If you are staying on Disney property, you are able to take advantage of Disney Magical Express! This is both a money saving tip and a Disney trip planning tip. The Magical express is a shuttle that will start you on your way to your extraordinary vacation. All of Disney resorts have rotating shuttles that will pick you up from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and take you to your resort. For domestic flights, they will also pick up your luggage and bring it to your room.
The nice thing with the shuttle is that it has TVs set up and plays Disney cartoons the entire way. This is helps to keep children, as well as adults, entertained for a while as the Shuttle ride is about 30-45 minutes.
So how does this save money?
If you are staying on Disney property and not planning on going to other parts or to the rest of the Orlando area, then it saves money on renting a vehicle. This is a free service for those staying onsite at Disney, so you don’t have to worry about added cost. If you do choose to visit other parks, such as Universal Studios, then Uber would be an option. This would still save you money if you are only going to other parks 1-2 days. If going more than that, it maybe worth renting a car instead.
Starting in March 2018, Disney started to charge for parking at the resorts. Thereby increasing the savings by taking the Magical Express. The prices vary depending on which resort you are staying at. Value resort parking is $13 per night, Moderate is $19 per night and Deluxe/villa resorts are $24 per night. So if you are staying for a week, the cost adds up quick.
How do I sign up for this?
You can reserve your spot on the Disney’s magical Express when you are booking your stay. If you wait to set up your flight, you can make changes to your Disney trip online or by calling them directly. When you do this, you’ll need your flight information. Once you have done this, you can sit back, relax and wait for your trip. About 2-3 weeks prior to your trip, you’ll receive your luggage tags and magical express information. For more information, can check out Disney’s site
If you haven’t received your tags before leaving, you can provide baggage claim number when you land in Orlando.
** One thing to remember is that you need to keep your magic bands with you on your flight. Your magic bands are scanned before you board the Magical Express
Does it matter what time I fly in?
Yes, it does. Disney will claim your luggage and bring it to the resort if you land between 5AM and 10PM. If you land between 10PM and 5AM, then you will need to grab your luggage and then head to Disney’s Magical Express. Magical Express is located on Level 1, Side B of the Ground Transportation Area. There are plenty of signs to show you where this is located. Baggage claim is on Level 2.
What about on the way home?
The day before you leave your Disney resort, you will have a packet of information left at your door. This will provide all your information on your return travel. You will be picked up at front of the resort. They will pick you up about 3 hours prior to your flight leaving. If you have an early morning flight this may be as early as 3AM, as I’ve learned from experience. You will need to bring your transportation notice with you when you go to get on the Magical Express.
Disney’s Magical Express is a great way to save money when staying on-site at Disney and to start your vacation stress free.
Deciding on staying on or off Disney Property – check out HERE