Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Walt Disney World hotel that provides convenient transportation options to the theme parks, including Animal Kingdom. This modern resort lies within the boundaries of the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, and features a unique A-frame design with a monorail system passing directly through the building. As a popular destination for guests, it offers various amenities and entertainment options, but most importantly, streamlined transport services to the Disney parks.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you have multiple transportation choices to reach Animal Kingdom. The distance between the resort and the theme park is approximately 7 miles. Generally, travel time can vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Disney bus transportation provides a direct route to Animal Kingdom, with buses running approximately every 20 minutes. This option is included with your stay, making it a convenient and cost-efficient way to travel.
For a more personalized transport experience, Minnie Vans, taxi services, and ride shares are available at an additional cost. The Minnie Vans are uniquely Disney-themed vehicles accessible through the Lyft app, and they offer a comfortable and entertaining way to navigate within the Walt Disney World Resort, including to and from Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. No matter which option you select, you can expect to reach your destination with ease, allowing you to immerse yourself in the thrill and adventure that Animal Kingdom has to offer.
Free Bus Service
Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a complimentary bus service that provides transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Overview of Disney Bus Transportation
The Disney bus system is an extensive network of buses provided by Walt Disney World Resort to transport guests between various locations within the resort, including the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Resort hotels. This service offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the resort. Buses operate approximately every 20 minutes and typically start running 45 minutes before theme park opening time and end one hour after closing.
Key Facts:
- The bus service is free for guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Buses arrive every 15-20 minutes depending on the time of day and park hours.
- Disney buses are readily identifiable by their colorful exteriors with Disney characters.
Instructions for Using the Bus Service:
- Locate the bus stop outside the main lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Wait at the clearly marked area for the next bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Board the bus when it arrives; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Exit the bus upon reaching the Animal Kingdom bus stop, situated at the park’s entrance.
Please note that bus service times may vary and are subject to change, so it is recommended to refer to the current schedule available at the resort or through the My Disney Experience app. Bus travel times can vary due to traffic, but the typical ride from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom is approximately 20 minutes.
You should also be aware of the resort bus rules, such as no eating, drinking, or smoking on the bus, and strollers must be folded before boarding. These policies are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.
Water Transportation
Water transportation at Disney’s Contemporary Resort involves the use of watercraft for traveling to various destinations, including Animal Kingdom. These services offer a unique and scenic travel option, though they represent more limited transportation options compared to buses or monorails.
Boat Service Accessibility
Boat service from Disney’s Contemporary Resort does not directly access Animal Kingdom. However, you have accessibility options involving transfer points. To facilitate your understanding, here’s the sequence to follow:
- Board a boat at the resort’s dock. This watercraft will take you to Magic Kingdom.
- Upon arrival at Magic Kingdom, disembark and locate the bus transportation area.
- Transfer to a bus that heads to Animal Kingdom.
The boats provided are designed to accommodate guests with various accessibility needs:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Most watercraft can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs.
- Service Animals: Permitted on board, ensuring those with service animals can travel with ease.
Remember to check the boat service schedule as operating hours may vary and are subject to weather conditions. Keep in mind that during peak times, you might experience longer wait times.
Monorail Connections
To reach Disney’s Animal Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you must utilize alternative transportation as the monorail does not provide direct service.
Resort Monorail Service
The Resort Monorail provides a loop connecting Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. To start your journey to Animal Kingdom, board the Resort Monorail at the Contemporary Resort. This monorail also stops at the Magic Kingdom Park and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
- Board the monorail: At the Contemporary Resort, locate the monorail station and board the next available Resort Monorail.
- Travel to TTC: Ride the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. The Contemporary Resort is the first stop after the Magic Kingdom Park.
- At the TTC, disembark from the Resort Monorail. You will not find a direct monorail route to Animal Kingdom from here.
Given that the Express Monorail only connects the Magic Kingdom to the TTC, and the EPCOT Monorail only provides service between EPCOT and the TTC, alternative transportation is required to complete your trip to Animal Kingdom.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system that connects Disney’s Contemporary Resort with other Disney destinations, including EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Skyliner Route Experience
When you board the Disney Skyliner at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, expect a direct and scenic aerial journey to your chosen Disney destination. The gondola route provides a unique view of the Walt Disney World Resort from above, including sweeping landscapes and theming of the resorts below.
As the gondola sweeps toward Disney’s Riviera Resort, you will glide over visual spectacles that are typically reserved for birds. The gondola cableway at this deluxe resort serves as a mid-station, allowing guests to transfer if necessary. It’s a brief stop where you may choose to continue your travel toward EPCOT or shift direction towards Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts.
In particular, as the Skyliner approaches the picturesque Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts, take a moment to appreciate the whimsical and colorful themes visible from your aerial perspective. These value resorts are celebrated for their larger-than-life Disney character statues, which can be seen from the comfort of your gondola.
Walking Paths
Walking paths are dedicated routes designed for pedestrian use, providing a safe and specific way for you to walk from one location to another. They are often scenic and less crowded than other transportation options.
Benefits of Walking
Walking is an excellent form of exercise that can enhance your cardiovascular health. When you opt for the walking path from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom, you take part in a sustainable and health-conscious travel method. Here are some key benefits:
- Physical Health: You improve your physical fitness, as walking is a low-impact workout that can boost stamina and burn calories.
- Mental Wellbeing: You have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful journey, which can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Cost Efficiency: Walking paths are free to use, so you save on transportation costs.
By choosing the walking path, you take advantage of a tranquil and healthful journey to Animal Kingdom, fully embracing the vibrant scenery between these two magical points.
Ridesharing Services
When you stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and wish to visit Animal Kingdom, using ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft provides a convenient transport option.
Using Uber and Lyft at Disney
Rideshare services are a category of companies that arrange one-time rides on very short notice for customers using mobile apps. Uber and Lyft are two leading rideshare companies operating in the vicinity of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Download the App: First, ensure you have the Uber or Lyft app installed on your mobile device.
- Set Your Pickup Location: Open the app and specify your pickup point as Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Choose Your Destination: Enter “Animal Kingdom” as your destination.
- Select a Ride Option: Various ride options will be available, ranging from economy to luxury.
- Confirm Your Ride: Once you’ve selected your preferred option, confirm your ride and wait for your driver.
- Meet Your Driver: Be sure to meet your driver at the designated pickup area.
Your choice between Uber and Lyft could depend on factors like pricing, wait times, and personal preference. Each service typically offers a fare estimate before you confirm your booking, so you can compare costs. Certain times of the day can have higher demand for rideshare services at Disney, often reflected in dynamic pricing models where fares might increase.
Other considerations may involve the size of your group or the level of service you desire, as both Lyft and Uber offer larger vehicle options or luxury rides for an additional fee. Payment for these services is handled electronically through the app, simplifying the process and allowing for a cashless transaction.
If you’re new to Uber or Lyft, they occasionally provide promotional discounts for your first ride, which can be applied during the booking process. Repeat use of a single rideshare service could also yield benefits, as some offer rewards programs accruing points for discounts on future rides.
Taxi Service Options
When you require transportation from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom, various taxi service options are at your disposal.
Mears Taxi and Other Taxi Companies
Mears Taxi, a well-known and established company, provides taxi services that can be easily booked from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here are the steps and information you need:
- Contact Mears Taxi: You can call to arrange a taxi, or you may also use their official app to book a ride.
- Pickup Location: Designate your pickup point at the resort, usually at the main entrance or the taxi stand.
- Travel Time: The travel time to Animal Kingdom typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Other taxi companies are also available for transportation to Animal Kingdom:
- Availability: Taxis from different companies are frequently found around the resort.
- Fare Estimation: Ask for a fare estimate before starting your journey to avoid surprises.
- Payment Options: Ensure the taxi driver accepts your preferred method of payment, whether it’s cash or credit card.
Parking and Resort Access
Before you embark on your adventure from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom, it is important to understand your parking options and how to access the resort.
Parking for Personal Vehicles
If you are driving your own car, Disney’s Contemporary Resort provides convenient parking facilities. You have access to self-parking, which is included in your stay as a guest of the Disney Resort hotels. Find the self-parking area close to the main building, ensuring your vehicle is easily accessible throughout your stay.
To park your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Upon arrival, present your reservation confirmation to the security guard at the gate.
- Drive to the designated self-parking area.
- Remember the location where you park your car to prevent any difficulties when you need to locate it later.
Guests with disabilities are provided with accessible parking spaces, located near the hotel’s main entrance. Ensure that you display a valid disability parking permit when utilizing these spots. The clear and structured layout of the parking ensures that your car is accommodated securely while you enjoy the vast array of experiences at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Animal Kingdom.
Minnie Van Service
Minnie Vans are a private transportation option at Walt Disney World Resort that guests can book to travel conveniently between Disney properties, including from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom.
Convenience of Minnie Vans
You can enjoy the comfort and convenience of Minnie Vans, which cater specifically to guests wishing to move between Disney destinations with ease. These red-and-white polka-dotted vehicles, inspired by Minnie Mouse, offer a direct route to your desired location within the resort. Services are available through the Lyft app, allowing you to arrange door-to-door transportation quickly. Here’s what you need to know about using Minnie Vans for your journey:
- Download the Lyft app and check for Minnie Van availability in the designated pick-up area at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Select the Minnie Van service from the list of ride options. Once confirmed, a Minnie Van will arrive at the designated location for pick-up.
- Enjoy a comfortable ride in a vehicle that accommodates up to six passengers along with two complimentary child car seats upon request.
- Reach Disney’s Animal Kingdom efficiently as Minnie Vans have access to special routes that can make your trip quicker than standard ride services.
Keep in mind that Minnie Vans operate within the Walt Disney World Resort, including theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This service typically runs from 6:30 am to 12:30 am daily, but check the Lyft app for the most up-to-date operating hours on the day of your visit.
Minnie Vans provide a charming and hassle-free way to navigate Disney World, ensuring that you maximize your time enjoying the parks rather than worrying about transportation logistics.
Luxury Car Services
Enjoy the ease and comfort of traveling from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Animal Kingdom with the luxury car services available. These premium transportation options provide a private and sophisticated journey.
Private Limousines and Town Cars
A private limousine or town car service is a transportation option that offers an exclusive and luxurious ride for passengers seeking comfort and convenience. You can book these services in advance to ensure availability. Limousines provide spacious interiors and may include amenities such as a mini-bar, privacy partition, and entertainment systems. With town cars, expect a professional driver, plush seating, and ample room for luggage.
- Choose Your Service: Begin by selecting a preferred luxury car service provider. Providers often have websites where you can view vehicle options and book your travel.
- Schedule Your Pickup: Once you’ve chosen a service, schedule your pickup time. It’s recommended to arrange transportation at least 24 hours in advance.
- Meet Your Chauffeur: Your chauffeur will typically meet you at the resort’s main entrance or a pre-arranged location. Look for a sign with your name or the service company’s logo.
Remember to confirm the cost of the service when booking, as rates can vary based on distance, vehicle type, and duration of service. Moreover, a tip for your driver is customarily expected and appreciated, usually accounting for 15-20% of the total fare. Enjoy your elegant transit to Animal Kingdom with the assurance of punctuality and comfort.
