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What is the best way to park hop from Epcot to Animal Kingdom?

Lyft/Uber or Minnie Van. We love using Lyft for park hopping – especially when going to or from Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Epcot. If you are going to or from Magic Kingdom, a Minnie Van will be easier (although more expensive).



The best way to park hop from Epcot to Animal Kingdom depends on your priorities (speed, cost, comfort), but here is a breakdown of your options, ranked from most recommended to least.

1. Disney Bus (Free & Direct)

  • How: Take the direct Disney bus from the Epcot bus loop (located near the main entrance, just outside the park).
  • Travel Time: Approximately 15-25 minutes, plus wait time for the next bus (usually every 15-20 minutes).
  • Pros: Completely free, drops you right at the Animal Kingdom entrance, no transfers required.
  • Cons: Buses can be crowded, especially in the afternoon. You must walk to the park entrance from the bus stop (a short walk).
  • Best For: Most guests. It’s the standard, hassle-free, and cost-effective option.

2. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft/Minnie Van) - Fastest Option

  • How: Use the Uber or Lyft app. For a premium Disney experience, use the Minnie Van service via the Lyft app (driven by Cast Members, includes car seats).
  • Travel Time: 15-20 minutes total, depending on traffic.
  • Drop-off: Rideshares drop off at the same central bus loop as Disney buses, a short walk from the park entrance.
  • Pros: Fastest method. You leave on your schedule. Minnie Vans offer guaranteed car seats and a “Disney” feel.
  • Cons: Costs money ($20-$35 for standard Uber/Ly

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If you have your reservation for EPCOT and visit that park first, you can enter Disney's Animal Kingdom for your dining reservation. Park Hopping begins at 2:00 PM so you're free to head over to your second park after that time! You're going to have a great Disney Day, Priyadarshini! Enjoy Park Hopping!

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Full day park if you want to do everything & savor it. With good crowds, and doing almost everything, Animal Kingdom is like a 85% of your day park. Magic Kingdom is like a day and a half park.

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With a Disney base ticket, you're welcome to leave and re-enter the same theme park as many times as you like during the same day. So, if you want to visit the Magic Kingdom in the morning, go back to your hotel room for a nap, and return to the Magic Kingdom in the evening, then you do not need a Park Hopper ticket.

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