How to Get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom
Navigating transportation between theme parks at Walt Disney World can be a bit difficult. If your adventure includes hopping from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom, you might be wondering about the best way to travel between these two iconic parks.
There are several transportation options, but the best way to get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom is the Monorail.
Disney’s Monorail traveling through Epcot.
The Best Way to Get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom is via the Monorail
The Disney Monorail System is the most efficient way to travel between Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Here’s how to do it:
Exit Epcot and follow the signage to the Epcot Monorail Line.
Take the Epcot Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Exit the Monorail and follow signage to the Magic Kingdom Monorail Line.
Board the Magic Kingdom Monorail and you will be at Magic Kingdom in no time!
When exiting the Epcot Monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center, you can also take the Ferry to Magic Kingdom. The Ferry is a fun and relatively short ride to Magic Kingdom with some beautiful views of Cinderella’s Castle. However, there can be a short wait and it takes longer than the Monorail.
Other Transportation Options
Bus
While Disney World offers free bus transportation, there are no direct bus routes between theme parks. To use the bus service to navigate between Epcot and Magic Kingdom, you would need to take a bus to a resort first. The most efficient option would be a bus to the Contemporary Resort and a short walk, Monorail or bus ride from Contemporary to Magic Kingdom.
Boats
Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom is not directly connected to Epcot through boat transportation. To use a boat, you will need to transfer and take additional transportation. Boats are available for transportation from Epcot to the following resort hotels:
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney's Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Once at the resort, you can transfer to a bus to the Magic Kingdom.
Map of the Disney Skyliner Transportation System
Skyliner
The Skyliner connects Epcot to the following resort hotels:
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Once at the Resort, you can transfer to a bus to the Magic Kingdom.
Driving Your Own Car
If you prefer to have control of your own transportation, driving your own car can be a convenient option. Parking is available at both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but keep in mind that parking fees may apply. Although the distance between the parks is relatively short, traffic and parking can impact your travel time. Don't forget to take note of where you parked to save yourself the trouble of searching for your car after a long day at the parks.
Ride Share Services
Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft (or the Minnie Van via Lyft) can be a great option for traveling between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. You can avoid the hassle of parking, but note you’ll still need to use the Monorail or Ferry as Uber, Lyft and other Rideshare services drop you off at the Transportation and Ticket Center when going to Magic Kingdom. Once at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom is a short Ferry or Monorail ride away.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the best way to get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom, several factors come into play. By considering travel time, crowd levels, and your personal preferences, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey between the parks.
Travel Time
Where you are located in Epcot when you need to leave can impact your travel decisions
Getting between Epcot and Magic Kingdom can be relatively quick, but can depend on where you are in Epcot when you need to leave, as well as the time of day. Typically, the Monorail can get you from park to park in around 15 minutes. But if you are heading to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks (along with hundreds of other people), expect some delays.
In addition, if you are at the back (Southwest) side of Epcot near the International Gateway between the France and United Kingdom pavilions, it may be more time efficient to take a boat or the Skyliner to a Resort and then use bus transportation. This is considering the walk to the Main Entrance and Monorail can take a significant amount of time.
Personal Preferences
Finally, your own interests and preferences can play a big role in determining the best way to get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom. For some, the scenic ride on the Skyliner may be a must-do Disney experience. Others might prefer the history, nostalgia and views of the Monorail. Think about what aspects of transportation are most important to you, whether it's speed, convenience, or ambiance, and choose a method accordingly.
Tips for a Seamless Experience
When planning your Disney Vacation, it's essential to know the best transportation options available to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
To ensure a smooth trip, always think through your transportation options when planning your vacation day. Particularly if you make dining reservations at another park or resort. Knowing how you will get to the reservation, park or resort and then return to your resort is critical.
Always be mindful of events and park hours, even for the parks you are not visiting. For example, if the fireworks at Magic Kingdom are at 9pm, you can expect the Monorail will be crowded around 7pm. Similarly, if the nighttime show at Hollywood Studios is at 9 pm, you can expect heavier traffic on the Skyliner around 7pm.
Bear in mind, many of the transportation options, particularly the Monorail, Skyliner and Boats can feel like attractions themselves. They are easily accessible and offer some rest and relaxation from a long day at the parks.
Lastly, always remember to check the park hours and transportation schedules in advance, as they can change seasonally or be affected by special events.
By planning your pathway between the parks and using these transportation options, you're sure to make the most of your Disney adventure and create lasting memories.
