Walt Disney World Travel Series - Disney's Magical Express

Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and one of the busiest in the country. A television ad I briefly glanced at while visiting Disney World indicated that this airport has over 40 stores (most featuring the popular tourist attractions' merchandise) and over 30 food venues. Given this information, you may think that the airport is overwhelming. It's not. In fact, getting around MCO is easy (although they do not have Dunkin' Donuts, which was upsetting given my early returning flight).

After getting off the plane from Chicago, I walked a very short distance to the monorail from the gate. There are two trains; each is designated for a certain number of baggage claims. I have to give props to American Airlines - nice job in getting me and my bag to Orlando in an orderly and timely fashion. I picked up my luggage from the carousel, and headed downstairs to the transportation area. I had several options in getting to my final destination, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

I could have rented a car, but frankly didn't need one for the entire stay. So, why would I bother. Plus I suck at orienting myself in Chicago. Driving in Orlando would have been a disaster. Renting a car was clearly not an option for me. My second option was getting a cab. Call me cheap, but paying $50-$60 when traveling my by self and my carry-on sized luggage seems a bit silly. Especially because I was not in a hurry. Oh, and did I mention that $60 could be used on a very good dinner in Downtown Disney? Next! I took a Mears shuttle to the hotel for two reasons: it was convenient and it was priced reasonably. The Mears check-in area is right behind the escalator from the baggage claim, so you can't miss them. The cost for the drive to Disney World was $19 plus a tip for the driver, because he loaded and unloaded my bag; this seemed reasonable to me for one person, but if I traveled with a family of three, I may consider the cab. On the way to the hotel, however, I find out that Mears cannot pick me up and take me back to the airport at the end of my vacation. Disney Clubs Resorts only allow pick up by taxis and their own Magical Express.

What is Disney's Magical Express, you ask? Good question. It's a free bus transportation service between MCO and any Disney resort. FREE! How come no one at Disney told me about this? Because it's free? Moreover, how good is this service, considering its non-cost?

It's actually pretty great - I took it on the way back to the airport. It is a class III bus, meaning it's a giant bus that seats about as many people as a small aircraft. Put simple (by Disney, of course), "this exclusive complimentary shuttle and luggage delivery service takes guests from
On your way back to their airport, book your seat on the Magical Express through the same customer service team. They will need your contact and flight information. The bus will pick you up three hours before your scheduled departure from MCO. Please do not complain about this. All these folks are trying to do is make sure you don't miss your flight. If you don't feel like getting to the airport this far in advance of your flight, pay $60 for a cab, ok! Oh, and I should mention that the bus is incredibly comfortable and has TV screens that play a very compelling promotional Disney short movie (I don't want to say infomercial, it sounds tacky; it's not tacky).

To get in touch with Disney's Magical Express, call them at (407)-W-DISNEY. Happy travels.