Been on a Disney World Bus Lately? Here’s What Every Guest Needs To Remember

Walt Disney World Resort offers several complimentary transportation methods to help guests easily navigate the vast resort, and the bus system is by far the most expansive option. Whether you’re traveling between your Disney Resort hotel and Magic Kingdom Park or hopping over to Disney Springs for a bite at The Boathouse, knowing how to ride the bus with courtesy and care can go a long way.

Here are ten essential etiquette tips to help make every Walt Disney World Resort bus ride smoother for you and your fellow passengers!

Getting Started: What to Expect From Disney Bus Transportation

Disney buses operate daily from about 45 minutes before the park opens until roughly one hour after the park closes.

You’ll find designated bus stops at every Disney Resort hotel, all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. These buses cover the widest range of destinations and are often your main way to get between areas not served by the Monorail, watercraft, or the Disney Skyliner.

Transportation is included with your Disney Resort hotel stay and doesn’t require reservations, making it one of the easiest ways to get around the Most Magical Place on Earth.

1. Be Mindful of Disney’s Bus Rules

Before you board, it’s helpful to know a few important rules:

• No luggage is allowed.
• No alcohol is permitted on any Disney bus.
• Strollers must be folded before boarding and stored out of the aisle.

To better handle crowds, Walt Disney World Resort uses double-length buses during busy hours, especially early morning and after the parks close.

2. Queue Up Properly and Respect the Line

Each bus stop has a clearly marked waiting area. You’ll usually see a yellow line—guests should wait behind this until it’s time to board. Don’t cut in line or form a second line when the bus pulls up.

Buses typically arrive every 15–20 minutes and more often during peak hours. If one bus looks full, another is probably close behind. Most Disney Resort hotels have tracker screens that show the next arrival time.

3. Prepare Strollers Ahead of Time

Parents, this is a key time-saver: Fold your stroller before the bus arrives. This isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a requirement to board.

Being ready keeps the line moving and ensures you don’t miss your chance to get on. Drivers will encourage guests behind you to board the bus if you pause to fold your stroller.

• Pro tip: Pack essentials in a separate tote or pouch for quick access.
• Children must be seated on a parent’s lap or next to them—staying in the stroller is prohibited.

4. Board Quickly and Move All the Way In

Sometimes, buses leave with empty space simply because guests didn’t move far enough in. Don’t stop in the front once you’re on the bus; keep moving toward the back. This helps get everyone on quickly and safely.

If you’re standing, grab a rail and keep close to those around you.

5. Offer Seats to Those Who Need Them

If you’re able to stand, offer your seat to someone who may need it more:

• Pregnant guests
• Older adults
• Parents juggling kids
• Guests with mobility concerns

Kids often struggle to stand on moving buses, so giving a seat to a parent with a child on their lap is a small act of kindness that goes a long way.

6. Stay Behind the Yellow Line

Once aboard, be sure to stand behind the yellow line near the front of the bus. This safety rule allows the driver to operate the vehicle properly. If even part of your body crosses that line, the bus won’t move.

Keep aisles clear of bags, strollers, and feet to avoid delays.

7. Don’t Distract the Driver

Disney bus drivers manage more than just the road. They respond to radio instructions and may be reassigned to different routes throughout the day. They’re trained to navigate all Walt Disney World bus routes, not just the one they’re driving at the moment.

Avoid chatting with the driver while the bus is in motion. If you have questions, it’s best to ask a cast member at the station or wait until the driver is stopped.

8. Keep Conversations (and Devices) at a Reasonable Volume

Disney buses can get loud—but that doesn’t mean your phone should add to the noise. Avoid using a speakerphone or playing music or videos out loud. Keep phone calls short and at a low volume. Use headphones if you’re streaming or playing games.

Encourage kids to enjoy the view or play quiet games while in transit.

9. Be Patient With Guests Using Mobility Devices

Guests in wheelchairs or using ECVs always board first. This process may take extra time and space, but it’s essential for accessibility.

Don’t express frustration or make negative comments. These guests would likely prefer not to need special assistance, and your patience makes their day better.

10. Use Kindness and Common Sense

Whether you’re riding to EPCOT to catch Luminous The Symphony of Us or heading back to your room after enjoying Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom, remember that everyone is on vacation.

Lines can get long, buses can get crowded, and everyone’s a little tired by the end of the day. Patience, courtesy, and common sense help keep the magic alive.

Bonus Tips for a Better Ride

• Hydrate. An air-conditioned bus ride is the perfect time to help your body recover from the Florida heat.
• Plan ahead. Leave extra time if you have a dining reservation. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself an hour to get anywhere on Walt Disney World Resort property. However, give yourself extra time if you’re transferring buses or using multiple transportation systems, like taking the bus to Magic Kingdom for a Monorail transfer.
• Know your stop. Some Disney Resort hotels, like Saratoga Springs and Port Orleans, have multiple internal stops.
• Use the My Disney Experience app to track wait times and plan accordingly. While you ride, you can also place mobile food orders at select locations, including many Disney Resort hotel cafeterias.

Disney transportation is more than just a ride—it’s part of the experience. With a bit of awareness and kindness, your journey can be just as magical as the destination.

What’s your top Walt Disney World bus tip? Share your experience or advice in the comments; Disney Dining would love to hear from you!