The My Disney Experience app is even more useful than before thanks to an all-new update that allows users to get directions to attractions and more in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Guests can now find directions simply by typing in the location they want to visit and the location where they are currently located. The app displays the route to take and even calculates the travel time.

For more precise routes you can select “see walking directions” and the app will show you the route you need to walk to get from point A to point B.

The updated My Disney Experience app is available to download now for iPhone and Android devices. If you already have the app on your smartphone make sure you have updated it to the most recent version.

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Guests visiting Epcot have more than one way to get into the theme park.

Tucked away in the back of the park between France and the United Kingdom is the International Gateway, a secondary entrance and exit for the park.

The International Gateway opened in 1990 just before Disney’s Swan Hotel opened and was planned so guests of the soon-to-be opened Epcot deluxe resorts would have a “special” entrance in the same way the Monorail provided a unique entrance for guests at the Magic Kingdom deluxe resorts.

Those deluxe resorts include the BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

In addition to providing a special entrance for resort guests, the area also provided a completed waterway going all the way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Guests arriving to the International Gateway will go through bag check just as they would at the main entrance. Strollers, wheelchairs, and some ECV’s can be rented at the entrance. There is also a locker rental area just inside the gates.

Restrooms are located just before the entrance at the International Gateway, and there is also a ticket booth. The dock for the Friendship boats is located before the entrance to the Gateway and guests arriving on the boats have a short walk to Epcot.

The International Gateway is a perk when you’re staying in the Epcot resort area. Guests can avoid the hustle and bustle of the main entrance of Epcot in the morning (after enjoying a leisurely walk from their hotel), and they also have an easy exit to the Boardwalk area and the resorts after IllumiNations ends.

Get ready to spend a little bit more to park at the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Effective March 30, the price of parking at the four theme parks increased by $2, taking the price for cars to $17. The charge for parking campers is $18, while buses or tractor-trailers now cost $21 to park.

If you’re a guest at a Walt Disney World hotel, you receive complimentary parking at the theme parks. Annual and premium passholders and Disney Premiere passholders also park for free.

If you use the valet parking at Disney hotel that price has also increased from $15 to $20 per day. Of course self-parking is still free.

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What is the best way to get around the Walt Disney World resort? Well, there really isn’t a “right” answer to that question – it really depends on how much time you’re willing to spend on travel and what options you have.

 

If you drove to Disney (or rented a car at the airport), you can always use your personal vehicle to get from place to place. Any time my family has driven to Disney we actually park the car at the resort and never move it again until the day we leave. But we like the complimentary resort transportation offered by Disney. And, after driving 18 hours from Ohio, it’s nice to leave the driving to someone else for a week.

 

There are pros and cons to resort transportation. Sometimes the buses are running behind and you can spend 20 minutes or longer waiting at the resort for a bus to arrive. And during the busier times of the year, the bus lines at the parks are very long and it can take up to an hour (or longer!) to get back to your resort. On the flip side, it’s nice to be able to walk out of your resort, hop on a bus, and not worry about finding a parking spot. If you’re going to use the Disney bus system you need to understand that it can take more than 20 minutes to get to a park from your resort – depending on the location of the resort. It’s not the fastest mode of transportation but it’s not a bad way to get around.

 

This “transportation wizard” from OurLaughingPlace.com is a great tool when you’re trying to figure out travel times at Walt Disney World.

 

If you’re lucky enough to be at one of the Monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, Contemporary), getting to and from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot is relatively easy. You just hop on the Monorail. That’s your only option. To get anywhere else from these resorts you must take a bus. From the Wilderness Lodge, I would recommend taking a boat to the Magic Kingdom – it’s more relaxing than the bus ride at any time of day. And, if you’re at The BoardWalk Inn and Villas, the Yacht Club or the Beach Club you’re within walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but you can also take a Friendship Boat.

 

For more information on travel inside Walt Disney World check out this FAQ page.

Downtown Disney Area is Walt Disney World’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located outside of the DisneyParks.  Located on the shores of Village Lake across from the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, this expansive area is a popular destination for Disney fans.  Many return travelers make it either the first or last stop of their Walt Disney World vacation.

There’s so much to see and do you can easily spend a day wandering through this complex of fun activities for every age  both day and night!  If you can only stop in one area to do your vacation shopping, be sure to stop here.

 

Dining:

• Bongos Cuban Cafe – Created by music superstar Gloria Estefan, this colorful restaurant—a re-creation of a lively 1950s Havana nightclub.
• Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant – Dine on chef’s specialties of seafood and American cuisine in a casual waterfront setting with a panoramic view of Buena Vista Lagoon.
• Cookes of Dublin – Stop in for classic fish ‘n’ chips, tasty pies and more when you’re on the go.
• Earl of Sandwich – We offer 13 hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast.
• Fourty Thirst Street – Perk up with freshly-brewed coffee and coffee products by Joffrey’s Coffee.
• Fresh A-Peel – A back-to-basics approach to serving family favorites.
• Fulton’s Crab House – Set in a riverboat replica docked on the waterfront, this restaurant features more than 50 fresh seafood selections—flown in daily, as well as non-seafood specialties.
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream  & Chocolate Shop – Delight in decadent chocolate and world-famous sundaes topped with fresh, homemade hot fudge.
• House of Blues – The best regional and national musicians perform day and night while delicious Southern cuisine is served at this live music club.
• Paradiso 37 – North, Central and South American cuisine are represented at this waterfront restaurant that features an extensive tequila bar and nightly entertainment.
• Planet Hollywood – Satisfy cravings for favorite American foods at this star-themed restaurant decorated with movie memorabilia and props from Hollywood’s hottest films and TV shows.
• Pollo Campero – This quick-service restaurant is famous for freshly prepared Latin chicken.
• Portobello – At this waterfront restaurant, select from the award-winning wine list to pair with the authentic flavors of Italy found in signature pizzas and pasta dishes.
• Raglan Road Irish Pub – Traditional pub fare is served in a spirited atmosphere where there’s beer on tap and live bands add to the nightly entertainment.
• Rainforest Cafe – This jungle-themed restaurant, with simulated weather patterns and animated animals.
• T-REX A Prehistoric Family Adventure – This dinosaur-themed family eatery serves meals amid life-size animated prehistoric creatures, educational displays and merchandise.
• Wetzels Pretzels – Ice cream, lemonade and 7 varieties of big, hand-rolled and freshly baked pretzels are available.
• Wolfgang Puck – Three restaurants from one legendary chef.  This location offers an express counter, cafe, and formal dining room.

Shopping: 

• Arribas Brothers – Artisan Crystal and Glassware.
• Basin – All-natural bath and skin care products.
• Disney’s Days of Christmas – Christmas collectibles with a Disney flair.
• Disney’s Design-a-Tee – Customized T-shirts.
• Disney’s Pin Traders – The premier location for pin trading at WDW.
• Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories – Scrapbook supplies, stationery and postcards.
• LEGO Imagination Center – A show center and retail store for famous LEGO bricks and toys.
• Mickey’s Pantry – Fun for the chef in your family or really anyone who likes food!
• Once Upon a Toy – 16,000 square feet of fun new toys, games and collectibles.
• Pooh Corner –  Winnie the Pooh and friends themed merchandise.
• Team Mickey’s Athletic Club – Character apparel with Mickey and friends to suit any fan of any sport.
• Rawlings Making The Game – Rawlings Making the Game is a unique shop where you find custom, handmade baseball bats, authentic MLB baseballs and helmets, and gloves!
• The Art of Disney – Disney animation cells, fine art and collectibles.
• TrenD – Hip apparel for women with a fashion sense and a love of subtle Disney touches.
• World of Disney Store – This 51,000-square-foot retail space is the biggest Disney shopping destination on Earth. With 12 rooms of themed merchandise and it’s very own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess make-overs.
• Hoypoloi – An eclectic art gallery
• Planet Hollywood on Location – Planet Hollywood Orlando Gear.
• House of Blues Company Store – Through its spirit of diversity, House of Blues blends live music, great food and great shopping.
• T-Rex Shop – This Dino-Store features a unique selection of apparel, educational toys and other prehistoric merchandise as well as Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the only store where you can make your own dino friend.
• Pop Gallery – Original, artist-signed pieces and upscale gift items.
• Sosa Family Cigars – Premium cigar store features the art of hand-rolling cigars.
• Something Silver – From contemporary trends to timeless classics, Something Silver® features a wide variety of jewelry to suit most every style and budget.
• Sunglass Icon – Designer sunglasses and eyewear.
• Orlando Harley-Davidson Store – Official Harley-Davidson apparel, from T-shirts to leather jackets, plus an array of gifts and collectibles from miniature motorcycles to products for pets
• Curl – by Surf King Sammy Duval, the premier surf shop on the East Coast.
• littlemissmatched – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.
• Apricot Lane Boutique – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.

Attractions:   Sure there’s all the shopping and dining you could dream of here, but there’s also a ton of fun to be had!

• Cirque du Soleil
• DisneyQuest Interactive Theme Park
• AMC Downtown Disney 24
• House of Blues Music Venue
• Characters in Flight Hot Air Balloon
• Boat Rentals
• Coming in late 2012  Splitsville Bowling Alley

Festivals:  Several times a year the Downtown Disney Area plays host to great community festivals.

• Festival of the Masters Art & Jazz Fair
• Walgreens International Dragon Boat Festival
• Festival of the Seasons Winter Holiday Hotspot
• DisneyQuest New Years Eve Party
• Disney’s Magic Music Days

When to Go: Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney Marketplace are 8:00 am – 1:00 am. Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown West Side are 8:00 am – 2:00 am.  These times includes all Downtown Disney promenades, walkways, rest rooms and green spaces.  Store hours vary seasonally, but in general you will find the shops open between 9:30 a.m to 11:00 p.m.

How to Get There:  Guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort can take  the “Downtown Disney” bus from their resort’s bus stop.  Buses leave approximately every 20 minutes.  Guests staying at staying at Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resorts may also get to Downtown Disney by taking the ferryboat.

For Guests who choose to drive, complimentary self-parking is also available. The street address is:
1780 E. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

If you’re interested in any of these great things to see and do at Downtown Disney, be sure to schedule some time in your touring plan to stop by and check them out!  As with all things Disney, times as well as shopping & dining options are subject to change.

For many coming to stay at Orlando hotels near Disney World, one of the first steps in the planning process is deciding how you will get there: fly or drive?

Many families across the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast choose to make the trek via their own car. There’s lots of upsides to this — no high airfare costs, no limit on luggage, and a way to transport yourself within Disney World once you arrive. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you on your way:

–Get to know Orlando-area roadways. If you don’t have a GPS device, consider investing in one now to show your progress and lead you to your destination. And while a GPS device can lead you to your destination with just an address, it’s also helpful to get to study a map of the Orlando area and your route beforehand.

–Consider a Sunpass. Florida has an abundance of toll roads. A common misconception is that Sunpass devices are available only to Florida residents. That’s not the case — any vacationer is welcome to buy a device and preload tolls onto their account. You can buy a Sunpass at several retail and AAA locations in Florida. Another great tip: Sunpass devices are also compatible with E-Pass, the toll system of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority that controls some Orlando toll roads.

–Consider less-traveled routes. Interstate 4 is a busy thoroughfare that connects I-95 on Florida’s east coast to I-75 on Florida’s west coast. It can clog up with traffic during rush hour and during peak travel times of the year. If you’re traveling south on I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike, consider taking the 429 Western Beltway toll south toward Disney World. This less-busy thoroughfare travels along the western side of Walt Disney World and has an exit very close to Disney’s Coronado Springs along Western Way, and another along Highway 192. If traveling from I-95 onto I-4, consider taking the 417 Greeneway toll road south from Sanford to avoid traffic along the busiest parts of I-4 at rush hour. It connects with Osceola Parkway for easy access to the south side of Walt Disney World.

–Go shopping! By this, we mean take advantage of your own transportation and stop at a grocery store or superstore along the way to pick up items for your trip. You’ll save money on snacks, drinks and travel essentials!

If you don’t want to stay on the monorail during your Walt Disney World vacation but would still like to be in the center of the action, you may want to snag a room in one of the Epcot Area resorts.

Epcot Area Resorts Include:

• Disney’s Boardwalk Resort & Boardwalk Villas
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

These resorts here are located around the beautiful Crescent Lake and make for an exciting tourist area.  Easy water transportation and covenant walking paths connect all of the Epcot area hotels offering easy access to both Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Epcot resort hotels do not offer direct access to the front gate of Epcot.  Instead, because of their close proximity, guests are directed to the “back entrance” of Epcot at the International Gateway located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions.   The International Gateway entrance provides the full services of the front park entrance including, park exit, ticket windows, locker rentals, wheelchair (no ECVs), stroller rentals, and a gift shop.  Complimentary bus service is provided between the Epcot Area resorts and other Disney theme parks such as the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

All Epcot area resorts provide deluxe accommodations and full services for their guests.  Dining options on Crescent Lake are plentiful and it’s just a short walk or boat ride to explore the options available at all of the resorts or to World Showcase.  Amongst the Epcot area resorts you’ll find Character Meals, Sports Bars, Signature Dining, Dancing, Romantic Settings, Full Service Spas and fun Boat Rentals.  Some of their large guest rooms can accommodate five people with relative ease, however you will have to note that you need a room with a daybed at the time you make your reservation.

This great hub of activity is a wonderful place to check-in for people who want to make the most of every moment.  Next time you make a reservation for a wonderful Orlando Vacation, be sure to consider the deluxe resorts of the Epcot Area to indulge you in your travel needs.

Do you have a favorite Epoct Area Resort?  Leave us a comment and let us know what your favorite thing about this great area!

No matter if you’ve booked room only or if you’ve got a package deal for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation; if you’re staying at Port Orleans, Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs Resorts, you have a unique treat in your transportation to Downtown Disney.   The complimentary ferry service on the Walt Disney World waterways offer a fun alternative mode of transportation to buses.   These relaxing and often beautiful journeys by boat can offer great way to spend some time on a non-park day as you travel to the shopping and entertainment center of Downtown Disney.

Port Orleans:

The Sassagoula River Cruise is a gentle 2 ½ mile journey from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney down the Disney created river, and takes about 20 minutes one way.  The service begins at 10am daily and runs about every 20 minutes until 4:30pm when more boats are added to the route and it then runs every 10 minutes until 11pm.  This route is marked with Yellow Flags and departs from the Downtown Disney Marketplace dock (left-hand queue line).

Saratoga Springs Resort:

Hourly service is provided from 11:00am thru 4:00pm, and at 4:00PM a second boat is added and service becomes available every half hour. Blue Flags mark the Saratoga Springs Service that departs from Downtown Disney Marketplace dock (right-hand queue line).  This includes the Tree house villas dock.

Old Key West Resort:

Green Flagged boats can be found departing from Pleasure Island dock.  The last boat leaves Old Key West at 11:00pm and then leaves Downtown Disney for it’s final trip at 11:30pm.

Downtown Disney Internal Water-Shuttle: There is also a local water shuttle at Downtown Disney (with red flags and signs) that operates and will take you from the Marketplace dock to the other end of the complex at the West Side dock.

All Walt Disney World boat service operates subject to local water and weather conditions.  Service may temporarily cease operating if lightning storms are forecast or water levels are too high.  Operational times were current at the time of publication, but may change and fluctuate to accommodate seasonal crowd changes.

Thanks so much to Andy Buckingham for his beautiful creative commons picture of the river boat.

A lot of families traveling to Disney World do so by car, but not all do. With lowered costs for plane travel and the advent of Disney’s Magical Express, not every family opts to drive, or to rent a car after arriving. So what is the travel landscape like at Disney World without a car?

Without your own car, you’ll have four ways of getting around Disney World:

1) Disney Bus Transportation. The bus system will be your primary mode of transport. The Disney World bus system is essentially a hub-and-spoke — with each theme park, water park and Downtown Disney acting as a hub, and each resort as a spoke. From the hubs, buses to each Disney resort are available. Let’s say you’re traveling from your resort to another resort for dinner. Be sure to add extra time for your travel since it will take you two trips — one to a park or Downtown Disney, and another to the other resort.

2) The Monorail. If you’re staying at a Monorail resort (the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, and the Polynesian Resort) you’ll be able to get to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot using only the Monorail system. It’s also just plain fun to ride around in!

3) Disney boats and ferries. There’s a lot of lakes at Disney World. So, boats and ferries are available in several places, like the Magic Kingdom and Epcot resort areas. For instance, you can take a boat from Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom, or you can take a boat from the International Gateway at Epcot to Hollywood Studios, with stops at resorts along the way.

4) A cab. If all else fails, there’s always cabs available. Cabs can work well in a pinch if you’re trying to get somewhere quickly, or get stuck somewhere late at night.

Read more about Disney World transportation in our Transportation To and In Disney World guide.

Disney World’s Monorail is one of the most iconic features of the park. After the Epcot “Golf Ball” (Spaceship Earth) and Cinderella’s Castle, the Monorail is probably the next thing that people think of as symbolizing Disney World. Unlike Disneyland’s Monorail, Disney World’s version actually serves a valuable purpose in the park. Instead of serving primarily as a ride, it is actually used as a form of transportation.

There are two monorails at the Magic Kingdom. One goes from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom. The other goes through several resorts as well as the TTC. In fact, both of the monorails actually go through Disney’s Contemporary Resort. From the TTC, you can also ride a monorail to Epcot and back. This is a much longer trip, but once you’re there you actually circle the park and get amazing views before you disembark.

Unfortunately, cost has been prohibitive in the expansion of the monorail system. Disney’s newer parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are not serviced by the monorail system and there is currently no plans for them to be. Nevertheless, the monorail can provide a fun and convenient way to get around in Walt Disney World resort.

For more information about Transportation in Disney World check out our Free Guide to Disney World! The guide covers getting around and just about everything else you could want to know about.

Photo Credit: Express Monorail