Easy Guide to the Walt Disney World Monorail System
Walt Disney World monorails carry 50 million passengers a year, service 3 Walt Disney World hotels, two Disney theme parks and operate on 15 miles of track.
Oh and it’s the busiest monorail system in the world! Disney World monorails are also convenient, fast and fun to ride!
Here are a few tips and frequently asked questions about using the Walt Disney World monorails.
Monorails pass right through the lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Where do the Disney World monorails go?
The monorails begin their routes at a central terminal known as the Ticket and Transportation Center. You can get to all destinations from this station. This is also where the Magic Kingdom parking lot is located.
There are three Disney monorail lines.
Resort Monorail with service to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Express Monorail offers direct service between the Ticket and Transportation Center and Magic Kingdom Park (does not stop at hotels).
Epcot Monorail offers direct service between the Ticket and Transportation Center and Epcot.
Which Disney World hotels are on the monorail?
There are three Deluxe Resorts that offer monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot:
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Monorail Red passing through Epcot
How do I get from Magic Kingdom to Epcot by monorail?
Take the Express Monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center. Here you’ll transfer to the Epcot line. There are signs directing you where to go at each station. Cast Members are also available to assist.
What are the Disney World monorail hours of operation?
The Walt Disney World Monorail System operating times vary, depending on expected crowd levels and park hours. Typically monorails will start running 30 minutes prior to the earliest park opening until one hour after the latest park closing. I would not rely on the monorails to make an early morning dining reservation, consider driving or using Uber or Lyft.
Can I bring a stroller/wheelchair/scooter on the Disney World monorails?
Yes, and in most cases, strollers do not need to be folded. This is very convenient if your little one is sleeping in the stroller! A Cast Member will assist you in boarding the monorail if you have a medical stroller, wheelchair, or scooter.
Monorail Silver on the Epcot line
Is it free to ride the monorail?
There is no charge nor is a ticket required to ride the Walt Disney World monorails.
How often do the monorails arrive at the resort stations?
Monorails arrive every 5-8 minutes.
How long does it take to get to the Magic Kingdom by monorail?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort - about 20 minutes. Even though Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to Magic Kingdom, the monorail has to make a full run from this point. Consider walking to the Magic Kingdom, it takes less than 10 minutes. On your way back to the hotel, take the monorail, you’ll be the first stop.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort - about 10 minutes.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort - about 3 minutes. When leaving Magic Kingdom, consider walking back instead, it could be faster. If you board the monorail at Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian will be the last stop.
Which is the most convenient hotel at Walt Disney world?
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the most convenient because you have easy access to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot by monorail. To board from Epcot monorail from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, simply walk to the nearby Ticket and Transportation Center station. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian are also convenient to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but you’ll need to take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and transfer.
I’m worried about getting lost. will there be anyone to help me?
Yes, Cast Members are present at each station. Keep in mind this is not the New York City Subway System by any means. If at any time you feel lost or unsure of the route, there are Disney employees at each station who are happy to assist you. Disney does a great job with directional signage at each station. These are not commuter lines, the Walt Disney World Monorail System was built for visitors.
If you have a specific question about using the Walt Disney World monorail, feel free to contact me.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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