Walt Disney World is an enormous city with a tangible transit network to match the magic. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the perfect option for luxury on vacation. Since its inception, the resort has been recognized as the pinnacle of refinement and sophistication. Thus, Disney uses the resort so much in promotional material as The ultimate Grand Floridian Transportation!
If it’s your first time visiting the place, you will be overwhelmed by the variety of choices and learning curve. Now, how can you make the best out of the transportation facilities with minimum waiting and maximum enjoyment? Hop in to explore every Grand Floridian Transportation in detail.
Shuttle Service at the Grand Floridian Resort
If you head to Disney parks like Animal Kingdom, simply hop on to the shuttle bus, the transportation is readily available to transfer between parks and resorts. The pickup and drop-off areas are clearly labeled with different destinations, bus numbers, and the place to catch them. 
If you have a stroller, fold it up before getting on the bus unless it is for medical purposes. Nonetheless, the multiple transfers in the shuttle service will make the trip much longer than you have anticipated. This grand Floridian transportation will be available 45 minutes before the opening of parks and until one hour after the close.
During my stay, I found the shuttle service convenient. The clear labels helped, but with a stroller, it was a bit cumbersome. Still, the service was timely, ensuring I didn’t miss any park openings.
Grand Floridian Transportation Options
With Grand Floridian Transportation, you can travel by air, land, and of course, by water as well. They are available from Grand Floridian Resort to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and EPCOT. They ensure to make it easy for the guests to move between the theme parks and make their return to the resort. Let’s look at every possible way to navigate Disney World.
Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
- Walking
Are you heading to the Magic Kingdom from Grand Floridian? The first and best Grand Floridian Transportation option could be your own two feet. Yes, you read it right! Disney World has finally completed the walking path construction, connecting the Grand Floridian (and Polynesian) resorts to the Magic Kingdom. While you may consider it the slowest and most tiring option, it is going to be a better decision when you have to wait thirty or forty minutes for monorail or buses.
Walking to the Magic Kingdom was refreshing. The newly constructed path was scenic, though at times it felt long, especially after a tiring day. But bypassing the monorail queues was a definite advantage.
- Monorail
Monorail connects the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian Resort to others, making it simple to figure out your plan. All you have to do is step into this fascinating grand Floridian transportation mode, and you will be whisked to the desired destination in minutes. 
Trust us, most people feel that the monorail is one of the best reasons to stay at this resort, and it just builds excitement in your kids. The monorail at the Grand Floridian Resort is on the resort’s second floor. Magic Kingdom is the first stop from the Grand Floridian resort, and it will take only three minutes to reach the place. Once you step down, you can head straight to the turnstiles.
The monorail experience was iconic. It’s quick and offers a unique view of the resort. However, during peak times, it got crowded. Still, the excitement it built was unmatched, especially in my kids.
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- Boat Service
Located at the Marina, below the Seven Seas Lagoon, boat services are another way into the magical kingdom. You will find different types of boat launches in the grand Floridian transportation facilities, including the ferry boat to take you from the transportation and ticket center to the Magic Kingdom. You can also park your vehicle to drive into the park. It will be available an hour before the park opens and an hour after the closing. 
The boat service was a delightful surprise. The serene journey across the lagoon was a highlight. However, sometimes, the wait for the boat felt a bit long, especially during sunset when everyone wanted that magical ride.
- Shuttle Buses
Grand Floridian Transportation operates a wide system of shuttles throughout the park. You can take the buses from Grand Floridian Resort to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. You may want to take advantage of this offer if you don’t want to rely on self-drive to move from one park to another.
Grand Floridian to Epcot
The trip from Grand Floridian to EPCOT involves the Grand Floridian transportation in the form of Monorail. However, you must reach the Transportation and Ticket Center to board the mode. You will have two options to access this monorail.
You can walk to the transportation and ticket center via the Polynesian resort. It will take around 20 minutes to reach the center if you follow a moderate pace. You may ride the resort monorail to the center and take the EPCOT monorail. However, you must wait at every loop step and pay attention to the overhead signs. 
The ride from the center to the EPCOT will be approximately 15 minutes. Despite the long journey, it will be a perfect part of your Disney experience. Plan your trip to the EPCOT within 30 to 40 minutes after leaving the grand Floridian resort to reach the EPCOT.
Traveling to EPCOT via monorail was an adventure. The overhead signs were helpful, but changing monorails added to the journey time. Still, the views and experience made it a memorable part of my Disney trip.
Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios
If you plan to visit the Hollywood studios from the Grand Floridian, you have a single option available. You have to access the Disney bus transportation to the studios. The bus stop for this grand Floridian transportation is just outside the resort’s lobby entrance to the far right. The bus stop will have monitors letting you know the waiting time and stops for the next bus. While returning from the Hollywood studios, you can even take the Polynesian bus to the resort area. Then, you may walk or take a monorail to get to the Grand Floridian. 
The bus service to Hollywood Studios was efficient. The monitors outside the resort were a great touch. However, the return journey felt longer, especially considering the additional monorail or walk back to the Grand Floridian. 
Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom
Like the Grand Floridian transportation to Hollywood studios, the resort’s bus service is the only option to travel from Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom. In addition, a bus ride to the animal kingdom will take around 15 minutes, minus the waiting time at the bus stop.
The bus ride to the Animal Kingdom was smooth. Buses were frequent, but sometimes they felt crowded. The journey was short, and the convenience of a direct route was appreciated after a day of adventure. 
Other Grand Floridian Transportation Options
Several other modes of Grand Floridian Transportation are options available for the guests. One is the Minnie van, a fun and fascinating way to drive around in a Minnie mouse-theme vehicle. You can access it through the Lyft app. You can select your pick location and choose them. The cost will vary depending on the length of your ride and operates regularly from 6.30 AM to 12.30 AM. The ride includes two complimentary child seats for children below six years.
Grand Floridian Transportation from Airport
While it is simple as a road trip for others, some have to fly to Orlando to start their Disney vacation. There are various Grand Floridian Transportation options from Orlando International Airport; Uber, car rental, Lyft, and Orlando Airport shuttle. Let’s have a glimpse of them.
- Lyft – Download the Lyft app and get a friendly ride within minutes. They offer various modes of cars, standard cars, and even SUVs fitting your needs.
- Car rental – Opting for the car rental will let you enjoy the comfort and flexibility in reaching the Grand Floridian resort. Choose your option from a wide range of cars from Alamo, the ‘official rent a car’ service for every Walt Disney World Resorts guest.
- Uber – Get the Uber app and request a ride from the driver near your pickup location. You can also choose from different levels of transportation as per your needs.
- Airport Shuttle – Choosing to ride in Orlando’s airport shuttle services is an effective and economical transportation facility that offers a direct connecting network from the airport to the Grand Floridian resort.
Now that you are done going through the details of transportation options from Grand Floridian, you can refer to this table for a quick overview at transportation options to your fav destinations:
| Destination | Transportation Mode | Details/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Walking | 15 mins (path available) |
| Monorail | 3 mins (from 2nd floor) | |
| Boat Service | Available (from Marina) | |
| EPCOT | Monorail | 15 mins (via Transportation and Ticket Center) |
| Hollywood Studios | Shuttle Buses | Available (from resort lobby) |
| Animal Kingdom | Shuttle Buses | ~15 mins (direct route) |
Grand Floridian Transportation – Navigating the Magic World with Ease
When you think of spending your holidays in one of the most opulent Walt Disney World Resorts, there is a high chance that images of Grand Floridian resort and spa run through your head. Anyone who has visited Disney’s world will tell you it is the most magical place on earth. With a place this big to explore, grand Floridian transportation offers the most magical carpet to get to, from, and around the entire park. From the iconic Monorail to the latest skyline, every single mode of transportation will take you around the place, making you feel like a Disney prince or princess.
Whether you are renting a car or relying on good old feet, ensure to make the most out of your magical time!
FAQs
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How far away is MCO Airport from Grand Floridian?
Orlando International Airport, or MCO airport, is the closest airport to Walt Disney World, located in the southeast region of central Orlando. The distance between the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to the MCO airport is around 25 miles. It will take 30 minutes to travel. A busy and largest airport in the state, MCO claims that 40 million passengers travel through this terminal every year.
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Is there a Free Shuttle from the Airport to Grand Floridian?
Disney doesn’t offer free shuttle services for guests to travel from the Airport to the Grand Floridian. However, you can make the best of other traveling services that depart from the Pia transfer center and arrive at the major Walt Disney World Transportation and Ticket Center through Sea harbor drive and Central Florida Parkway.
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How far away are the SeaWorld and Aquatica from Grand Floridian Resort?
The driving distance between SeaWorld and Aquatic and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is approximately 14 miles. You can travel from Grand Floridian Resort by bus via sea harbor drive and Central Florida Parkway to reach SeaWorld and Aquatic.
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How do I get Universal Studios from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort?
To visit Epcot from the Grand Floridian, you must reach the Transportation and travel center to board the monorail. It will take around 15 minutes to reach Epcot from the center. Hence, plan the trip 30 minutes ahead of Epcot from Grand Floridian on time.
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How long is the monorail ride from Grand Floridian to Epcot?
To visit Epcot from the Grand Floridian, you must reach the Transportation and travel center to board the monorail. It will take around 15 minutes to reach Epcot from the center. Hence, make sure to plan the trip 30 minutes before arriving on time at Epcot from Grand Floridian.
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Does the Grand Floridian have buses?
Grand Floridian Transportation also includes buses for simple and convenient journeys between the parks and the resort. Every guest will have complimentary access to these transportation options. If you plan to visit multiple parks and enjoy a luxe dinner at the end of the day, leave your car parked at the specific lot and use the transportation services.
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Can you walk from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to the Magic Kingdom?
Yes, you can enjoy a safe and relaxing walk from Grand Floridian to the magic kingdom, especially if you want to avoid waiting in the monorail line. The walkway is between boat launches and the monorail station, outside Disney’s magic kingdom. The walk to the Magic Kingdom park will take around 15 minutes or more per your pace.
