Your guide to one-of-a-kind ways to get around Orlando, including the Disney Skyliner at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (pictured; photo by David Roark & © Disney).
Thanks to rental cars, shuttles, buses, trains, taxis and ride-share services, you’ll have no trouble getting around Orlando after you’ve arrived — but why settle for standard transportation when aerial gondolas, magic trains, anthropomorphic trolleys and more are waiting to whisk you away to your next adventure? From the theme parks to International Drive and other places around town, here’s your ticket to some of the most unique ways to travel between unforgettable experiences in Orlando!
Unique Transportation at Walt Disney World® Resort
Disney Skyliner
Add an extra dash of pixie dust to your next visit to Walt Disney World® Resort by getting a lift from the all-new Disney Skyliner! This grand, state-of-the-art, aerial gondola system connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and the International Gateway at EPCOT® to four Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort. What’s more, you don’t have to be a guest of those resorts to take advantage of this innovative service!
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For an extra touch of enchantment, many gondolas feature iconic Disney Characters, including those from popular attractions and movies. But regardless of your gondola’s décor, you can soak up stunning views as you wind your way through Walt Disney World Resort.
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Speaking of which, keep in mind that numerous Disney Skyliner destinations are adjacent to dining and entertainment at other locations, such as Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Airborne tasting tour, anyone?
Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail Transportation
Walt Disney World Resort’s first out-of-this-world transportation method is still one of Orlando’s best — and arguably the most iconic! Designed to be the “public transport of the future,” the Monorail system actually consists of three separate lines.
The first of the three, the Resort Monorail, stops at Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort (including a stunning journey through the property), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Also connecting to the TTC, the EPCOT Monorail provides service to its namesake park, while the Express Monorail connects to Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney World® Resort Water Transportation
In addition to unique transportation by elevated rail and through the air, Walt Disney World Resort offers multiple options over water. For instance, you can travel to and from Magic Kingdom Park via ferryboat from the TTC and by water launches from numerous on-property hotels. EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs® also have water transportation to and from select onsite resorts. Ships ahoy!
Unique Transportation at Universal Orlando Resort
Hogwarts™ Express
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort is so big, so immersive and so wondrous that it takes two theme parks to contain it. Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on Muggle™ transportation to travel between Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade™ at Universal Islands of Adventure. Instead, just catch a ride on the Hogwarts™ Express!
With a Park-to-Park admission ticket, you can board this famous train by passing through Platform 9 3/4™ at King’s Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida, then travel all the way to Hogsmeade™ Station at Universal Islands of Adventure — and vice versa. Along the way, you’ll encounter characters and creatures from the blockbuster Harry Potter™ movies, making the Hogwarts™ Express an attraction in its own right. It even accepts Universal Express™ Pass for faster boarding!
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)
Universal Orlando Resort Water Taxis
If you’re staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando or Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, your complimentary, resort-wide transportation options include elegant water-taxi service to and from Universal CityWalk. From there, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal ;Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay.
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Even if you aren’t staying on property, you can still board a water taxi at Universal CityWalk to take advantage of the stellar dining, nightlife and entertainment at the connected hotels.
Unique Transportation Throughout Orlando
I-Ride Trolley Service
All aboard for one of the friendliest — and most affordable — modes of transportation in Orlando! Available from 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily in the International Drive (aka I-Drive) tourism and convention district, the I-Ride Trolley Service is easy to spot thanks to its vehicles’ famous smiling faces.
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The I-Ride Trolley Service makes it a breeze to visit some of our most popular attractions, as trolleys stop every 20 minutes or so at locations throughout the I-Drive area. The service is also budget-minded, with rides starting at $2 for adults, $1 for kids and 25 cents for seniors. Staying in town for a while? Unlimited-ride passes range from $5 for one day to $18 for 14 days.
Pedicabs
Pedicabs, or bike taxis, are a fun way to get where you’re going while taking in the sights and enjoying the sunshine or stars, depending on the time of day. In the International Drive area, top operators include Kween Cab and Redi Pedi Cab Company. Kween Cab also operates in downtown Orlando, including for special events at the Amway Center (home of the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears), Camping World Stadium, and Exploria Stadium (home of Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride).
Discover: Downtown Orlando
On top of unique ways to get around town, Orlando boasts numerous tours that will let you see it all in comfort, including options by bus, boat, bike and train. Leave the driving to us and focus on having the time of your life in Orlando!
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