Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip

We know there’s nothing quite like coming up to that first glimpse of Magic Kingdom, especially if it’s your first visit to Disney World!

50th Train Station

Unless you’re coming from one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts, your MK day will likely be starting at the Ticket and Transportation Center. From here, you can grab one of the two iconic forms of Disney transportation — the monorail or the ferry boat — and make your way across Seven Seas Lagoon. However, there’s another way you can get to Magic Kingdom that people tend to sleeping on.

Disney buses can get a little bit of a bad rap for being slow (at times) or crowded, but at Magic Kingdom, especially early in the morning, it might just be your best bet to get to the park!

Disney Buses

The bus starts running to Magic Kingdom when the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) opens, and they’ll usually run until around 10:45-11AM. Cast Members will often be out letting people know that the buses are available to ride on.

Sign for the TTC bus to Magic Kingdom

While there are crowds heading towards the ferry, and lines stacked up for the monorail, there’s usually hardly anyone waiting for the bus!

Don’t wait in this line!

The buses are rarely crowded because many guests don’t even realize it’s an option, and some just would rather take the more “fun” methods of transportation. A while back when we were heading to Magic Kingdom, several buses were lined up, just waiting for guests!

A bus at the TTC

Depending on the day and the time, you might even be able to snag a bus all to yourself. Plus, this is the best A/C you’re going to get as far as Disney transportation is concerned. On a hot Florida day, the bus is your friend.

Inside one of the TTC buses

One thing to note, the buses don’t run all day — only in the mornings — and they don’t pick up guests to make the return trip to TTC. You’ll still have to make your way back from Magic Kingdom on the ferry or monorail, which could end up being a good compromise if you’re traveling with someone who loves these more iconic forms of transportation: take the bus there, and something more fun on the way back. Another important thing to note is that they might not be running daily.

Bus sign at Magic Kingdom

Another great perk that helps you avoid crowds is that the bus lets you off in a separate spot from where the monorail and ferry let out, so won’t have to deal with all the other people debarking. Instead, you can take a calm, crowd-free stroll up to the Magic Kingdom gates.

Not a bad walk!

It’s not the most glamourous form of Disney transportation, but if it’s not your first trip to Magic Kingdom, or you want to get to the park ASAP, the bus could be a great option! Even if you’re not a huge bus fan, the ride is pretty quick and it will allow you to start your Disney day that much faster. Make sure to stayed tuned for more travel and planning tips to help make your next Disney vacation the best it can be!

If You’re Planning a Disney Trip, Be Sure To Check Out Our ULTIMATE Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation

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