People who know me know how much I love Walt Disney World vacations and that I have a little bit of experience planning them for myself and close friends and family. One question that I hear a lot is whether or not it’s really “worth it” to stay at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts. I could go on and on about the many reasons why I answer “YES” without hesitation, but today I want to highlight the value and convenience of Disney’s transportation – specifically Disney’s Magical Express.
Disney’s Magical Express is more than a motorcoach, it’s an entire experience that comes in handy for families with children of any age. It starts when you land at Orlando International Airport. All you have to do is follow the signs and before long, right there in the middle of a busy airport, the magic begins. Prior to your trip, you’ll make reservations and affix your Disney luggage tags. After checking your bags at your home airport, you don’t see them or have to deal with them again until you arrive in your resort room. Your carry-ons are stowed under the bus. After a short wait with other Disney guests who are just as excited to start their vacation, you board the motorcoach and settle in for the 45ish minute drive to your resort.
The ride is cool, comfortable, and relaxing – yes, I said relaxing. My kids have never been able to stay awake on the bus after the early morning excitement and 2 hour flight. There are small screens throughout the motorcoach that show brief Disney cartoons as well as information about the Walt Disney World Resort. Knowing that you have your entire trip ahead of you is the best feeling in the world. It feels like you have nothing but time!
Once you arrive at your resort, there may be a short delay (so make sure you have all necessities in a carry-on), but your checked baggage will arrive within a couple of hours. You can go ahead and visit one of the four theme parks, get something to eat, or take a bus over to Disney Springs.
When your trip is coming to an end, you have the option of bypassing check-in at the airport by doing this at the resort (for most airlines). They will weigh your bags and provide your boarding pass, just like they do at the airport. The only downside to this is that the motorcoach will leave 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. Better safe than sorry, but sometimes this leads to a lengthy wait at the terminal.
It has been such a comfort and convenience knowing that Disney will take care of all of your transportation needs while on vacation. This takes so much of the stress out of traveling for me and my family with 2 little boys. They really enjoy the buses, ferries, and monorails and not being restrained in car seats for an entire week! Disney’s Magical Express is an invaluable part of the Disney vacation that we love and appreciate.
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Candice was raised in east Tennessee. While in college, her best friend dragged her to a Walt Disney World College Program recruiting session at the University of Tennessee and the rest is Disney history. In the Fall of 1999, Candice became a quick service food hostess for Sunset Ranch Market and Fantasmic at Disney-MGM Studios – or what is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While soaking up her time as a cast member, she met Ryan, a neighbor and a fellow college programmer who worked as a custodial host at Epcot. Four years later, Candice moved to the Midwest and married that boy from across the hall. They now live in Greenwood, Indiana with their two little boys. The Disney-loving foursome took their first family trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2013 and Candice is eagerly planning their return. Candice also works full-time at a community mental health center and enjoys taking photographs and blogging at Mommy in the Midwest.
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