#Disney&039;s Magic Express

[shsfrayfrayblog]

Disney makes getting from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your resort a piece of cake with Disney’s Magical Express.  With this free service you’ll be taken from the airport straight to your resort on a Disney themed motor coach.  You won’t even have to worry about going to baggage claim!  Disney takes care of that for you as well!  Put the special tags on your bags, and they will be magically delivered to your resort after your arrival.

While these awesome perks are magical indeed, they’re designed to keep you on property.  A magic bus that eliminates the need for a rental car?  Yes perk, but also convenient for Disney to keep you (and more importantly your $$$) in their parks, stores and restaurants.  (I’m certainly not complaining either… “All magic comes at a price.”)

There have been plenty of Disney trips that we have taken where we’ve been very content to stay right on Disney property and keep our adventure there, however there are sometimes where it is also nice to get off property to visit other theme parks, and restaurants.  While I’m a dedicated “mouskaholic”  I also very much enjoy the magic of Harry Potter.

Because of my devotion to this other magic, I have visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. (Shhhh… don’t tell the Disney Gods lol!)  We had a few options for getting from Disney to Universal for us, taking an “Uber” was the most economical, and quickest option.  If you purchase your Universal tickets through at travel agent, they have the option of selling you tickets that include round trip transportation from the Disney Resort to the Universal resort via Mears Motorcoaches.  This isn’t a bad option, but it is time consuming because the bus makes stops at multiple resorts, AND costs $26 per person for the roundtrip transfer.  For a family of four you’re looking at $104.00 extra just to get from Disney to Universal.  Another option is renting a car… If you’re on a week long trip you’re looking at at around $150.00 – $200.00 (depending on car type and size) for a week long car rental.  If you’re only plan is to head to universal or off property once or twice this is definitely not the most economical plan.  You could head to the “Disney Car Care Center” and rent a car just for the day, but getting there means taking time out of your valuable vacation time to do so.

So what is the most economical solution that I’ve found?  Ride-sharing Apps!  I personally have only used Uber, but I know that Lyft is also available in the Orlando Area.  Ride-sharing apps base their fares on a combination of mileage and time spent in travel, rather than basing in on per person.  So with an UberX you can transport up to 4 people for one low price.

Here is the price (without a surge) going from Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Universal Studios

So for $17.24  you can transport 1-4 individuals to Universal (one way).  So even at the round trip price of about $35.00, that’s still considerably less than round trip for two on the Mears motor coaches ($52.00 round trip for 2), and about the same price as a one day car rental, just without the hassle of heading to the Disney Car Care Center.

Here are some other approximations of cost to other popular orlando destinations (Estimates are done from the All Star Music Resort to the destination)

One of my favorite places to eat off of Disney Property is Giordano’s Pizza!  It’s deep dish Chicago style STUFFED pizza, and it’s AMAZING (FYI, they also deliver).  An uber to Giordano’s is approximately $11 bucks

Giordano’s Stuffed Pizza

  An Uber to the Orlando Eye= $14.00

An Uber to Orlando Premium Outlets= $12

An Uber to Seaworld= $13.50

To use Uber you just need to download the app to your smart phone, and sign up with a valid credit card.  If you’re interested in getting up to $15 off your first ride enter this code when you sign up- ashleyf1931ue 

Happy Riding!

Do you want more travel tips, and help planning your magical vacation to Disney World, Universal, or SeaWorld?  Contact Ashley@charmingtravelsllc.com for all of your central Florida travel needs!  She specializes in Disney and central Florida locations, and her planning services are free of charge!

ashley@charmingtravelsllc.com

  Using Uber Disney makes getting from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your resort a piece of cake with Disney's Magical Express.  

[mickeypopsmonorailsocks]

All About Disney's Magical Express Service!

Flying to and from Orlando International Airport for a Walt Disney World vacation? Here is all you need to know about Disney's Magical Express Service! #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyMagicalExpress

Many guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort travel from far and wide to visit Mickey Mouse and his friends for a wonderful vacation.  Guests staying on Disney property may think their vacation doesn’t start until they arrive at their resort destination.  Not true!  If you are flying into Orlando International Airport and staying at select Walt Disney World Resorts your vacation starts before…

[kennypirate]

Disney's Magical Express to return to 3 hour pick up window

Disney’s Magical Express to return to 3 hour pick up window

A wildly unpopular decision to require Magical Express pick ups from Disney World resorts 4 hours early is coming to an end soon.  Disney’s Magical Express to return to 3 hour pick up window. (more…)

[thekingdominsider]

Disney Increases Magical Express Return Time To 4-Hours Prior To Departure.

This past Summer, we announced that JetBluewas recommending customers show up 3 hours early to Orlando International Airport. This recommendation came on the heals of the large amount of renovation happening at the airport. I made a comment about what Disney’s response would be for Magical Express return times. Today, Disney announced that guests would be picked up 4 hours prior to their…

[magicaldistractions]

Psssst. I’m going to let you in on the Walt Disney World Resort’s best kept secret: Disney Express Transportation. I tried this new service a few weeks back and would highly recommend it to anyone with a Park Hopper ticket.

Stretching out like a VIP on the Disney Express Transportation bus. Photo Credit: Karen Luster.

Park Hopping in Disney Can Be Time Consuming

I love to park hop. There’s just one problem–it can take a long time to move between parks. Ultimately once you decide to hop to another park you have to:

Walk to the front of the park to exit

Navigate to the bus stop (boat, monorail, or car)

Wait for the bus (boat, monorail, or tram)

Transport over to the other park

Pass through security

Go through ticket touch points

Proceed to the next attraction or experience

Phew! I’m tired just thinking about it.

Skip the Headaches with Disney’s Express Transportation

Guests can skip all the headaches traditionally associated with park hopping by using Disney’s Express Transportation. How? Disney’s Express Transportation buses pick up and drop off within the park. Remember the seven steps usually associated with park hopping? Scratch off about half them.

Disney Express Transportation Locations

Here’s a closer look at the Disney Express Transportation locations within the four theme parks.

#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Magic Kingdom. Photo Credit: Disney

Epcot. Photo Credit: Disney

Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Photo Credit: Disney

Courtesy of Disney

Most noteworthy is the fact that Disney Express Transportation buses have a set schedule. There’s no need to rush. I know I hate it when I bust my butt to get to the bus stop only to see the it pull away.

At this time, Cast Members are not handing out printed schedules nor is one available online or via the My Disney Experience app. As a consequence Guests should ask for the outbound schedule upon arriving at their destination.

Disney Express Transportation Schedules

The following schedules were accurate as of May 9, 2017. Remember to verify the schedule at the check-in point.

Magic Kingdom to

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 20 and 50 past the hour Epcot at 10 and 40 past the hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the hour and half hour

Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the hour and half hour

Magic Kingdom at 10 and 40 past the hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 20 and 50 past the hour

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Magic Kingdom at 20 and 50 past the hour Epcot on the hour and half hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 10 and 40 past the hour

Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom on the hour and half hour Epcot at 20 and 50 past the hour Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10 and 40 past the hour

*Disney Express Transportation service starts at 10AM

DIStracted Tip: Bus drivers hold strict to the schedule. Be sure to arrive between 5-10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Backstage Access

Once you decide you want to hop, proceed to the Disney Express Transportation check-in. The Cast Member will tap your MagicBand or ticket and either direct you to wait near the check-in point or escort you backstage. Forget about taking pictures while backstage–there are signs requesting Guests refrain from taking photos.

As a life-long Walt Disney World Resort Guest it was fun to get a glimpse behind the scenes. Most of what Guests see is pretty hum-drum–parking lots, Cast Member buildings, warehouses and the like; however, I got a kick out of the complicated gate system at the Magic Kingdom and seeing the backside of the Hollywood Tower Hotel (I guarantee it’s more exciting than the backside of water!)

Express Transportation Check-in Point

Feel like a VIP with Disney Express Transportation

We used Disney Express Transportation for three days and hopped a total of eight times. Of those eight times using the service the most crowded bus had eight Guests. When was the last time you rode a Disney bus with eight people? Obviously with numbers that low not only do you get to sit, you can practically lay down! As this service becomes more popular and Summer crowds descend on the parks I would expect the buses to be more crowded.

DIStracted Tip: Disney Express Transportation is currently in the testing phase; however, one Cast Member told us that they extended it for approximately one year. I for one hope that this service takes off and they continue to offer it.

Cost of Disney Express Transportation

The service itself is economical: a 1-day pass is $15 and a 7-day pass is $29. However, there is a built-in expense Guests need to consider. Disney Express Transportation is only available to Guests with the Park Hopper option. Guests with a single day ticket will need to tack on an additional $50-$63 for the Park Hopper option. Meanwhile those with a multi-day ticket will add on either an additional $60 (2-3 day base ticket) or an additional $75 (4+ day base ticket) per ticket.

DIStracted Tip: Single day tickets must be used the day of purchase. Seven day passes are valid for up to seven consecutive days beginning on the day of purchase. Plan accordingly.

Obviously all of this convenience and flexibility comes at a price. Let’s take a closer look at what a family of four (two adults and two children) could pay to enjoy this service.

[table id=36 /]

Undoubtedly some families will skip the service based on cost alone. Others may find it worth the extra cost to enjoy the dependability and convenience afforded by the service–most notably Annual Passholders or folks that regularly purchase the Park Hopper option. After all if you’ve already invested hundreds if not thousands of dollars to visit the theme parks–what’s another $29?

Where to Purchase Disney Express Transportation

You can purchase Disney Express Transportation tickets at the following locations:

Any theme park or Disney Springs ticket window

Guest Relations

Disney Resort hotel concierge locations

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel ticket desks

Disney Express Transportation check-in locations

What do you think–will you take advantage of Disney Express Transportation on your next visit?

Park Hop Like a VIP with Disney Express Transportation

Psssst. I’m going to let you in on the Walt Disney World Resort’s best kept secret: …

Park Hop Like a VIP with Disney Express Transportation Psssst. I'm going to let you in on the Walt Disney World Resort's best kept secret: …

[anopensuitcase-adultsideofdisney]

A Disney Fan Goes Universal

A Disney Fan Goes to Universal Orlando

I recently had the opportunity to spend several days at Universal Orlando Resort. I have only been to Universal Orlando a handful of times over the years and the last time was probably about seven years ago. It was basically like visiting for the first time since so much has been closed, expanded and created since then. I visit Walt Disney World Resort constantlyregularly – at least 6 or 8 times…

[thekingdominsider]

JetBlue: "Arrive at Orlando International Airport 3 Hours Before Your Flight"

JetBlue: “Arrive at Orlando International Airport 3 Hours Before Your Flight”

Are you planning on visiting Orlando within there next 8 Months? If so you may want to take heed of JetBlue’s Recommendation  due to terminal construction.

Terminal Construction at Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO)

The Automated People Mover (APM) trains, between the Main Terminal and the JetBlue gates, will be undergoing renovation. These Renovations are part of a long-term airport…

[magicaldistractions]

Psssst. I’m going to let you in on the Walt Disney World Resort’s best kept secret: Disney Express Transportation. I tried this new service a few weeks back and would highly recommend it to anyone with a Park Hopper ticket.

Stretching out like a VIP on the Disney Express Transportation bus. Photo Credit: Karen Luster.

Park Hopping in Disney Can Be Time Consuming

I love to park hop. There’s just one problem–it can take a long time to move between parks. Ultimately once you decide to hop to another park you have to:

Walk to the front of the park to exit

Navigate to the bus stop (boat, monorail, or car)

Wait for the bus (boat, monorail, or tram)

Transport over to the other park

Pass through security

Go through ticket touch points

Proceed to the next attraction or experience

Phew! I’m tired just thinking about it.

Skip the Headaches with Disney’s Express Transportation

Guests can skip all the headaches traditionally associated with park hopping by using Disney’s Express Transportation. How? Disney’s Express Transportation buses pick up and drop off within the park. Remember the seven steps usually associated with park hopping? Scratch off about half them.

Disney Express Transportation Locations

Here’s a closer look at the Disney Express Transportation locations within the four theme parks.

#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Magic Kingdom. Photo Credit: Disney

Epcot. Photo Credit: Disney

Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Photo Credit: Disney

Courtesy of Disney

Most noteworthy is the fact that Disney Express Transportation buses have a set schedule. There’s no need to rush. I know I hate it when I bust my butt to get to the bus stop only to see the it pull away.

At this time, Cast Members are not handing out printed schedules nor is one available online or via the My Disney Experience app. As a consequence Guests should ask for the outbound schedule upon arriving at their destination.

Disney Express Transportation Schedules

The following schedules were accurate as of May 9, 2017. Remember to verify the schedule at the check-in point.

Magic Kingdom to

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 20 and 50 past the hour Epcot at 10 and 40 past the hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the hour and half hour

Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the hour and half hour

Magic Kingdom at 10 and 40 past the hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 20 and 50 past the hour

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Magic Kingdom at 20 and 50 past the hour Epcot on the hour and half hour Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 10 and 40 past the hour

Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom on the hour and half hour Epcot at 20 and 50 past the hour Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10 and 40 past the hour

*Disney Express Transportation service starts at 10AM

DIStracted Tip: Bus drivers hold strict to the schedule. Be sure to arrive between 5-10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Backstage Access

Once you decide you want to hop, proceed to the Disney Express Transportation check-in. The Cast Member will tap your MagicBand or ticket and either direct you to wait near the check-in point or escort you backstage. Forget about taking pictures while backstage–there are signs requesting Guests refrain from taking photos.

As a life-long Walt Disney World Resort Guest it was fun to get a glimpse behind the scenes. Most of what Guests see is pretty hum-drum–parking lots, Cast Member buildings, warehouses and the like; however, I got a kick out of the complicated gate system at the Magic Kingdom and seeing the backside of the Hollywood Tower Hotel (I guarantee it’s more exciting than the backside of water!)

Express Transportation Check-in Point

Feel like a VIP with Disney Express Transportation

We used Disney Express Transportation for three days and hopped a total of eight times. Of those eight times using the service the most crowded bus had eight Guests. When was the last time you rode a Disney bus with eight people? Obviously with numbers that low not only do you get to sit, you can practically lay down! As this service becomes more popular and Summer crowds descend on the parks I would expect the buses to be more crowded.

DIStracted Tip: Disney Express Transportation is currently in the testing phase; however, one Cast Member told us that they extended it for approximately one year. I for one hope that this service takes off and they continue to offer it.

Cost of Disney Express Transportation

The service itself is economical: a 1-day pass is $15 and a 7-day pass is $29. However, there is a built-in expense Guests need to consider. Disney Express Transportation is only available to Guests with the Park Hopper option. Guests with a single day ticket will need to tack on an additional $50-$63 for the Park Hopper option. Meanwhile those with a multi-day ticket will add on either an additional $60 (2-3 day base ticket) or an additional $75 (4+ day base ticket) per ticket.

DIStracted Tip: Single day tickets must be used the day of purchase. Seven day passes are valid for up to seven consecutive days beginning on the day of purchase. Plan accordingly.

Obviously all of this convenience and flexibility comes at a price. Let’s take a closer look at what a family of four (two adults and two children) could pay to enjoy this service.

[table id=36 /]

Undoubtedly some families will skip the service based on cost alone. Others may find it worth the extra cost to enjoy the dependability and convenience afforded by the service–most notably Annual Passholders or folks that regularly purchase the Park Hopper option. After all if you’ve already invested hundreds if not thousands of dollars to visit the theme parks–what’s another $29?

Where to Purchase Disney Express Transportation

You can purchase Disney Express Transportation tickets at the following locations:

Any theme park or Disney Springs ticket window

Guest Relations

Disney Resort hotel concierge locations

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel ticket desks

Disney Express Transportation check-in locations

What do you think–will you take advantage of Disney Express Transportation on your next visit?

Park Hop Like a VIP with Disney Express Transportation Psssst. I'm going to let you in on the Walt Disney World Resort's best kept secret: …