Getting to Walt Disney World Without the Magical Express
As we reported last week, the complimentary Magical Express that transports Guests between the Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World will cease operations as of January 1, 2022. That news has caused many to question how they will be able to get to and from the Airport on their next magical vacation – especially for those with children in tow.
Well, worry no more! I am here today to provide several options to get you and your family – and luggage and car seats – from Orlando International Airport to the magic awaiting you at Walt Disney World.
Car Rentals
When you fly into the Orlando International Airport, you will have save options for car rentals at your disposable. All of the big companies are represented and free shuttles are available to take you to pick up your rental car once you arrive.
Renting a car for your next Walt Disney World vacation gives you the flexibility to explore other destinations in the area and drive to the parks and Disney Springs if you choose to forgo the buses. In addition, you can just pack your own car seat and use it during your trip.
Photo Credit: DVDRentalStore.com
The average price of renting a compact car that seats five Guests for your trip for a total of seven nights would be around $425 total. If you were looking for more room, you can rent a minivan that seats seven Guests for about $475 for the seen night period.
Another cost associated with renting a car for your Walt Disney World vacation is the cost of parking. Currently, there is a $15 per night fee at value resorts, $20 per night fee at moderate resorts, and $25 per night fee at deluxe and deluxe villa resorts.
There is actually a way to avoid this fee though! If you just want to rent the car to get from the Airport to Walt Disney World and do not have plans to explore other destinations in the area, you can drop your rental car right on property. Enterprise, Alamo, and National are represented at the Car Care Center on property and a complimentary shuttle is offered to get you from the Center to your Resort. You can also take advantage of this if you plan on renting a car to get back to the Airport.
Uber and Lyft Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft have gained much popularity within the past several years and may be one of the several reasons Walt Disney World has decided to suspend the Magical Express.
Many Uber and Lyfts actually have the option to search for cars that have car seats installed. However, obtaining a car with more than one car seat might be a little more challenging and there is an extra fee for an Uber or Lyft with a car seat.
Photo Credit: https://blog.lyft.com/posts/lyft-powered-minnie-van-disney
The average cost for an Uber X that seats three to four Guests is $36.00. If you wanted to upgrade to an Uber XL that seats up to six Guests, the average cost would be $53.00. With a car seat, the Uber X is an average of $46 and an Uber XL with a car seat would be an average of $63.00.
My overall take would be to recommend Uber or Lyft if you are traveling with just one or without kids. One positive of an Uber or Lyft is that it would be direct door-to-door service though.
Shuttle Bus/Motor Coach Services
Mears, the third party that currently operates the Magical Express, has already vowed to keep the service running between the Orlando Airport and Walt Disney World. The only difference will be that there will be a fee.
Mears offers both private shuttles and motor coaches Similar to how the Magical Express currently operates, there might be more than one stop before you arrive at your Walt Disney World resort if you choose the motor coach. Car seats are not required on motor coaches but are required on smaller shuttle vans.
Image Credit: Yellow Global Cab
Hail a Cab!
Yes, taxi cabs are still available and another way to get you between the Airport and Walt Disney World. These are going to be similar to Uber and Lyfts but car seats might be less likely to be available.
The average cost from the Airport to a Disney Resort is around $65.00. So, I would opt for the Uber or Lyft over this service if I had a smaller party.
Photo Credit: Brightline Trains – https://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Brightline Train
One of the rumors that continues to circulate is that Disney has decided to discontinue the Magical Express is the arrival of the Brightline Train. Once complete, the train will connect the Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs as well as other locations in Florida. Not many additional details are known at this time about this service but we will report them as soon as the become available.
Minnie Vans?
In the past, Minnie Vans were available to pick you up at the Orlando International Airport and take you to your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Since the first Resorts reopened back in June, this service has been completely suspended. Back in July, Disney announced that the service might be brought back at some point but we really haven’t heard much since.
Photo Credit: LivingbyDisney.com
When this service was offered, it was a total of $155 each way. This also included the use of up to two car seats. You can count on MickeyBlog to be the first to let you know if/when this service is added back.
So, there you have it! While it’s no longer going to be complimentary, there are still several ways to get between the Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World once the Magical Express ceases operations in 2022!
Looking for even more tips and tricks to plan your Walt Disney World vacation? There are some spectacular discounts available for much of 2021! Fill out the form below or send an email to Holly@MickeyTravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote to book your Disney vacation. EVERY vacation package* booked exclusively with me by a teacher or someone on the front lines battling the virus, will receive a Disney Gift Card when you book your Disney vacation package* with me. As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package and I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best rate available by Disney. I work with all Disney Destinations and destinations outside of Disney. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at Holly@MickeyTravels.com or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to CLICK HERE to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!
*Vacation package must be a minimum of 3 nights with 3-day tickets
Image Credit: Disney/Mears
The Team of Nitwits who are responsible for this plan should be given express tickets to the Unemployment line. One of the main reasons for my group of 16 to stay at a Disney World resort was due to the availability of Disney Express. Once you landed at Orlando the vacation began, no worries of luggage, car rentals or frustrations of traffic. Boo’s and Hisses to management for this and other decisions that try to squeeze more cash out of captive customers that chose an already expensive vacation.