#2 Transportation Planning and Options
Questions to ask:
What kind of transportation will you need? How will you arrive at your vacation spot? Do you need a rental car? What if I need a taxi or short ride? How do I get from one resort to another? Will you be visiting off site attractions? Help, I need a ride to my dining reservation!
You may have already got your travel plans covered when you booked your trip but its just not about getting to your destination. This also includes transportation options once your are at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Drive your own car
Not a fan of flying or live close it’s a great option but remember if you are not staying in a Disney resort you will have to pay for Parking fees for each park which is currently $22 plus there are now parking fees at resorts that range from $13-$24. Some complimentary parking is available, see up do date parking information here.
Flights
Your Disney vacation planner can help or you can search the internet for best flight times for your family. Booking the sooner the better is always advised once flights are released. You can fly into Orlando International airport where free Disney transfers are available. Another options is to fly into Sanford International airport, about 45 minutes away, but you will have to book your own transportation to your destination. Travel Agent help available.
Auto Train
For you east coasters you have the option of bringing your car on board the Auto train to Orlando. This is an Amtrak overnight rail service from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. About 45 minutes from Walt Disney World. Travel Agent help available.
Magical Express Service
Magical Express service is Disney FREE transportation to the airport from Orlando International Airport. Disney will will take your bags off the plane and deliver it right to your resort room as well. This service is only available at the Orlando International Airport. Be sure to add your flight information to your Walt Disney Resort Reservation before your trip to receive this service. Travel Agent help is available.
Rental car
If you are staying on Disney property you really don’t need one with all the free transportation options available like the monorail, buses boats and soon to be gondolas. However, if you are planning on visiting attractions off site then you may want to think about renting a car either for a day or your entire stay. You can rent a car at the Disney Care Care center through Alamo car rentals which is very convenient. They will even pick you up at your Disney resort and take you to the rental counter to get your car. Remember resort parking fees apply to rental cars too. Travel Agent help available.
Transfer service
Mears is the one of the big transportation companies that provide service around the Orlando area. They also run Disney’s the Magical Express Buss as well. If you need a private transfer in the Orlando area you can book through them. There are many other companies as well, you can check out Orlando International Airports transporation list here. This is a great option for group transfers too if not using Magical Express. Travel Agent help available.
New Disney Minnie Van Service
This is managed by Lyft, where you can drive off in a cute polka dot Minnie Van Service to anywhere in the Walt Disney World Resort. This is a great option if you have a reservation or are running late to an area that doesn’t have direct transportation options like Wild World or Sports or going from one Disney resort to another.
Free Resort & Theme park Transportation
There are several free forms of transportation inside Walt Disney World such as buses, boats, monorail and soon to be Gondolas (I can’t wait for this!). Be familiar with them so you have an idea how to get from one place to the next. This is especially helpful with visiting park to park or other Disney resorts. Sometimes the bus is not the best option but a boat might be such as going from Epcot the Disney Boardwalk area or taking the monorail from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom Resort area.
Scooter, Wheelchairs and Stroller Rentals- There are several companies to rentthese in the Orlando area and most will deliver them right to you resort. You can also opt to rent them at the gate at each theme park but there is a limited number of scooters/wheelchairs at each park each day and its first come first serve. Travel Agent help available.
Transportation Tip: When planning transportation for any type of reservations at WDW resorts remember to plan at least 45 to 1 hr for transportation time to arrive at your destination.
What is your favorite why to travel on vacation, comment below?
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