It may take people to make the dream of Walt Disney World a reality, but it takes buses, monorails, and boats to get the dream moving. It may sound hyperbolic, but Walt Disney World really is its own city, and as such it is constantly making changes to the various transportation options around the resort in order to better serve the guests and Cast Members who rely on Disney’s complex transportation system every day.
If you are going to be riding a bus, parking tram, or even your own car, here are a few interesting changes that you should probably know about!
1. Road improvement program cut following the dissolution of Reedy Creek Improvement District
When the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District was dissolved to make way for the Ron DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), one of the areas that was instantly put in a state of flux was Disney’s massive roadway improvement project. And while some work was able to continue, the CFTOD released its proposed 2024 budget last week, and it is not good news for Walt Disney World as it shows a decrease in both planning & engineering and the roadway division’s repair and maintenance expenditures by $3.15 million, or 19%.
It is unknown what part of Walt Disney World’s roadway improvement project will specifically be impacted by this cut, but hopefully the most crucial projects will be able to move forward, even with this budget reduction.
2. Parking trams return to service at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Parking lot tram service finally returned this week at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT following a long three-year absence. Guests parking at Walt Disney World can now enjoy tram service at all four theme parks for the first time since 2020.
3. New Encanto Skyliner Gondola can now be seen above Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT
To celebrate the start of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, Disney has debuted a new Skyliner gondola featuring the family Madrigal from the smash-hit film Encanto. The gondola is bright orange and features characters like Antonio, Bruno, Luisa, Isabella and of course Miarabel. This gondola is a permanent addition to the Skyliner lineup, so Encanto fans can make sure to look out for it on their next visit to the resort.
4. Coco bus wrap debuts
Also as part of the resort-wide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Disney has debuted a new bus wrap inspired by the Pixar film Coco. This wrap is mostly purple, and features Dante in his alebrije form alongside Pepita, Hector Rivera, and Miguel as well as an image of the marigold bridge from the film.
5. New mini monorail toy now available
One of the most iconic symbols of Walt Disney World outside the castle has to be the high in the sky monorail, and now fans of this transportation method can take their own mini-version home with an all-new design. The previous 50th anniversary monorail play set has now been discontinued and replaced with a new version that features a red and yellow color scheme with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale standing in front of theme park icons including Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth.
Guests interested in purchasing this new transportation-themed toy can do so at World of Disney at Disney Springs or at the Emporium at the Magic Kingdom. It is also available online at ShopDisney.
