Getting to the Magic Kingdom from Bay Lake Tower is probably the easiest tranportation problem you’ll solve for your entire vacation. But when you’re eager to dive into the magic, understanding your options can significantly impact your day.
- Which is faster – how do walking and the monorail compare?
- Is there a more scenic route that enhances the Disney experience before even reaching the park?
- For those looking beyond the Magic Kingdom from Bay Lake Tower, what transportation options are available?
We’re going to streamline your journey so you can spend more time enjoying the parks and all that Disney has to offer.
Transportation Options from Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort offers various convenient transportation options to reach the Magic Kingdom.
- Walking: You can enjoy a short 10-minute walk to the Magic Kingdom. Just follow the well-marked, scenic pathway leading directly to the park’s entrance.
- Resort Monorail: The Resort Monorail station is located at the adjacent Contemporary Resort. To board, walk over to the resort’s main building and take the monorail. It is one stop away from the Magic Kingdom.
- Water Launch: You have the option to take a water launch from the Contemporary Resort dock, which provides a tranquil voyage across Bay Lake to the Magic Kingdom.
Each method offers a different experience, from the brisk convenience of your own pace to the scenic views from the monorail or watercraft. These services are exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members and guests of the resort, ensuring a seamless transition from your accommodation to the magic of the theme park.
Walking from Bay Lake Tower to the Magic Kingdom
Walking is a viable option to reach the Magic Kingdom Park from Bay Lake Tower. Your walking distance to the park entrance is about 10 minutes along a well-maintained walkway. To start your journey, exit Bay Lake Tower and head toward the Contemporary Resort.
- Locate the marked walkway that begins near the Contemporary Resort’s South Garden Wing.
- Proceed along the path, which is clearly signposted, directing you toward Magic Kingdom.
As you walk, you’ll pass by the resort’s landscaped grounds with a view of the monorail gliding by above. The walkway is lit in the evening, ensuring a secure pathway to Magic Kingdom Park after dark.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll; the walkway is rarely crowded, providing a relaxed approach to the park.
- Take advantage of the scenic route; it offers picturesque views of the resort and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Returning to Bay Lake Tower after your day at Magic Kingdom Park is just as convenient by following the same walkway in the opposite direction. Keep an eye out for the signs to guide you back to your starting point. This easy and pleasant walk ensures that you are in control of your travel times, free from the constraints of waiting for other transportation methods.
Taking the Monorail from Bay Lake Tower to the Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney World Monorail System has been in operation since 1971, providing transportation among various points of the resort, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake Tower guests can catch the Monorail which is just a short walk away over in the main A-frame building for the Contemporary.
- Locate the Walkway: Find the covered walkway that connects Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Contemporary Resort main building.
- Proceed to the Monorail Platform: Head to the fourth floor of the Contemporary Resort, where the monorail station is located.
- Board the Resort Monorail Line: This line stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center and several resorts, including the Magic Kingdom.
- Enjoy a Short Ride: The journey to Magic Kingdom typically lasts a few minutes, offering scenic views of the resort.
- Exit at Magic Kingdom: Disembark at the Magic Kingdom station and walk to the park entrance.
Remember to check the monorail operating hours as they may vary. The system usually starts running 30 minutes before the earliest park opening until one hour after the latest park closing. This gives you ample time to plan your visit to Magic Kingdom from Bay Lake Tower.
Other Transportation Options for Other Destinations
While Bay Lake Tower offers proximity to Magic Kingdom, you have various transportation options to reach other destinations within Walt Disney World Resort.
Complementary Bus Transportation to Other Disney Destinations & Locations
Buses transport guests to destinations like Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll find the bus stop located near the entrance of the Contemporary Resort. Services run approximately every 20 minutes.
- Epcot: Enjoy innovations and international cultures; buses typically take around 25 minutes.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Explore movie magic; a bus ride averages 20 minutes.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Delve into wildlife adventures; expect the journey to be around 35 minutes.
Minnie Van Service to Other Disney Destinations & Locations
The Minnie Van Service, a luxury service accessible via the Disney Genie section of the My Disney Experience app, offers a whimsical way to travel to various locations, including Disney’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
- Direct trips to your destination with cheerful drivers.
- Added comfort with spacious vehicles, suitable for families.
Uber & Lyft Ride Sharing to Other Disney Destinations & Locations
For more flexibility, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can take you to spots such as Disney Springs or any Disney Resort hotel like the Polynesian Village Resort or Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
- Fare varies with selection between budget-friendly or premium options.
- Time-efficient, usually with shorter waiting times than buses.
Private Shuttle & Car Service to Other Disney Destinations & Locations
Private shuttles and car services offer a personalized transportation method from Bay Lake Tower to other Disney properties and nearby attractions.
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- Schedule in advance for convenience.
- Fares are typically higher than public transport options.
No Water Transportation Options
Guests at Bay Lake Tower do not have access to water transportation services to other locations within Walt Disney World Resort. Those staying at lakeside resorts like the Contemporary Resort typically use bus or other land-based transportation methods mentioned above.
Noteworthy: Water transportation is available from select resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon for specific destinations.
