Disney Vacation Planning, Traveling with Small Children, Walt Disney World

Getting Around Walt Disney World

Planes, trains and automobiles…well something like that! Transportation at Disney comes in many shapes and forms starting from your arrival at Orlando MCO if you’ve decided to fly!

If you have decided to fly, no need to worry about the hassle of renting a car – if you’re staying in a Walt Disney World Resort you can hop on the Magical Express, a complimentary service to take you from MCO to your resort and then back to the airport at the end of your stay.

When you arrive at MCO follow the posted signs to the Magical Express area and get checked in with your MagicBand. You will then be guided to your Magical Express coach bus and off into the world of magic you go!

Magical Express Bus at Orlando MCO Airport

Now that you’ve entered Walt Disney World – it’s time to figure out how to get to each of the parks and Disney Springs! You’ll have a couple of options, some of which are dependant on which resort you’re staying in.

Welcome to Monorail Green

The iconic Disney transportation of course is Disney’s Monorail. This runs in a loop around the Magic Kingdom as well as over to Epcot. You can board the monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center near Magic Kingdom to go directly to either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. If you are staying in a monorail resort- Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort- you will also be able to get to Magic Kingdom from the resort loop or switch over to the Epcot monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center.

The newest mode of Disney transportation takes you high in the sky on the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner connects 4 Disney Resorts – Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Depending on where you board the Skyliner you may go directly to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or have to pass through a transfer station at one of the resorts. If you’re going to Epcot, the Skyliner will take you to the World Showcase Entrance between the France and U.K. Pavilions which can be perfect for a breakfast stop at Les Halles Bakery!

Skyliner boarding at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

With its abundance of water, you can also find boat transportation all over Walt Disney World! Some of the resorts have their own boats to take you directly to the parks and some share among a few resorts. You can also take a Ferry boat from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Magic Kingdom.

Friendship Boat Launch at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Epcot & Hollywood Studio Resort Area

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort share the Friendship boats to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness have their own boat launch to take you directly to the Magic Kingdom

Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Riverside & French Quarter) and Disney’s Old Key West Resort have a boat launch to Disney Springs

Newer bus with a themed wrap on it!

We cannot forget the “get to all the places from anywhere” mode of transportation in Walt Disney World- the buses! If your Disney Resort doesn’t offer any of the other transportation options, you will be able to take a Bus to any of the theme parks and Disney Springs. This is also true if your resort has say the monorail to Epcot and Magic Kingdom but no direct route to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

While this mode of Disney Transportation is not complimentary like the ones above, I’d be remiss not to mention Minnie Vans! Minnie Vans are available for transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property for a fee through the Lyft app.

They are just as cute as they look and similar to Lyft you will be assigned a driver to take you wherever you want to go. Minnie Van’s can seat up to 6 and are equipped with up to 3 car seats so there’s no need to worry about the little ones. Safety always comes first at Walt Disney World so when you order a Minnie Van, it is a Disney Cast Member who is driving you. They always know where they’re going and will usually share fun facts or tips during your ride.

Minnie Van ready to pick guests up at Magic Kingdom

With so many different ways to get around Walt Disney World – do you have a favorite or preferred way to get around!? Share in the comments!

Disney News, Disney Vacation Planning, Holidays at Disney

A Twinkle of Holiday Magic begins November 6th at Walt Disney World!

The Holiday’s are making their way to Walt Disney World on November 6th! From festive décor and themed merchandise to seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone to love during this year’s festivities at all 4 Walt Disney World Parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs!

Unfortunately, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be taking this year off. However, characters will continue to delight, making appearances at all 4 theme parks every day and brining the holiday magic far beyond Magic Kingdom. Festive flotillas will coast down the waterways of Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades will roam Epcot’s World Showcase, Merry motorcades drive through the streets of Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom cavalcades will get a special holiday twist all featuring your favorite Disney characters.

Holiday Decorations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

If you’re hoping to see holiday favorites like Gingerbread Men, Elves and Reindeer you will not be disappointed! Even the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom spreading holiday cheer. And don’t leave out the man of the hour, Santa Claus himself will make pop-up appearances at each of the 4 theme parks and Disney Springs!

Toy Soldiers Marching down Main Street U.S.A.

Elsa is passing her duties over to the technical teams at Magic Kingdom, so while we won’t see A Frozen Holiday Wish bringing Castle Dream Lights this year, Cinderella Castle is taking on some new holiday decorations! Special projection effects will provide a festive backdrop for your photos including one that makes Cinderella Castle look like a whimsical Christmas sweater.

Let’s not forget about the amazing dining opportunities that the holidays bring to Walt Disney World! You can dine with select members of the Fab 5 at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios where Minnie will be hosting her famous yuletide gathering. Santa Goofy will be joining her as well as other friends in their holiday best.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

Sadly, Epcot’s Candlelight Processional will also be taking this year off, but don’t fret music fans, JOYFUL! Will return to the World ShowPlace to present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary & traditional Christmas and holiday music. The Voices of Liberty will also be returning to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert featuring favorite carols and songs of the season.

Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Grand Destino Tower

Disney Resorts will be getting their special holiday trimmings with their iconic lobby trees and other festive decorations but unfortunately, gingerbread displays will take this year off.

Christmas is hidden around every corner at Disney Springs, where a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees will be spread throughout the shops, dining and entertainment. Be sure to head over to Jock Lindsey’s where it will once again become Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with some over the top holiday décor and a limited time menu that features festive favorites. While you’re enjoying Disney Springs be sure to stop by the Town Center, West Side and Landing areas in the evening to see a magical snowfall sure to make it feel like a traditional Christmas!

The Walt Disney World Holiday season will last from November 6th to December 30th this year so there is plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit! Thinking of adding some magic to your holiday celebrations? Click here to fill out my form so we can start planning!