GWP Guide: Navigating Walt Disney World®

Visiting Disney World for the first time? It can be overwhelming due to its size. With four theme parks and two water parks, it's truly a vast and magical experience.

If you haven't been to Walt Disney World®, don't worry! We're here to help you make the most of your visit. This guide will cover everything from transportation to entertainment and accessibility at the parks. Enjoy your Disney adventure!

Walt Disney World® at a Glance

Walt Disney World® truly has it all. Spanning 25,000 acres, it has four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom©, along with two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon© and Blizzard Beach.

With seasonal shows, events, and 173 rides, it offers an unforgettable experience for Disney fans of all ages.

Going to Walt Disney World®

There are several ways to travel to Walt Disney World®. Here are the top three transportation options:

Plane

Orlando boasts more than 600 daily flights serviced by over 20 airlines. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest airport to Walt Disney World®, situated a mere 20-minute drive away.

Car Rental

To fully enjoy the WDW experience, renting a car is the best option. You can use it to travel to Walt Disney World® or run errands before your trip.

Rideshare Services

Rideshare services may be the ultimate transportation choice for your journey to Disney World. They allow you to skip the stress of driving and the expense of parking, making your visit much more enjoyable.

Disney World Operating Hours

Walt Disney World® park hours change by season. Check the WDW website for early closings or extended hours. May 2025 hours for each park:

• Magic Kingdom: 9AM-10PM
• EPCOT: 9AM-9PM
• Hollywood Studios: 9AM-9PM
• Animal Kingdom: 8AM-6PM
• Blizzard Beach: 10AM-5PM
• Typhoon Lagoon: 10AM-5PM

Exploring Disney World

Concerned about sore toes and painful legs from walking? Disney World treats guests like VIPs, providing excellent transportation options to help you get around the parks easily.

Walt Disney World® Bus Service

Complimentary

Buses are the most convenient way to explore Walt Disney World®. The complimentary service features charging stations, improved accessibility, and a new and more colorful appearance.

The new bus wraps with beloved Disney characters from Zootopia, Ratatouille, and 101 Dalmatians will delight all guests.

Spot WDW Buses at:

Near park entrances, Town Center entrance of Disney Springs, and near the main lobbies of resorts.

Monorail

Complimentary

For an old-school Disney vibe, the monorail is ideal. It provides access to key WDW locations through three lines. Key monorail stops include:

• Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
• Magic Kingdom©
• EPCOT©
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney Skyliner

Complimentary

Enjoy stunning views of WDW attractions with the Disney Skyliner, the newest free transportation option. These aerial gondolas connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios© and the International Gateway at EPCOT® to several Disney Resort hotels.

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Where is it located?

The Disney Skyliner Station is located at International Gateway at EPCOT©, near Disney’s BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn.

Water Taxis and Ferryboats

Complimentary

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride at Walt Disney World®! Experience unique water transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, EPCOT®, and across the resort.

Minnie Van Service

Payment through Lyft App

The Minnie Van Service offers an exclusive way to navigate Disney World with stylish vehicles adorned in Minnie Mouse polka dots and various amenities.

• Seating for 5 people
• Disney cast members as operators/drivers
• One complimentary car seat
• 2 designated spaces for mobility devices

One of the five passengers can use the complimentary seat. An accessible Minnie Van can hold up to 7 passengers.

Accessibility Services at Walt Disney World®

A simple guide to accessibility services at Walt Disney World® for a comfortable first visit.

Dining

The resort offers over 200 dining options, including restaurants and snack bars, to satisfy your cravings. Be sure to visit these dining spots at each WDW park:

Magic Kingdom©

• Be Our Guest Restaurant (table service)
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (quick service)
• The Plaza Restaurant (table service)

EPCOT©

• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (table service)
• Le Cellier Steakhouse (table service)
• Sunshine Seasons (quick service)

EPCOT©’s newest bar and lounge, Geo-82, opens this June at the Spaceship Earth. Reserve now for a luxurious Disney dining experience.

Hollywood Studios

• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (table service)
• 50's Prime Time Cafe (table service)
• Woody's Lunch Box (quick service)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom©

• Tiffins Restaurant (table service)
• Flame Tree Barbecue (quick service)
• Satu'li Canteen (quick service)

Parking

Both complimentary and paid parking/valet parking are available at Walt Disney World®.

Theme Parks

Guests need to purchase just one parking pass that grants all-day access to all four theme parks at Walt Disney World®: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom©.

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney Resort Hotels guests enjoy complimentary self-parking, including standard and overnight options. Guests at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort also receive free standard parking.

Valet parking is available at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

Guests with Disabilities

WDW offers designated parking spaces specifically for guests with disabilities across the entire area.

Restrooms

Walt Disney World® has many restrooms across its parks and attractions, most of which have baby changing stations and adult changing tables.

Disney World offers companion restrooms and facilities stocked with menstrual and incontinence products. Here’s a guide to each attraction, including the number of available restrooms.

• Magic Kingdom: 23
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom©: 21
• EPCOT©: 27
• Hollywood Studios: 25
• Typhoon Lagoon©: 7
• Blizzard Beach: 5
• Disney Springs: 14
• ESPN Wide World of Sports: 35

**Restroom facilities at table service restaurants and pre-entrance are excluded.**

Wheelchair & ECV Rentals

Wheelchairs are available for guests needing mobility assistance on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the parks.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios©: 1
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Theme Park: 1
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Resort Area: 1
• EPCOT©: 2
• Disney Springs Resort Area: 2
• Magic Kingdom© Park: 1

Electronic Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis. You will find two ECV rental stations at EPCOT® and the Disney Springs Resort Area, with one station available at each of the other parks.

First Aid

Nurses and first aid stations are readily accessible for guests requiring over-the-counter medication and medical assistance. If you're feeling unwell, please visit one of the first aid stations located in the following areas:

• Disney Springs Resort Area
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios©
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Resort Area
• EPCOT©
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Theme Park
• Magic Kingdom© Park

Make your first Walt Disney World® visit worth it.

Book your flights, get your park tickets, pack your bags, and get ready for Disney World, where you can enjoy countless rides and attractions filled with fun and magic.

TThis guide will help make your first WDW experience comfortable and magical. You can enjoy Disney without overspending. Make sure to get your discounted Walt Disney World® tickets for more savings and more fun.

Wishing you an unforgettable first visit to Disney World, everyone!