How to Get From Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom (Fastest and Easiest Ways)

hollywood studios bus loop

Getting from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom is super easy – and free – thanks to direct Disney buses.

If you want to avoid the bus, you can also grab a rideshare or splurge on a Minnie Van for a little extra Disney magic.

Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best option for your day.

Quick Guide: How to Get from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom

  • Bus: Direct Disney bus transportation from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom is available all day. No transfers needed.
  • Rideshare: Uber or Lyft can pick you up at Hollywood Studios and drop you at the Animal Kingdom rideshare lot.
  • Minnie Vans: Book a Minnie Van via the Lyft app for a direct ride to Animal Kingdom’s bus loop area.
  • Disney Skyliner: Not available between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
  • Walking: Not available between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
  • Boats: Not available between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
  • Monorail: Not available between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Related: How to Get from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios

Ways to Get from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom

Bus

The easiest and most popular way to get between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom is by using Disney’s free bus transportation.

How it works:

  • Head to the Hollywood Studios bus loop.
  • Look for the bus stop labeled Animal Kingdom.
  • Board the bus and it’ll take you directly to the front entrance of Animal Kingdom.
  • Buses typically start around 10:00 am and run every 15–20 minutes.

Pros:

  • Free and super simple.
  • No transfers needed; it’s direct service.
  • Buses are frequent and easy to find.

Cons:

  • Buses can fill up quickly right after park opening or around dinner time.
  • You might have to wait a little during off-peak times.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, absolutely. If you don’t mind a short wait, this is by far the easiest and most budget-friendly way to park hop.

Rideshare

If you’re in a hurry or just want to avoid waiting for a bus, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are a solid alternative.

How it works:

  • Request an Uber or Lyft pickup at Hollywood Studios.
  • You’ll be picked up in the rideshare area near the bus loop.
  • Drop-off is at the rideshare lot at Animal Kingdom (right next to the front entrance).

Pros:

  • Fast and flexible timing.
  • Great if you want to avoid waiting in bus lines.

Cons:

  • Costs extra (varies depending on surge pricing).
  • Still might need to walk a few minutes from the rideshare drop-off area to the entrance.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, if you’re short on time or just don’t feel like waiting for a bus.

Minnie Vans

For the cutest and most “Disney” way to get to Animal Kingdom, you can book a Minnie Van through the Lyft app.

How it works:

  • Open the Lyft app while on Disney property.
  • Select “Minnie Van” as your ride option.
  • Minnie Vans pick you up right at the Hollywood Studios bus loop.
  • You’ll be dropped off at the main bus area at Animal Kingdom.

Pros:

  • Direct drop-off closer to the gates than Uber/Lyft.
  • Driven by Disney Cast Members.
  • Car seats included if you need them.

Cons:

  • More expensive than regular rideshare (sometimes 3–4x the price).
  • Limited availability during peak times.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe. If you want a little extra Disney magic, or need a car seat, it’s a great choice. Otherwise, Uber/Lyft or the free bus might be more budget-friendly.

Disney Skyliner, Walking Path, Boats, and Monorail

None of these are options for getting between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom:

  • Skyliner: Only connects Hollywood Studios and EPCOT to select resorts, not Animal Kingdom.
  • Walking Path: No walking route exists between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
  • Boats: No boat service between these two parks.
  • Monorail: No Monorail connection here either.

Final Thoughts: Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom

When it comes to park hopping, getting from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom is about as straightforward as it gets.

  • Fastest Free Option: Direct Disney bus.
  • Fastest Paid Option: Uber or Lyft.
  • Most Magical Option: Minnie Van through the Lyft app.

No matter which you pick, you’ll be on your way to seeing giraffes on Kilimanjaro Safaris or screaming your face off on Expedition Everest in no time.

Have a favorite way to get between parks?
Drop it in the comments! We love hearing your tips and tricks!

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

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