Category: Theme Parks

Walt Disney World Transportation Guide

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Walt Disney World® Resort is a sprawling 25,000-acre property, encompassing four major theme parks, two water parks, numerous resorts, and a wide array of recreational, and dining options. Getting from the airport to your resort, and then around the expansive property, is a crucial planning step to consider. Here’s a breakdown of your transportation options for seamless travel within and around the magical world of Disney.

Airport Transfers

If you’re planning to stay within the Walt Disney World Resort property during your vacation, the only form of transportation you’ll need to consider how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. Here are a few options we at Like Magic Travel often share with travelers:

  • Mears Connect: Previously known as the Disney Magical Express, this shared Shuttle Bus service is a convenient option. Priced at $33.60 per adult (10+) and $27.30 per child (3-9), with children under 3 traveling for free, it amounts to $195.30 round trip for a group of 5 adults and 1 child.
  • Away We Go: This private van service is my top pick for larger groups of up to 11 passengers. They offer complimentary car seats upon request and also have an option to drop off at the parks and send luggage straight to the hotel for an additional fee.
  • Uber/Lyft: For a more direct and potentially quicker route to your resort, Uber or Lyft are viable options. XL rides (which typically accommodate 6 passengers) can range from $50-70 each way.

In-Resort Transportation

Once you’re on property, Disney offers a variety of transportation options complimentary to guests.

  • Disney Skyliner: The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system that provides transportation between select Disney Resort hotels and Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specific areas of the resort. It offers efficient travel, scenic views, and is unaffected by ground-level traffic.
  • Monorail: The Walt Disney World Monorail System is an elevated train system that shuttles guests between Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), and Magic Kingdom Area Resorts– Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It provides a unique and scenic ride, direct access to major theme parks, and bypasses ground-level traffic.
  • Water transportation: Turn your transportation to an attraction by catching a ferry ride!
    • Magic Kingdom: Take a ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom, the Transportation and Ticket Center, and select Magic Kingdom Area Resorts– Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
    • Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The FriendShip Boat connects Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.
    • Disney Springs: Last but not least, grab the Sassagoula River Cruise at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
  • Disney Bus Service: Buses arrive every 20 minutes, with the longest ride being approximately 20 minutes to Magic Kingdom. Epcot is a 15-minute ride, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are around 10 minutes each. Disney Springs is a 20-minute ride from the resorts.
  • Minnie Van Service: For families with young children, the Minnie Van service offers a unique experience, providing two car seats for added safety.
  • Uber/Lyft: If you prefer a more direct route within the resort, Uber or Lyft can be reliable options.

What is the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)?

The Transportation and Ticket Center, otherwise known as the TTC, is an important stop at Walt Disney World Resort. From the TTC, guests can access the following forms of resort transportation:

  • Magic Kingdom parking lot: This is the closest parking lot to the Magic Kingdom.
  • Monorail: All 3 Monorail lines pass through the TTC and this is a frequent stop for travelers getting to and from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
  • Ferryboat service: You can catch a ferry here every 10-20 minutes to the Magic Kingdom. Keep in mind, there is limited bench seating.

Choosing the right transportation option for your Disney adventure can significantly enhance your overall experience. If you need assistance with coordinating and booking your airport transportation, feel free to reach out to Like Magic Travel. Here’s to a magical journey at Walt Disney World!

Top Ten Disneyland Planning Tips

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It’s no secret, a successful trip to Disneyland® Resort requires a lot of planning. My family and I have traveled to the Happiest Place on Earth countless times as a young couple, as a family with a newborn, and now, as a family with two under five. I’ve compiled my top ten tips to help you maximize the magic your next visit.

 

1: Choose your dates

With Disney’s park reservations still in effect, the first step to planning your trip is to check the availability calendar for both parks, Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. You’ll want to be sure the parks are available and can be reserved for the days you want to visit.

 

2: Research your hotel accommodations

There are many hotel options around Disneyland. Depending on your budget, desired amenities, and location, you can choose between staying on-property or at one of the nearby Good Neighbor hotels, like a Marriott or a Westin. When choosing hotels, consider whats important for you and your party– you may want to stay closeby for the convenience of naptime, or stay farther out to save on parking. Hotel options include:

  • On-property hotels: Disney offers 3 on-property hotel options– Disneyland® Hotel, Disney’s Pixar Pier® Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa. Staying at an on-property hotel allows you early admission to the parks, which is currently 30-minutes before opening.
  • Good Neighbor hotels: Alternatively, you can stay at one of the major hotel brands conveniently located around the parks.

 

3: Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Lightning Lane Multi Pass, formerly known as Disney Genie+, is a paid service that allows guests to gain access to shorter lines for popular attractions. In addition, Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes unlimited digital downloads of pictures taken with Disney PhotoPass® Service from the day. Pricing for Lightning Lane Multi Pass is variable and starts at $25.00 USD per ticket per day. If you not ready to add on Lightning Lane Multi Pass when purchasing your tickets, you can also purchase the service through the Disneyland app on the day of your park visit after park entry.

 

4: Purchase your park tickets and make your park reservations

Once you’ve confirmed park and hotel availability, it’s time to purchase your tickets! If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend at least a 2-day ticket so you have time to roam both parks. You may choose to do one park per day or get a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® Ticket so you can visit one park in the morning and the other in the afternoon. You can also add Lightning Lane Multi Pass to your ticket purchase at this time. Look out for special offers from Disney, or inquire about ticket deals with Like Magic Travel. And for the most important tip, don’t forget to make your park reservations once you have your tickets.

 

5: Book your reservations

If you plan to do a premium experience like Bippity Boppity Boutique or a sit-down meal like character dining, plan to make your reservation 60-days in advance. Though some restaurants take walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended as availability is limited and wait times can be long. But if you don’t see availability for what you’re looking for right away, check back often as guests tend to adjust their plans and drop reservations.

 

6. Plan your transportation

If you’re flying into Disneyland, John Wayne Airport is super convenient to the parks. If you’re traveling by car, parking can get pricey around Disneyland whether you park at the hotel or the parks. To save on costs, you could choose a hotel within walking distance or choose one that offers a shuttle service.

 

7. Pack wisely

With two kids under five, we like to travel with a double stroller so we can cart the kids from one destination to the other quickly. It also tends to get a little chilly at night, so pack some additional layers to stay warm. Last but not least, check the park’s guidelines regarding prohibited items (e.g. large strollers and wagons) and bag restrictions, and plan accordingly.

 

8. Download the official app

Download the Disneyland app, which provides useful information, park maps, real-time wait times, and more. It can enhance your overall experience and help you navigate the park efficiently.

 

9. Stay informed

Keep an eye on Disneyland‘s official website and social media channels for updates, special events, temporary closures, or any changes that may affect your visit. Some attractions tend to close for refurbishments and seasonal changes during low season, like January, August, and September.

 

10. Be flexible

Flexibility is key at Disneyland because crowd levels, weather, and ride availability can change throughout the day. Having a flexible plan allows you to adapt to unexpected situations, ensuring you make the most of your visit and enjoy a stress-free experience.

Enjoy the magic of Disneyland and have a fantastic time!