How to Get from Animal Kingdom to EPCOT (Fastest and Easiest Ways)

animal kingdom wayfinding sign

Getting from Animal Kingdom to EPCOT takes a little planning. These parks aren’t super close, and there’s no monorail, Skyliner, or walking path connecting them.

Whether you’re EPCOT-bound for a festival stroll, a Guardians of the Galaxy ride, or to sip something boozy around the World Showcase, here’s how to get there from Animal Kingdom without wasting your entire afternoon.

Quick Guide: How to Get from Animal Kingdom to EPCOT

  • Bus: Direct Disney bus service is available from the Animal Kingdom bus loop to EPCOT, typically starting around 10:00 a.m.
  • Rideshare: Uber/Lyft pick up near the Animal Kingdom parking lot and drop off at the front entrance of EPCOT.
  • Minnie Vans: Bookable via the Lyft app, with drop-off near the EPCOT bus loop or at Beach Club for International Gateway access.
  • Monorail: Not available between these parks.
  • Disney Skyliner: Not an option between Animal Kingdom and EPCOT.
  • Walking: Not an option between Animal Kingdom and EPCOT.
  • Boats: Not an option between Animal Kingdom and EPCOT.

Related: How to Get from EPCOT to Animal Kingdom

Ways to Get from Animal Kingdom to EPCOT

Bus

The easiest and most cost-effective way to get from Animal Kingdom to EPCOT is the free Disney bus.

How it works:

  • Head to the Animal Kingdom bus loop, just outside the park entrance.
  • Find the stop marked “EPCOT.”
  • Buses begin running around 10:00 a.m. and typically arrive every 15–20 minutes.
  • Ride time is about 20–25 minutes and drops you off at the front of EPCOT (not the International Gateway entrance).

Pros:

  • Free and direct.
  • No transfers or stops in between.
  • Drops you close to the EPCOT entrance.

Cons:

  • Buses can be full during busy park-hopping windows.
  • May involve a short wait, especially midday.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes. It’s the most straightforward way to get between these two parks.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are solid options if you want to avoid waiting or leave on your own schedule.

How it works:

  • Exit Animal Kingdom and head to the designated rideshare area in the parking lot near the disabled parking section.
  • Request a ride to EPCOT.
  • Drop-off is near EPCOT’s bus loop.

Pros:

  • Quick and flexible.
  • No transfers or in-between steps.
  • Can save time if the bus line is long.

Cons:

  • Costs extra ($10–$25+ depending on time of day).
  • No real shortcut. It still takes ~20 minutes including pickup and drop-off.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe. If you’re in a hurry or hate waiting for buses, it’s worth it.

Minnie Vans

Minnie Vans are Disney’s premium rideshare service. They are more expensive, but more convenient, too.

How it works:

  • Book through the Lyft app while on Disney property.
  • Pickup is in the same area as regular rideshare.
  • When getting dropped off, you’ll have 2 options:
    • Front of the park: Drop-off is near EPCOT’s main bus loop, close to the entrance.
    • World Showcase: Ask to be dropped off at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and enter EPCOT through the International Gateway.

Pros:

  • Direct, premium service.
  • Includes car seats if needed.
  • Driven by Disney Cast Members.

Cons:

  • More expensive than regular rideshare ($35–$50+).
  • Not always immediately available.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe. If you want comfort and convenience and don’t mind the price, it’s a great option.

Disney Skyliner, Walking Path, Boats, and Monorail

None of these are available between Animal Kingdom and EPCOT:

  • Skyliner: Doesn’t service Animal Kingdom.
  • Walking Path: These parks are far apart with no walking route.
  • Boats: No water transportation between these two.
  • Monorail: Only runs between Magic Kingdom, TTC, EPCOT, and Monorail resorts.

Final Thoughts: Animal Kingdom to EPCOT

It’s not a complicated park hop, but it’s not the fastest either. Expect around 20–25 minutes of total travel time, depending on the option you choose.

  • Fastest Free Option: Disney bus
  • Least Expensive Paid Option: Uber or Lyft
  • Most Convenient Option: Minnie Van

Soon you’ll be sipping a margarita in Mexico or flying through space with Star-Lord and the detour will be a distant memory.

Planning more park-to-park travel? Check out our full guide on Disney World transportation for tips on getting everywhere.

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