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

Magic Kingdom from the air

Getting from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom is easy enough, but it takes a little planning. The 2 parks are far apart, and there’s no monorail, boat, or Skyliner to connect them. Your main options are bus, rideshare, or Minnie Van.

Whether you’re headed to Animal Kingdom for a sunset safari, a drink in Pandora, or one last ride on Expedition Everest, here’s how to make the hop from Magic Kingdom.

Quick Guide: How to Get from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom

  • Bus: Direct service is available from the Magic Kingdom bus loop to Animal Kingdom, typically starting around 10:00 a.m.
  • Rideshare: You’ll need to exit Magic Kingdom and go to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) for Uber/Lyft.
  • Minnie Vans: Bookable via the Lyft app, with direct pickup and drop-off between park entrances.
  • Monorail: Not available between these parks.
  • Disney Skyliner: Not an option between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
  • Walking: Not an option between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
  • Boats: Not an option between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

Related: How to Get from Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom

Ways to Get from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom

Bus

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom is by taking a Disney bus.

How it works:

  • Exit Magic Kingdom and head to the bus loop, located just outside the front gates.
  • Look for the bus stop marked “Animal Kingdom.”
  • Buses usually start running between parks around 10:00 a.m.
  • The ride typically takes 20–25 minutes.

Pros:

  • Free and simple.
  • Direct drop-off at Animal Kingdom’s front entrance.
  • No transfers required.

Cons:

  • Wait times can be longer during off-peak hours.
  • Buses may be crowded during major park-hopping windows.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective option for most people.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are decent alternatives if you want to leave Magic Kingdom on your own schedule, but there’s a catch.

How it works:

  • Magic Kingdom doesn’t allow rideshare pickups right at the park entrance.
  • You’ll need to exit Magic Kingdom and either walk or ferry over to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
  • Once at the TTC, you can request a rideshare to Animal Kingdom.
  • Drop-off is near the Animal Kingdom entrance in the designated rideshare area.

Pros:

  • Flexible and private.
  • Often quicker than waiting for a bus (depending on the TTC transfer).

Cons:

  • You have to transfer to the TTC before getting picked up.
  • Costs extra ($10–$25+ depending on time and demand).
  • Not always faster, once you factor in TTC transfer time.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe. If the bus loop looks slammed or you’re in a hurry, it’s worth considering, but the TTC detour is kind of a pain.

Minnie Vans

Minnie Vans are Disney’s official rideshare service, and they’re the only car option that picks you up right at the Magic Kingdom bus loop; no need to detour through the TTC.

How it works:

  • Book a Minnie Van through the Lyft app while on Disney property.
  • Pickup is at the Magic Kingdom bus loop.
  • Drop-off is right at the Animal Kingdom front entrance.

Pros:

  • No transfer required.
  • Closest pickup/drop-off of any car-based option.
  • Driven by Disney Cast Members and includes car seats if needed.

Cons:

  • Much more expensive than standard rideshare ($35–$50+).
  • Can be hard to get during peak hours.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe. It’s the most convenient option if you want a door-to-door experience, but you’ll definitely pay for it.

Disney Skyliner, Walking Path, Boats, and Monorail

None of these transportation options connect Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom:

  • Skyliner: Doesn’t service either park.
  • Walking Path: There’s no way to walk between these two.
  • Boats: No waterway connects Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom.
  • Monorail: Only services Magic Kingdom, the TTC, Epcot, and nearby resorts.

Final Thoughts: Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom

It’s not the most convenient park hop, but it’s totally doable with a little time and a solid plan.

  • Fastest Free Option: Disney bus
  • Least Expensive Paid Option: Uber or Lyft from the TTC
  • Most Convenient Option: Minnie Van with direct pickup and drop-off

No matter how you get there, you’ll be vibing in Pandora with a Night Blossom before you know it.

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

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