How to Get to Hollywood Studios from Disney's Riviera Resort: A Quick Guide
Planning a trip to Hollywood Studios from Disney's Riviera Resort? You're in for a magical adventure! The Riviera Resort offers easy access to Hollywood Studios!
The Disney Skyliner is the fastest and most scenic way to travel between the Riviera Resort and Hollywood Studios. The gondola system takes you high above the resort grounds, giving you awesome views of Disney World. The ride is quick, comfy, and free for resort guests.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, Disney's bus service is another great option. Buses run often from the Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios. They're air-conditioned and wheelchair-friendly, perfect for a relaxing trip to the park.
View of the Disney Skyliner from Disney's Riviera Resort
Key Takeaways
The Disney Skyliner offers the quickest and most scenic route to Hollywood Studios
Free bus service is available for those who prefer ground transportation
Multiple transportation options ensure easy park access for all guests
You can also walk to Hollywood Studios from the Riviera, but it’s a bit of a long walk
Understanding Disney's Transportation System
Disney World offers many ways to get around the massive resort. You'll find buses, boats, monorails, and even a skyline system to help you travel between parks and hotels.
The most common option is the bus network. Buses run regularly from Disney hotels to all four theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. They're free for resort guests and usually arrive every 20 minutes or so.
For a unique ride, try the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios to several Disney hotels. It's a fun way to see the resort from up high!
The monorail is another iconic Disney transport. It links Magic Kingdom to Epcot and three nearby hotels. The sleek trains offer great views as you glide above the ground.
Boat transportation is available at some locations too. You can take a relaxing ferry ride from certain hotels to Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs.
Remember, all these options are free and you do NOT have to be a resort guest!
The Disney Skyliner Experience
The Disney Skyliner is a fun and fast way to get from Disney's Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios. You'll enjoy great views as you glide through the air in colorful gondolas.
Boarding at Disney's Riviera Resort
The Skyliner station at Riviera Resort is easy to find. It's right next to the main building. Look for signs pointing to the Skyliner.
When you get there, you'll see the gondolas moving slowly through the station. Cast members will help you board. The gondolas don't stop completely, but they move very slowly.
Each gondola fits up to 10 people. They have bench seats and lots of windows and can fit a up to a double stroller. Some gondolas have Disney character designs on the outside.
Riding the Gondola to Hollywood Studios
Once you're in the gondola, your ride to Hollywood Studios takes about 15 minutes. You'll travel over trees, roads, and water.
Your first stop is at Caribbean Beach Resort where you will need to exit the Skyliner and switch to a different Skyliner line to Hollywood Studios. It takes just a few minutes and is just a short walk away.
After that, you'll head straight to Hollywood Studios. As you get close, you'll see the Tower of Terror in the distance.
The ride is smooth and quiet. You might feel a slight sway, especially on windy days. If you don't like heights, try not to look down and focus on the view ahead instead.
Disney Bus Service: An Alternative Route
Disney's Riviera Resort offers bus service to Hollywood Studios when the Skyliner is not running. This option gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery during your trip.
Locating the Disney Bus Stops
You can find the bus stop at Disney's Riviera Resort near the main entrance. Look for signs pointing to “Bus Transportation” or ask a cast member for help. The buses are easy to spot - they're big, and colorful.
At Hollywood Studios, the bus stop is right in front of the park entrance. You can't miss it! When you're ready to head back to the resort, just return to this same spot, or hop on the Skyliner!
Bus Schedule and Frequency
Buses run often between Disney's Riviera Resort and Hollywood Studios. They start about an hour before the park opens and keep going until two hours after it closes.
During busy times, buses come every 20 minutes or so. In slower periods, you might wait up to 30 minutes. To check bus times:
Use the My Disney Experience app
Look at the electronic boards at the bus stop
Ask a cast member
The ride takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Remember to allow extra time for waiting and loading, especially if you use a wheelchair or ECV.
Ride Services and Taxis
You have several options for getting a ride from Disney's Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios. These services offer quick and convenient trips without needing to wait for buses or other Disney transportation.
Uber and Lyft - Quick Trips
Uber and Lyft are popular choices for getting around Walt Disney World. These ride-sharing apps let you book a car with just a few taps on your phone. The trip from Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios is about 2.7 miles and takes around 10 minutes.
Prices can vary based on demand, but you can expect to pay under $15 for a one-way trip. Both Uber and Lyft have lots of drivers in the area, so you usually won't have to wait long for a ride.
To use these services, just open the app and set your pickup location as Disney's Riviera Resort. Then enter Hollywood Studios as your destination.
Minnie Van - The Disney Difference
Minnie Vans offer a special Disney touch to your ride. These polka-dotted vehicles are driven by Disney Cast Members who know the parks inside and out. You can book a Minnie Van through the Lyft app.
While pricier than regular ride-shares, Minnie Vans come with perks. They have car seats for kids and can fit up to 6 people. The drivers are friendly and can share Disney tips during your ride.
Minnie Vans drop you off closer to the park entrance than other services. This can save you some walking time, especially on busy days.
Local Taxi Companies
Traditional taxis are another option for your trip to Hollywood Studios. Mears Taxi is a well-known company that serves the Disney area. You can call them directly or ask the front desk at Riviera Resort to help you book a taxi.
Taxis have set rates, so you won't see prices change based on demand like with ride-sharing apps. They can be a good choice if you prefer not to use smartphone apps.
Most taxis in the area are familiar with Disney resorts and parks. Just tell the driver you're heading to Hollywood Studios, and they'll know the way.
Driving Yourself
Driving yourself to Hollywood Studios from Disney's Riviera Resort gives you flexibility and control over your travel time. It's a quick and straightforward option for getting to the park.
Rental Cars and Personal Vehicles
If you have a rental car or brought your own vehicle, driving to Hollywood Studios is easy. The trip from Riviera Resort to the park takes about 10 minutes. You'll head south on Buena Vista Drive, then turn left onto World Drive. Follow the signs to Hollywood Studios.
It's smart to leave early to beat traffic. The roads around Disney World can get busy, especially in the morning. Give yourself extra time if you're trying to make a dining reservation or get to a popular ride early.
Understanding Parking at Hollywood Studios
Parking at Hollywood Studios is simple but can be pricey. Standard parking costs $25 per day for cars and motorcycles. If you want to park closer to the entrance, preferred parking is available for $45-$50 per day.
The parking lot opens about an hour before the park. It's a good idea to arrive early to get a spot closer to the entrance. After you park, you can either walk to the park entrance or take a free tram. The tram ride is quick and drops you off near the security checkpoints.
Remember to note your parking section and row. Take a photo of the nearest sign to help you find your car later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting from Disney's Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios is easy. Here are some common questions guests have about transportation options and logistics.
What transportation options are available from Disney's Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios?
You can take the Disney Skyliner or a bus to Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner is the main option when it's running. Buses are available when the Skyliner is closed.
How long does the Skyliner ride take from Disney's Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios?
The Skyliner trip takes about 15 minutes. You'll need to transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, but the whole journey is quick and smooth.
Where can I find the bus schedule for transportation between Disney's Riviera Resort and Hollywood Studios?
Bus schedules aren't posted, but buses usually come every 20 minutes. Check the My Disney Experience app or ask the front desk for current wait times.
Is there a direct Skyliner connection from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios?
No, there's no direct Skyliner between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. You'll need to transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort to switch lines.
What are the operating hours for the Disney Skyliner?
The Skyliner usually runs from about 7:30 AM until 10:30 PM or later. Hours may change based on park schedules. Check the Disney World website for daily times.
Where is the Skyliner station located at Hollywood Studios?
The Skyliner station at Hollywood Studios is near the main entrance. It's a short walk from the park's front gates, making it easy to find when you arrive.
