Are Disney Hotels Bad if they Only/Mainly Have Disney World Buses for Transportation? (unpopular opinions & best underrated resorts) -

Are Disney hotels with only Disney World buses for transportation really as bad as some people make them out to be?

This is a question that often sparks debate among Disney World guests.

While many travellers prefer resorts with Monorail or Skyliner access, there are several underrated Disney hotels that offer only/mainly bus transportation.

I recently wrote a post on the resorts in “prime Disney World locations” (Monorail, Skyliner, Epcot area).

But does that necessarily mean that Disney resorts that aren’t in a “prime location” are bad hotels?

So, if you’re considering staying at one of these resorts, keep reading as we discover the truth about Disney hotels with bus transportation only.

This post is all about discovering if Disney hotels are still worth staying at if you have to rely on Disney World buses (and which resorts are still worth it!).

Staying at Resorts with Limited Transportation – Only/Mainly Disney World Buses

What is the Disney World bus schedule? What times do the Disney World buses start and finish each day?

Disney World buses to the parks start 45 minutes before opening and end 1 hour before closing (and you can expect buses to arrive approximately every 20 minutes—though this definitely can vary).

Buses to Disney Springs will be available to and from your resort during operating hours and one hour after Disney Springs closes.

The current Disney World bus times will be available at Disney World Resort bus stops.

How can I research the Disney World bus routes to the Water Parks?

For more details on how to catch a bus to the water parks (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon), you can check out Disney’s site or the My Disney Experience app.

Are the Disney World Bus Wait Times REALLY that bad?

Usually, no. More often than not, buses for each park will arrive within 20 minutes (and a lot of the time, you won’t have to wait that long).

On super rare occasions, I’ve had to wait longer than that. When I stayed at Coronado Springs in November 2022, I waited ONE HOUR to catch a bus to Animal Kingdom. Thankfully, I haven’t waited this long for a bus on any other occasion.

However, be aware that Disney World bus transportation can be a little unreliable, so allow plenty of time to get to the Disney Parks.

And remember that Disney World bus wait times are just a guide, and are not always the most dependable.

Resorts with Only/Primarily Disney World Bus Transportation

1) Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music & Sports)

Disney’s All-Star Resorts, including Movies, Music, and Sports, are budget-friendly accommodations that offer a vibrant and immersive experience for guests.

The All-Star Resorts are the cheapest on-site Disney Resorts (with All-Star Movies usually being slightly more expensive than the other two, though this can vary).

As the names suggest, All-Star Movies is a celebration of Disney movies, including the following sections:

101 Dalmatians
Toy Story

Fantasia

The Love Bug
The Mighty Ducks

The sections at All-Star Music include:

Broadway Hotel
Calypso

Country Fair
Jazz Inn
Rock Inn

And finally, All-Star Sports has the following sections:

Center Court
Homerun Hotel

Hoops Hotel
Surf’s Up!

Touchdown!

Pricing of All-Star Resorts

Pricing of All-Star Movies (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Please note that a $15 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard Room (sleeps 4 guests): $133/night – $305/night
Preferred Room (sleeps 4 guests): $162/night – $342/night

Pricing of All-Star Music (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Please note that a $15 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard Room (sleeps 4 guests): $133/night – $305/night
Preferred Room (sleeps 4 guests): $174/night – $347/night

Family Suites (sleeps 6 guests): $336/night – $696/night

Pricing of All-Star Sports (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Please note that a $15 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard Room (sleeps 4 guests): $133/night – $305/night

Preferred Room (sleeps 4 guests): $167/night – $337/night

Is transportation ever a problem at the All-Star Resorts?

On occasion, there may be shared buses between the three All-Star Resorts.

Please note that this isn’t always the case, and isn’t something I’ve experienced during my stays here.

If this does happen, you’ll probably see some unfavourable Disney World bus wait times.

It’s also important to note that the All-Star Resorts are located in the Animal Kingdom Park area, meaning that bus rides to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios may take a little more time than you’d like – so be sure to allow plenty of time for this!

2) Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs is a Moderate Resort that represents Southwest American, Spanish and Mexican cultures – and does so beautifully.

In 2019, the Gran Destino Tower opened at Coronado Springs, adding luxury to this already gorgeous resort.

Pricing of Coronado Springs Resort (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Be aware that a $25 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $260/night – $470/night
Water View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $310/night – $520/night
King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $352/night – $525/night
Preferred Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $353/night – $532/night
Preferred Room – King (sleeps up to 2 guests): $359/night – $539/night
Tower – Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $316/night – $638/night
Water View – King (sleeps up to 2 guests): $367/night – $587/night
Tower – Water View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $368/night – $645/night
Tower – Standard View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $404/night – $645/night
Tower – Water View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $431/night – $664/night
Tower – Standard View – Club Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $448/night – $1,035/night
Tower – Deluxe Suite – Club Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $702/night – $1,403/night
Casitas – 1 Bedroom Suite (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,076/night – $1,659/night
1 Bedroom Suite – King (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,092/night – $1,665/night
Tower – One Bedroom Suite – Club Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,292/night – $1,989/night
Casitas – Executive Suite (sleeps up to 8 guests): $1,531/night – $2,385/night
Tower – Presidential Suite – Club Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,810/night – $3,734/night

Is transportation ever a problem at Coronado Springs?

As I mentioned, besides waiting one hour for a bus to Animal Kingdom once, I’ve never had an issue with buses at Coronado Springs.

They are usually quite reliable, and I’ve stayed here again since then.

I wouldn’t hesitate to book another stay at Coronado Springs, even though they only have Disney World bus transportation.

But it is important to note that Coronado Springs is also in the Animal Kingdom area, so it is slightly further away from the other Disney World Parks.

3) Port Orleans Resorts – French Quarter & Riverside

Port Orleans – French Quarter and Port Orleans – Riverside are sister resorts at Disney World.

These Moderate Resorts are similar, but they have some different theming.

Port Orleans – French Quarter is based on New Orleans’ and is the smallest of all the Disney World Moderate Resorts.

Port Orleans – Riverside is based on rural Louisiana, and is a much larger resort.

Pricing of Port Orleans Resorts

Pricing of Port Orleans – French Quarter (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Be aware that a $25 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $289/night – $476/night
Garden View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $298/night – $513/night
River View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $314/night – $525/night
Pool View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $314/night – $533/night
King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $327/night – $552/night

Pricing of Port Orleans – Riverside (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence. Be aware that a $25 per night + tax charge applies for each adult (18+) after the first two):

Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $289/night – $476/night
Woods View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $303/night – $501/night
Standard View – 5th Sleeper (sleeps up to 5 guests): $305/night – $504/night
Woods View – 5th Sleeper (sleeps up to 5 guests): $322/night – $518/night
Pool View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $310/night – $506/night
King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $351/night – $525/night
Preferred Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $353/night – $548/night
River View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $353/night – $548/night
Royal Guest Room – Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $353/night – $554/night
Royal Guest Room – Woods View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $360/night – $561/night
Royal Guest Room – River View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $367/night – $585/night

Is transportation ever a problem at the Port Orleans Resorts?

When staying at Port Orleans resorts, you can only catch Disney World buses to the parks, but you can catch a water taxi to Disney Springs.

The buses are generally reliable, though buses may very occasionally be shared between the sister resorts (though I’ve never experienced this). This could cause some delays, but it is unlikely to be a huge issue.

4) Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (which feels like a forest) offers two unique experiences:

Guests can camp at the campsites at Fort Wilderness
Or stay in cabins (this recently became a DVC Property, known as The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort).

Pricing of Fort Wilderness Resort

Pricing of The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence)

Tent or Pop-Up Campsite (sleeps up to 10 guests): $99/night – $210/night
Full Hook-Up Campsite (sleeps up to 10 guests): $132/night – $255/night
Preferred Campsite (sleeps up to 10 guests): $140/night – $286/night
Premium Campsite (sleeps up to 10 guests): $154/night – $296/night
Premium Meadow Campsite (sleeps up to 10 guests): $165/night – $338/night

Pricing of The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

See the DVC points chart for details on pricing.

If you would like to rent DVC points to stay here, check out our post on renting Disney Vacation Club points for more information.

Is transportation ever a problem at Fort Wilderness?

It can be. Fort Wilderness is a HUGE resort, and you may need to take an internal bus to your next mode of transportation.

There is a boat to the Magic Kingdom, but if you need to take a bus to take you to the boat, it may waste a lot of time.

You can also rent a golf cart (if you are 18+ with a driver’s licence), but this currently costs $65.73-$84.51 BEFORE TAX EACH DAY – so it is hardly an affordable option.

5) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a captivating African-themed resort, which highlights the beauty of the African savanna. There are LITERAL savannas with over 30 species of animals!

Pricing of Animal Kingdom Lodge (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence)

Resort View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $487/night – $888/night
Resort View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $504/night – $908/night
Water View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $525/night – $934/night
Water View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $543/night – $954/night
Savanna View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $696/night – $1,174/night
Savanna View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $716/night – $1,195/night
Savanna View – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $872/night – $1,550/night

Savanna View – King Bed – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 2 guests): $891/night – $1,568/night
Resort View – 1 BR Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,281/night – $2,257/night
Savanna View – 1 BR Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,365/night – $2,538/night
2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,181/night – $4,004/night

Is transportation ever a problem at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

There is ONLY bus transportation at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it is kind of far away from every park except Animal Kingdom. However, I’ve never experienced issues with the Disney World buses when I’ve stayed here.

6) Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort offers a tranquil escape to the laid-back charm of the Florida Keys. It offers spacious accommodations and a relaxed atmosphere.

Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club Resort.

Pricing of Old Key West:

Here is the 2024 and 2025 points chart for this resort.

The cheapest way to stay here (if you aren’t a DVC member) is to rent DVC points.

You can also book a stay at Old Key West directly through Disney, but booking through Disney is significantly more expensive.

Is transportation ever a problem at Old Key West?

When I stayed here in September 2023, I had to wait 20-25 minutes for a bus on a couple of occasions. But from what I’ve heard, the buses aren’t too bad here – generally.

You can also catch a water taxi to Disney Springs.

Alternatively, you can walk to Disney Springs, but it can take 20-30 minutes.

7) Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers a peaceful resort inspired by Victorian Saratoga Springs in upstate New York.

Saratoga Springs is another Disney Vacation Club Resort.

Pricing of Saratoga Springs:

Here is the 2024 and 2025 points chart for Saratoga Springs.

Once again, renting DVC points is the cheapest way to book a stay here (if you aren’t a DVC member).

Like other DVC resorts, you can book a stay directly through Disney, but this is often a lot more expensive.

Is transportation ever a problem at Saratoga Springs?

Personally, I’ve never had issues waiting FOREVER for buses at Saratoga Springs.

However, it’s the biggest DVC Resort, so it can take a while to get to the parks.

The biggest transportation pro of this resort is being within walking distance to Disney Springs (within approximately 5-15 minutes, depending on where you’re staying). You can also catch the Sassagoula River Cruise.

8) Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge showcases the beauty of America’s Pacific Northwest, offering a rustic yet luxurious retreat.

Pricing of Wilderness Lodge (2024 prices including tax and not including discounts. Be aware that Disney can occasionally change these prices, though that’s not a frequent occurrence)

Resort View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $524/night – $979/night
Resort View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $525/night – $984/night
Water View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $593/night – $999/night
Water View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $601/night – $1,007/night
Fireworks View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $757/night – $1,209/night
Fireworks View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $764/night – $1,216/night
Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $784/night – $1,350/night
Resort View – King Bed – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $790/night – $1,356/night
Deluxe Room – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $997/night – $1,837/night

There are also two DVC properties (Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek) at Wilderness Lodge. It can often be cheaper to rent points there than to pay the direct Disney prices.

Is transportation ever a problem at Wilderness Lodge?

If you stay here, you can catch a boat to Magic Kingdom, which is enjoyable but can be time-consuming.

Regarding the Disney World buses here, they’re pretty similar to most other resorts with mainly/only bus transportation.

Ta Ta For Now

While Disney World hotels that rely solely on Disney World buses for transportation may not offer the convenience of monorails or boats, they still provide an excellent option for a magical vacation.

I would argue that some of these resorts are as good, if not better, than some others with better transportation options.

Long story short, there isn’t really a “bad” Disney resort – based solely on transportation.

This post was all about discovering if Disney hotels are still worth staying at if you have to rely on Disney World buses (and which resorts are still worth it!).

Are Disney Hotels Bad if they Only/Mainly Have Disney World Buses for Transportation? (unpopular opinions & best underrated resorts)