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Your Comprehensive Guide: How to Get to Disney Springs

So, you’re heading to the dazzling spectacle that is Disney Springs, the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment at Walt Disney World? Excellent choice! Getting there is surprisingly straightforward, but navigating the options can feel a bit like maneuvering through Space Mountain during peak season. Fear not! This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of all your transportation possibilities, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

How to Get to Disney Springs:

The most common and convenient ways to reach Disney Springs are:

Disney Bus Transportation: This is the free and primary transportation method for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Buses run regularly from all Disney hotels directly to Disney Springs. The frequency varies, but you can generally expect a bus every 20 minutes or so. Check the My Disney Experience app for real-time arrival information and potential service updates.
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): A readily available option, especially if you’re coming from off-property hotels, vacation homes, or other Orlando-area locations. Simply use your Uber or Lyft app to request a ride to the designated Disney Springs drop-off/pick-up area.
Personal Vehicle (Car/Rental Car): If you’re driving yourself, Disney Springs offers free self-parking in its surface lots and garages. Keep an eye out for signage directing you to available parking spaces. During peak seasons, parking can fill up quickly, so arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
Disney Water Transportation (Boat): Some Disney Resort hotels, like Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, and Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter & Riverside), offer scenic boat transportation directly to Disney Springs. This is a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel, adding an extra touch of Disney magic to your journey.
Walkway: If you are staying at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa you can walk from the hotel to Disney Springs. The walk is enjoyable and scenic and can be a good option on days with busy transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Getting to Disney Springs

Let’s dive deeper into some common questions guests have about navigating their way to Disney Springs:

1. Is Transportation to Disney Springs Free?

Yes and no. Disney Bus Transportation and Water Transportation are completely free for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. However, using ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) or driving your own car will involve costs. Ride-sharing will have varying costs based on distance and time of day, and driving incurs expenses related to gas or rental car fees. Parking at Disney Springs is free and will not add to the cost.

2. How Often Do the Disney Buses Run to Disney Springs?

The frequency of Disney buses to Disney Springs varies depending on the time of day and the season. Generally, you can expect a bus every 20 minutes or so. During peak times (like evenings and weekends), buses may run more frequently. Always check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and real-time arrival information. The app will give you a much better idea of the wait times.

3. Where is the Uber/Lyft Drop-Off/Pick-Up Location at Disney Springs?

Disney Springs has a designated drop-off and pick-up area for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. This area is usually well-marked and easy to find, typically located near the Marketplace entrance. Check your ride-sharing app for specific instructions and any temporary changes to the location. It is usually near the Lime Parking Garage.

4. Is There a Fee for Parking at Disney Springs?

No, parking at Disney Springs is free. You can park your car in any of the designated surface lots or parking garages without incurring any charges. However, during peak seasons, parking can become congested, so arriving early or using alternative transportation methods is advisable.

5. Which Hotels Offer Boat Transportation to Disney Springs?

The following Disney Resort hotels offer boat transportation to Disney Springs:

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Old Key West Resort
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This is a particularly charming and relaxed way to travel, avoiding the potential crowds of the buses.

6. Can I Walk to Disney Springs From Any Hotels?

The only hotel with a designated walking path to Disney Springs is Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The distance will vary depending on which section of the resort you’re staying in, but it’s generally a pleasant walk. Other resorts do not offer direct walking paths to Disney Springs.

7. What if I’m Coming From Another Theme Park?

Getting from another Disney theme park to Disney Springs can be done via bus transportation. Buses run directly from each of the four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) to Disney Springs. This can be a convenient option, especially if you’re park-hopping. If you are park-hopping and using a car, consider driving and parking at the park you will be using last.

8. Are There Any Special Transportation Options for Guests With Disabilities?

Yes, Disney provides accessible transportation options for guests with disabilities. Disney buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and watercraft are also accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s best to inform a Disney Cast Member at your resort or at the bus stop, and they will assist you in finding the most suitable transportation option.

9. How Can I Check Bus Arrival Times in Real-Time?

The My Disney Experience app is your best friend for tracking bus arrival times. The app provides real-time information on bus schedules and estimated arrival times, allowing you to plan your journey efficiently. This is crucial, especially during peak seasons when wait times can fluctuate.

10. What Time Does Transportation to Disney Springs Start and End?

The operating hours of Disney transportation to Disney Springs vary depending on the time of year and Disney Springs’ operating hours. Generally, buses start running about 45 minutes before Disney Springs opens and continue until approximately one hour after it closes. Check the My Disney Experience app for the most accurate and up-to-date information on transportation schedules.

11. Is There Transportation From Disney Springs to the Water Parks?

Unfortunately, there is no direct bus transportation from Disney Springs to either of the Disney Water Parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). You’ll need to take a bus from Disney Springs to a Disney Resort hotel and then transfer to a bus heading to the water park. This is a less direct route, so plan accordingly. Ride-sharing can make this trip easier.

12. Can I Take the Monorail to Disney Springs?

No, the Monorail does not go to Disney Springs. The Monorail system primarily serves the Magic Kingdom and select resort hotels located along the Monorail loop (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian). You can only take the bus, boat or car to get to Disney Springs.