3. Boat

Image: Greg Goebel, Flickr (license)

Choosing between the top three on this list is nigh impossible. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and taste — but, I believe, there is a best version of these rankings. And, in that version, boat transportation ranks third.

There are a great many different boat lines on Walt Disney World property — ranging from the main ferry from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom, to the resort launches and Friendship boats, all the way to the Sassagoula River boats.

These ferries provide some of the most beautiful vistas and views on Disney property, and can also save a lot of time when compared to traveling by bus or on foot. Still, there are two methods of transportation that just beat it out — through no real fault of the ferries.

2. Railroad

Image: harshlight, Flickr (license)

Only one entry on this list is an honest-to-goodness attraction beyond the entrance gate to a park. The Walt Disney World Railroad is a destination unto itself, with gorgeous engines and a beautiful set of train stations.

But, while it is certainly an entertaining journey, it’s also quite utilitarian. For many, a quick hop on the railroad can save tired feet and even beat many walkers to one of the train’s stations. It’s such a fun ride, people often do the full circuit. But, it’s such an efficient attraction that some guests use it just as it is supposed to be used: to get from one place to another.

1. Monorail

Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)

I could have gone all clickbaity and ranked the Walt Disney World Monorail near the bottom just to make you mad. After all, the current monorail trains are over 20 years old and in a fairly bad state of disrepair. The monorail hasn’t expanded since the Reagan administration, and over time, we’ve seen a slow degradation of service — including the notable prohibition on guests riding in the front of the trains.

But, even if you look at all of that and dock points off of the monorail, it always has to be No. 1. It’s the monorail! It is as iconic as Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, and all of the other instantly-recognizable Disney images. 

For so many guests, a ride on the monorail is the signal that they’ve finally arrived at Walt Disney World. Despite the fact that there are many monorails around the world, even the word “monorail” tends to bring Walt Disney World’s version to the mind.

Everyone loves the monorail. Yes, it needs to be rehabbed and, yes, it would be great if they expanded it. But, the monorail is Disney. It has to be at the top of the list.