Looking to save some time on your next Disney vacation? Whether you bring your own vehicle or you are relying on Disney’s complimentary transportation, there are just some instances where walking can be quicker. More walking may not be something you think you want on a Disney vacation, but consider the fact that walking is actually better for you than standing still—a fact that can be particularly useful if you find yourself standing in line for a bus, just to continue standing on the bus. Check out our picks for the best walks to save time, and let us know which ones you use in the comments!
Contemporary – Magic Kingdom
Image: Brittany DiCologero
The walking distance between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort is only about half a mile. While the thought of doing any extra walking during a Disney vacation may be unappealing to some, consider your options when taking the resort monorail while leaving the park during the post-fireworks rush. When lines for the monorail and ferry or resort launches seem to be never-ending, the walk to the Contemporary Resort will take less than 10 minutes.
This distance can often save even more time when going in the opposite direction. Whether you are staying at the Contemporary as a guest, or you’ve just stopped by for breakfast at Chef Mickey’s before going to the Magic Kingdom, walking to the park from the resort will almost always be quicker than taking the monorail. From the Contemporary, the monorail stops at the other two monorail resorts and the Transportation and Ticket Center before reaching the Magic Kingdom, so if you are up for a quick stroll doing so can save you some serious time.
The walkway between the Contemporary and the Magic Kingdom is entirely paved and well-lit if you happen to be walking at night. Plenty of guests use the walkway, and Disney security cast members are always nearby. Part of the walkway does cross a street and go through a parking lot, but cross walks, walk signals, and cast members help keep the entire area safe for pedestrians.
Transportation and Ticket Center – Polynesian Village Resort
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Just one tenth of a mile separates Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort from the Transportation and Ticket Center. If you have your car parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center and have a dinner reservation at the resort, or if you are staying at the resort and traveling to Epcot, walking can be the quickest way to go. The walk between these two locations is partially through the resort’s parking lot, so the exact route may be a little bit less obvious than some of the other walking paths. It is still a safe walkway assuming you are cautious of cars that may be coming and going, and is as well-lit as the rest of the resort’s parking lot in the evening.
Shades of Green – Polynesian Village Resort
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If you happen to be staying at Shades of Green, the Polynesian Village Resort is just a short, convenient walk across the street. This walk can feel long on a hot day, as the walking path going in and out of Shades of Green is largely unshaded, however if you are up for the extra mileage this can be a quick way to hop on the monorail or enjoy a meal
Epcot Area Resorts – Epcot
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The Epcot Area Resorts include the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. You’ll find buses and resort boat launches to get to each one from Epcot, but walking can be much quicker, particularly if you happen to be ending your day in the park near the International Gateway.
Because these resorts are one of the most walkable destinations at Walt Disney World, you’ll find spacious well-lit pathways, other guests, cast members, and helpful signage (in addition to the fact that the resorts are so close it isn’t difficult to tell which way to walk).
Disney Springs – Saratoga Springs Resort
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To walk from Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs, you’ll first want to head over to the pool by Congress Park. From there you’ll see a well-lit walking path that when followed (for about a half mile or so) will eventually let you out into the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. Alternatively buses and watercraft transportation are also available, but walking can be the quickest mode of transport from the resort.
All Star Resorts
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You may not feel like you have much of a reason to walk between the All Star Resorts, but if you decide to do so you can walk freely knowing that the distance is completely doable. In fact, from many of the exterior buildings in each resort’s layout, you can see across the parking lot to the next All Star Resort to get an idea of the close proximity.
Unless you really just want to see the themes of the other resort, you would be disappointed to find there really aren’t many differences between each of the three All Stars. That being said, the All Stars are one situation where pool-hopping between resorts is allowed (with other All Star guests only), and walking across to the next resort might not be a terrible idea if some major part of your resort, like the food court, is undergoing a refurbishment. Walking between these resorts may require you to walk through parking lots, so use caution when moving cars may be nearby.
Art of Animation – Pop Century
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Pool-hopping is a no-go here, but if you’re staying at Pop Century and interested in taking the drawing class at Art of Animation, or you simply want to check out another resort, a quick walk can get you there. Considering the only other way to jump between the two resorts without a car is by taking a bus, walking can be considerably quicker. (Think of this distance as just barely longer than the walk between Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside).
Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Lodge
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One of the longer walks on our list, Fort Wilderness is located about one mile away from Wilderness Lodge. It can be a lovely walk during the day (keep going past the park buses at Wilderness Lodge and you’ll come to a paved sidewalk that begins the walking path), however it is not recommend for an evening stroll. This path is not lighted at all, and if you are without a car Disney recommends taking bus or water taxi to Fort Wilderness at night.
Looking for more detailed directions for your next walk around the world? While there are many locations around the Walt Disney World Resort that are walkable, the signage is not always great and figuring out where exactly to go can be a challenge. Do not hesitate to ask a Disney cast member what the best walking route is, and remember to avoid walking alone and staying on well-lit paths at night.
