Your guide to hotels near Disney World with a shuttle

There’s nothing quite like the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, that leaves children and adults smiling from ear to ear. When planning your trip, one key detail that can make or break the experience is transportation. Whether you’re visiting all four parks in a day or heading to Disney Springs, getting there efficiently matters. Staying at hotels near Disney World that offer shuttle services helps avoid traffic, parking fees and general hassle – while also being more environmentally friendly.

Fortunately, both Disney-owned and nearby hotels in Orlando offer convenient shuttle services. However, not all shuttles operate in the same manner. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a season pass-holder, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know – from convenience and cost-saving tips to what to expect and how to choose the right hotel for your family.

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is no ordinary theme park. Spanning over 110 square kilometres (27,520 acres), it’s the size of a small city. Staying at a hotel that offers free shuttle transport is highly advisable, especially since driving can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. Disney excels in park transport, offering free shuttle buses, boats, monorails and gondolas between parks and resorts.

However, not all hotel shuttles operate in the same way and finding a reliable service can make or break your day at the parks. Choosing the right hotel with a shuttle to Disney World involves more than just checking the price and location. To make the most of your holiday, it’s essential to understand shuttle schedules, access rules and actual proximity to the parks.

1. Shuttle timetable and frequency

Getting the most out of your Disney World holiday begins with mastering the shuttle schedule. Disney hotels offer free shuttles every 15–25 minutes. Many non-Disney hotels providing shuttle services usually follow a fixed timetable, with fewer trips that may also require a reservation. Always check the hotel’s shuttle timetable and policies when booking. A well-timed shuttle can reduce wait times, allowing you to spend more time in the parks.

2. Reservation requirements

While Disney-owned hotels do not require shuttle reservations, some off-site or non-Disney hotels do. Most non-Disney hotels ask you to book your shuttle spot in advance. Some request reservations the night before, while others handle shuttle sign-ups at reception. Shuttle capacity can be limited, so always check the policy before your stay to prevent last-minute surprises.

3. Distance to Disney parks

Distance matters more than you might think. Many hotels claim to be ‘near Disney’ but actual travel times can vary – anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes – depending on which park you're visiting and local traffic conditions. Magic Kingdom is often the furthest from off-site hotels, while Disney Springs might be within walking distance.

Tip: traffic can be heavy during peak times. A hotel with shuttle access to Disney’s dedicated bus lanes might be faster than one that’s technically closer but stuck in traffic.

4. The difference between Disney and non-Disney hotel shuttles

Disney-owned hotels provide frequent, complimentary transport via the Disney transport system, which includes buses, monorails, boats and the Skyliner gondola, operating continuously throughout the day and into the evening. These services are fully integrated, providing seamless access between parks and resorts. Staying at a Disney hotel comes with added perks beyond its location, including early theme park entry for example.

Staying at nearby non-Disney hotels in Orlando also offers benefits, including complimentary shuttle service to the parks and Disney Springs. The shuttles run less frequently and have fixed pick-up times, which simply needs a bit more planning. Some shuttles might only drop guests off at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), meaning an extra transfer may be necessary, but not in all cases.

That said, all Disney World guests can utilise the free Disney transportation system regardless of where they’re staying – making it easy to explore the parks and resorts during your stay at the most magical place on earth.

1. Non-Disney hotel shuttles typically run less frequently and may include multiple stops.

2. Always check the walking distance from the shuttle drop-off point to the park entrance, especially for Magic Kingdom, where an extra transfer is often necessary.

3. Remember to check the times for early park openings and evening shows, as shuttles may not align with extended hours.

4. Even if you’re staying off-site, you can still use Disney’s free transportation network, which includes buses, monorails, boats and the Skyliner (gondola system).

5. Some hotels require reservations for their shuttle service – check in advance.

6. Allow extra travel time during peak periods or holidays.

7. Rideshares or taxis can be a useful alternative when shuttle timetables don’t fit your plans.

8. Most non-Disney hotel shuttles drop off passengers at the Ticket and Transportation Center for the Magic Kingdom, rather than directly at the gate.

9. Use the My Disney Experience app to view real-time transport updates and shuttle wait times.

For the smoothest park access, nothing beats staying at an official Disney resort. With immersive themes, family-friendly amenities and prime locations, Disney excels in delivering a magical Disney experience. Disney hotels are categorised into three tiers – Value, Moderate and Deluxe – to suit every budget. All Disney hotels in Orlando offer direct access to the Disney transportation system, ensuring easy travel to all four parks, water parks and Disney Springs.

Hotels closest to Magic Kingdom

1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Magical in every way, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a family favourite for convenience and amenities, as it’s the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom. Kids are also sure to love the monorail soaring through the dining area.

You can do any of the following:

• Walk or Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
• Monorail to TTC and transfer to EPCOT.
• Boat to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.
• Catch buses to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and the water parks.

2. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Featuring a lush, tropical South Pacific atmosphere with vibrant colours, waterfalls and Polynesian-inspired architecture, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is iconic.

You can do any of the following:

• Boat, walk or Monorail to Magic Kingdom or Grand Floridian.
• Monorail to EPCOT from the Transportation and Ticket Centre.
• Walk or Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Centre.
• Catch buses to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs or the water parks.

Hotels closest to EPCOT

3. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Located on the water, the charming Boardwalk Inn is a Deluxe resort designed with a turn-of-the-century boardwalk theme where all the action happens. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, restaurants, shops, street performers and midway games.

From the Boardwalk, you can:

• Walk to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Boat to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or the surrounding Resorts.
• Walk to EPCOT and take the Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort, Pop Century or Art of Animation.
• Catch buses to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs or water parks.

Hotels closest to Hollywood Studios

4. Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Ideal for families, the Art of Animation Resort features immersive themes based on Disney films, offering regular buses and access to the Disney Skyliner, which provides quick and scenic transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

You can do any of the following:

• Skyliner service to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Caribbean Beach and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
• Walk between the Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts.
• Catch a bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and water parks.

Hotels closest to Disney Springs:

5. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Situated near Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers a convenient bus service to all the parks and easy access to walking paths for dining and shopping.

6. Disney's Port Orleans Resorts

Disney's Port Orleans Resorts provides New Orleans-themed boat transportation to Disney Springs and offers buses to all parks.

Hotels closest to Animal Kingdom

All Disney hotels in the Animal Kingdom area offer only bus shuttle service as the complimentary transportation option from the resorts to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). Note that a transfer is usually required for the water parks.

7. Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

Animal lovers will enjoy the Kidani Village resort near Animal Kingdom, offering complimentary bus transportation to all Disney parks. It's especially convenient for early morning visits to Animal Kingdom.

1. Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin

Although not owned by Disney, Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin are sister hotels situated on Disney property and share Disney’s transportation services. Both Marriott-owned hotels provide a free shuttle every 25 minutes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and Magic Kingdom, along with boat services to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

2. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs® Area

With many thoughtful amenities, including a spa, arcade, pools, business centre and sports courts, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista  provides a daily scheduled shuttle service to all Disney parks and is within walking distance of Disney Springs. Reservations are necessary.

3. Renaissance Orlando Resort

Located in the Disney Springs area, Renaissance Orlando Resort offers family-friendly amenities and complimentary shuttles to all Walt Disney World parks (via the Transportation Centre) and Disney Springs, which operate every 30 minutes. Reservations are required. 

4. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Four Seasons Resort Orlando delivers all the Disney magic right to your doorstep. Enjoy upscale dining, a spa, a golf course, kids’ camp and a 5-acre water park with a lazy river. A complimentary shuttle service is available via a motorcoach to the Magic Kingdom (transfer from the Ticket and Transportation Centre), EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Guests can also enjoy early park entry.

5. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

Located within the Walt Disney World Resort, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace features a fitness centre, a spa, three pools, a lazy river with poolside cabanas and breathtaking views of the Disney Springs area. You can enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to all four Disney parks, departing every 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and destination.

6. Signia by Hilton Orlando 

Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, Signia by Hilton Orlando features a championship golf course, a fitness centre, a spa and a 3-acre lazy river pool with a water slide and cabanas. Guests enjoy early park entry and complimentary shuttle service via a motorcoach to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, which run continuously.

7. Caribe Royale Orlando

Caribe Royale Orlando features an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, playground and a games room for all guests to enjoy. The shuttle bus service provides scheduled transportation to Disney parks and Disney Springs, with reservations at designated times, which is included in the daily resort fee.

Booking a hotel near Disney World with a shuttle service can make your Orlando holiday more convenient and budget-friendly. Whether you choose a Disney-owned resort or a nearby non-Disney hotel with shuttle service, taking advantage of shared transport will help create a smoother and more enjoyable experience. And with a bit of preparation, your hotel can be the perfect launchpad for a magical adventure – leaving you more time to enjoy the fun at Disney. ‘See ya real soon’!

Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our company.