros and cons about renting a car:
Pros:
- More flexibility, especially if you’re planning to explore more of Orlando
- You’re on your own schedule
- You don’t have to wait in lines to board any buses or shuttles
- You can store supplies in your car while at the parks
Cons:
- Rental cars can cost several hundred dollars for the week
- You have to allow time to find a parking spot
- You’ll have to pay for parking at Walt Disney World (unless you are a Disney Resort guest)
- You’ll have to make time for gas stops during your trip
So again, the answer is: it depends.
Directions to Walt Disney World® Resort
Here are some basic directions to get to Disney World. I love using Google Maps whenever we’re traveling, as it offers traffic detours and updated navigation.
From the Airport
From Orlando International Airport: Take OIA South exit (FL 417S – Toll) to Osceola Parkway West (Exit 3) to Walt Disney World exits.
From Orlando-Sanford Airport: Take Lake Mary Blvd West to FL 417 South to Osceola Parkway West to Walt Disney World exits.
From the Interstate
From Interstate 95: U.S. Highway 1 or southbound on Florida’s Turnpike: Take I-4 West to Walt Disney World exits.
From Southbound Interstate 75: Take Florida’s Turnpike South to Interstate 4 West to Walt Disney World exits.
From Other Florida Locations
From Northwest Florida: Take I-75 South to Florida’s Turnpike South (Exit 328) to I-4 West (Exit 259) to Walt Disney World exits.
From Northeast Florida: Take I-95 South to I-4 West (Exit 260B) to Walt Disney World exits.
From Daytona: Take I-4 West to Walt Disney World exits.
From Tampa: Take I-4 East to Walt Disney World exits.
From Miami or Ft. Lauderdale: Take Florida’s Turnpike North to Osceola Parkway West (Exit 249) to Walt Disney World exits.
Getting Around Walt Disney World by Car
Navigating the Resort
Did you know that Walt Disney World spans 40 square miles? That’s almost as large as San Francisco!
Before you go, take a look at this interactive map of Walt Disney World Resort. Find each of the theme parks you’ll be visiting, Disney Springs, and your resort (if applicable). Learn the main roads that travel through the resort:
- World Drive
- Epcot Center Drive
- E Buena Vista Drive
- Osceola Parkway
Take some time to get familiar with the layout before you start driving around. Make sure you know which area of the resort your hotel is in (if you’re staying on-property) or which side of the resort your hotel is on (if you’re off-site). This will help you immensely when you’re trying to navigate road signs. Here are the areas:
- Magic Kingdom Resort Area
- Epcot Resort Area
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
- Disney Springs Resort Area
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Keep in mind that Google Maps is great for getting you to Disney World, but not so great at navigating the resort once you’re there (I think the Evil Queen cast a spell on it). It can really throw you off when trying to get to the Transportation & Ticket Center, so follow the resort signs instead.
If you’re not familiar with the area, ask a Cast Member at your resort for directions. Trust me, you won’t be the first to ask how to get to Magic Kingdom.
You can pull up a map of Walt Disney World on your phone using the My Disney Experience app. Follow the signs to the park of your choice.
Timing Your Travel
Always overestimate the time it will take you to get to your destination. Allow time for rerouting, traffic, parking, traveling to the park entrance, and getting through security.
Check Google Maps before you go for an estimate of the travel time to your destination. Keep in mind that World Drive will be very crowded in the mornings.
Plan extra time if you’ll be using the Transportation & Ticket Center (T&TC) to get to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot, as you will need to take the monorail or ferry from there to get the parks themselves.
Here is a table I put together showing the average travel times by car:
*Allow additional time for T&TC monorail or ferry
**Faster routes available by walking
When driving, I like to leave at least my resort at least an hour before park opening, plus another 15-30 minutes if I’ll be going through the TT&C. This way I know I’ll be ready to go at “rope drop”.
Don’t forget to factor in travel time when park hopping too!
Parking
Each theme park has its own parking lot, except for Magic Kingdom. Here you will park at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take a monorail or ferry to the park entrance (you can also do this for Epcot, but it has its own lot too).
The parking fees are as follows:
- Standard Parking: $20/day
- Preferred Parking: $35/day
- Shuttle/Limo/RV/Trailer/Camper: $22/day
- Bus/Tractor Trailer: $25/day
Keep your receipt in case you decide to leave and return or hop to another park; you only need to pay once per day.
Parking at the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, is complimentary.
Parking at Disney Springs is free. There are two parking garages open currently: the Orange Garage and the Lime Garage. Valet parking is also available for $20.
There is no fee to park at any Disney Resort. However, in most circumstances you’ll need to be a guest of that resort or have a dining reservation in order to access the parking lot (if you just want to explore the resort, it can be easier to take Disney Transportation). Valet parking is available at the Deluxe Resorts for $25/day.
Disney Resort guests receive complimentary parking at all Disney resorts and theme parks. When you check in you’ll receive a white slip of paper with a bar code on it. This will be shown and/or scanned when you enter a parking lot.
Annual Passholders receive complimentary Standard Parking at the theme parks.
When should you use the Disney Resort Transportation System?
When to Use Disney Transportation
Even if you have a car with you, there are a few situations where it may be easier to use the Disney Transportation if you are a Disney Resort guest.
If you’re staying in one of the monorail resorts (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort) it will always be faster to take the monorail to the T&TC and then transfer to Magic Kingdom than to drive to Magic Kingdom yourself. It will typically be faster to get to Epcot this way too.
Several resorts are within walking distance from a theme park. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are within 5-15 minutes of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is only a 5 minute walk from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom.
If you’re planning on spending the evening relaxing with a few drinks, leave the car at your resort and take the Disney Transportation instead. This way no one needs to draw straws to be the Designated Driver.
If you’re not comfortable navigating the resort (or you just keep getting lost), take the bus so you don’t need to stress about finding your way.
Finally, if you’re hopping between Magic Kingdom and Epcot, or between Hollywood Studios and Epcot, use the monorail or boats instead of a car.
When to Drive Yourself
That being said, there are a few situations where you will be better off driving yourself.
If you are traveling with a child under the age of 1, especially if they are using a stroller with the car seat attached, it’s easier to drive. This is because you need to fold up your stroller to board the Disney Resort buses, and that can be tricky with larger strollers.
If you are traveling from resort to resort, let’s say for dining reservations or a spa appointment, it is easier to drive. This is because there is no Disney bus service that goes between resorts.
If you plan on hopping over to Disney Springs for lunch mid-day, take your car. Disney Transportation only goes from the theme parks to Disney Springs in the evening.
Driving will typically save you time, as long as you know where you are going. So if you are trying to make reservations with a narrow window, driving yourself is most likely the better choice.
Car Care at Disney World
Gas Stations
There are three Speedway gas stations located on Disney property. They are located here:
- On World Drive, en route to Magic Kingdom
- On Buena Vista Drive, between Epcot and Hollywood Studios
- On Buena Vista Drive, by Disney Springs
The convenience stores are a great place to pick up some milk or snacks if you are preparing breakfast in your room before you head to the parks.
Disney Car Care Center
The Car Care Center, located at 1000 West Car Care Drive, offers car rentals, roadside assistance, and repair services. It is adjacent to the Speedway and near Magic Kingdom. Complimentary transportation is offered from the Car Care Center to the Transportation & Ticket Center.
You will find rental services through Alamo Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental. You can arrange to pick up a rental car from the Car Care Center and drop it off at the airport if you will only need it for part of your trip.
If your car breaks down anywhere on property, call (407) 824-0976 for the mobile service unit, Car Care One. They will assist you with inflating a flat tire, a battery jump start, fuel assistance, or even winching you out of the mud. They also offer complimentary towing to the Car Care Center, or to a local destination within 3 miles of the resort if the center is closed.
Roadside assistance is available up to one hour after park closing. If you need assistance after this time, reach out to a member of the Disney security team.
The Car Care Center also includes a full-service repair shop, open 7-7 on Monday-Friday, 7-4 on Saturday, and 7-3 on Sunday.
No one likes a flat tire, but Disney Cast Members will work their magic to make sure your trip goes on smoothly.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of the tricks I’ve learned in my experience visiting the Disney parks by car:
- Keep the following spare supplies in your car: phone chargers, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, towels, a change of clothes and jacket for each person, and baby wipes.
- Each lane in the parking lot is marked with a number. Take a photo of your parking spot and the number/signs so you won’t have to worry about remembering it at the end of the day.
- The easiest way to get to the Transportation & Ticket Center is via World Drive.
- Get your car inspected before embarking on any long road trip.
- When in doubt, ask for directions. No one wants to drive around in circles when they should be riding Space Mountain.
- It is better to arrive early than to feel rushed. It’s your vacation, after all!
The magic is always waiting for you at Walt Disney World Resort. How will you get there?
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, 1-on-1 concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
