Where Does The Monorail Go In Disney World? | Complete Guide

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World, chances are you’ll hear about the iconic Disney Monorail. But you may be wondering where does the monorail go in Disney World and how can you use it? I’ve got you covered!

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This futuristic transportation system has been a staple of the parks since 1971 and remains one of the most efficient and fun ways to get around. Whether you’re staying at a resort on the monorail loop or just want to experience it for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Disney World Monorail.

After over 50 visits to Walt Disney World in the last few years, I have learned a few things about the ins and outs of Disney World, which includes how to best utilize the free Disney transportation. While I don’t like to play favorites, the Walt Disney World monorail system may top the list when it comes to getting around Disney! We LOVE the monorail. 

Fun Facts: Three Disney Parks have monorail trains and they are each different! You will find them in Disney World, Disneyland and the Tokyo Disney Resort. The Tokyo Disney monorail is very well-themed with Mickey Mouse head windows, on-brand handles, and more. The Disney World monorails are themed by colored stripe, example: “monorail teal”, and the Disneyland monorail actually goes through the Disneyland park, so park tickets are required. 

What is the Disney World Monorail?

The Disney World Monorail is an elevated train system that transports guests between select Disney resorts, theme parks, and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). By elevated, I mean it’s above the parks and roads, not that it’s super fancy- though you could argue that it’s that too. 

It offers a smooth and scenic ride, making it not only a practical way to get around but also a fun Disney experience in itself. The monorail features sleek, futuristic trains that glide along a track above the parks, providing great views and a unique perspective of Disney World. The views are some of the coolest perks, especially as you go around Epcot. 

How Can Guests Use the Monorail?

The monorail is free for all guests, whether you are staying at a Disney resort, have a park ticket or just visiting for the day. It’s a great way to travel between select locations within Disney World, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of driving or waiting for buses. Guests can board the monorail at designated stations and hop on the appropriate line for their destination.

Where Does the Monorail Go In Disney World?

The Disney World Monorail has three main routes to get you to various places within the Walt Disney World resort. You can get to three resorts and two Disney theme parks:

Magic Kingdom Monorail Resort Line – This loop connects Magic Kingdom to three deluxe resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon. The resort monorail stops have their own security checkpoint line, which helps speed up the process when you arrive to Magic Kingdom or Epcot. 

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Entrance is on the forth floor of the Contemporary. This monorail experience is iconic because it’s the only hotel where the monorail drives through the middle of the hotel! You can see the monorail from the gift shops, Contempo Cafe which is the quick service option at the resort, the Outer Rim bar and from Chef Mickey’s! 
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – You can board the monorail from the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Kona Coffee is right next to the entrance where you will pass through security and then board the monorail. 
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The monorail boards from the second floor of the main lobby of the resort. It’s a stunning view if you haven’t seen it before, I suggest popping in to explore the resort, even if you aren’t staying there! 
• The loop also stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). If you are hoping to kick off a monorail crawl, you can start here or at Magic Kingdom. The TTC is the main Magic Kingdom parking lot.

EPCOT Line – This line runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to EPCOT, providing a direct connection between these two locations. As mentioned above, be sure to look out the windows as you go around Epcot! It’s a great view of the attractions in World Celebration. 

Express Monorail / Magic Kingdom Loop – This route provides a non-stop trip between the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and Magic Kingdom, making it the fastest way to reach the park from TTC.

How Long Does It Take to Ride the Monorail?

The travel time varies depending on the route and how busy it is, but they do run in a continuous loop. These are general estimates. 

• Magic Kingdom Resort Line: Approximately 15-20 minutes for a full loop.
• EPCOT Line: About 10-12 minutes from the TTC to EPCOT.
• Express Magic Kingdom Line: Around 5 minutes from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. 

Keep in mind that wait times for the monorail can fluctuate depending on the time of day and crowd levels, but trains typically arrive every few minutes.

How to Find the Monorail

Finding the monorail is easy, look out for the monorail above the park or the signs with the monorail symbol around the park exits. Here’s where you can access it:

• At the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC): This is the main hub for the monorail, where guests can choose to board the EPCOT Line or the Express Magic Kingdom Line.
• At Magic Kingdom: The monorail station is located directly outside the park entrance to the right. Be sure to hop on the monorail line that you want, there will be signs pointing to both the express monorail and the TTC. If you want to get to the Epcot Monorail, take the Express Monorail to the TTC, then transfer. 
• At EPCOT: The monorail station is near the front entrance of the park next to Joffrey’s Coffee. 
• At Monorail Resorts: If you are staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you will find monorail stations conveniently located at each hotel in the above listed locations.

Tips for Using the Disney World Monorail

Besides simply figuring out where does the monorail go in Disney World, there are a few helpful details which will aid in making your transportation around the parks even smoother.

• Ride the Resort Loop for a Scenic Tour – Even if you’re not staying at a monorail resort, you can hop on and enjoy the beautiful views. Resort Hopping is one of my favorite things to do in Walt Disney World, especially during the holidays when the resorts are decorated for Christmas! 
• Use the Express Line for a Quick Park Transfer – If you need to get to Magic Kingdom from the TTC quickly, the Express Line is your best option.
• Travel During Off-Peak Times – The monorail can get crowded in the mornings and after fireworks, so try to use it during less busy hours if possible. 
• Know When The Monorail Opens – The monorail will start running at least 1 hour before the earliest park opening time, based on the parks Early Entry time! Say that 3 times fast 🙂 For example, if the posted opening for Magic Kingdom is 9am, the early entry time will be 8:30am, so the first monorail will start no later than 7:30am to take you to the Magic Kingdom gates. 
• Enjoy a Monorail Bar Crawl – If you’re 21+ and looking for a fun evening activity, consider stopping at the lounges inside the three monorail resorts for drinks and appetizers.
• Use The Monorail To Get Around – I avoid Disney buses whenever possible, so even if it’s a longer journey, I will use the Monorail to get to other Disney transportation. For example, if I want to get to Wilderness Lodge, I will take the monorail to Magic Kingdom and then boat to Wilderness Lodge. 
• Know Where Disney Transportation Will Take You – The monorail routes in Disney World only go to the above listed places, not to other places like Disney Springs, the water parks, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. I highly recommend checking out the Disney World Transportation Guide to see a complete list of where the monorail lines in WDW will take you. It can get quiet confusing! I often hear people saying they plan to take the monorail to Disney Springs, or monorail to Hollywood Studios, which would be AMAZING but not currently possible.
• Be Prepared For Security – You will go through security before gaining monorail access, whether you are heading to a park, a resort or just to explore. 
• Understand The TTC – While this is focused on the Disney monorail system, you can also board a ferry boat from TTC or walk to the Polynesian and take one of the water taxis to Magic Kingdom. 

Like many things in Disney, the Disney World Monorail is more than just transportation; it’s an experience. Whether you’re using it to get from one park to another or just take in the sights, the monorail adds an extra touch of Disney magic to your trip. Hppefully after reading through this guide, you feel confident in know where does the monorail go in Disney World.

Next time you visit Walt Disney World, don’t forget to hop aboard and enjoy the ride- especially once you have read this complete guide to using the monorail service!