So you have your Walt Disney World Resort booked, have your park tickets and plane reservations to arrive at Orlando International Airport. So what is the easiest way to get to your Walt Disney Resort once you arrive? Simple…you take the Magical Express!
So just what is the Magical Express? The Magical Express is a great free perk for staying on Disney property. Basically it is ground transportation and luggage transfer to and from the airport to your resort. It’s very simple to use and sometimes better than renting a car or relying on another transportation company. Here’s how it works:
Before arrival
After you book your flight, just call Disney’s Magical Express to reserve your spot. It’s recommended that you reserve your spot at least 30 days in advance. Make sure you have your flight information and resort confirmation number handy.
Information and luggage tags will be sent to you about 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival. If you are checking your bags and want them delivered by Disney you’ll need to attach these special tags to your luggage.
Cheers tip: Don’t pack your magic bands in your checked bags…you’ll need them to board the Magical Express at the airport and to open your resort room door
Arrival at Orlando International Airport
Disney’s Magical Express is in operation between 5am and 10pm, so when you arrive just take the tram from your arrival gate to the main terminal which is Level 3, follow the signs for Magical Express which is located in ground transportation side B level 1.
If you decided to have Disney take your luggage to your resort no need to stop at baggage claim, they will make sure your luggage is delivered to you. If you like to have your baggage right away or you arrive at the airport between 10pm and 5am you’ll need to collect your baggage at baggage claim to take with you.
Cheers tip: Disney says it may take up to 3 hours to have your luggage delivered to your room, so take that into consideration whether or not you want to pick up your luggage yourself and take it with you on the Magical Express or have it delivered.
Once you are on Level 1 just follow the signs to Disney’s Magical Express. You can’t miss them!
You’ll be asked to scan your magic band when checking in and the friendly cast member will tell you what number lane you should follow to the Magical Express
Follow the line and you’ll be asked one more time to scan your magic band and will be told which bus stop to board.
Cheers tip: Disney’s Magical express partners with Mears Transportation. So don’t be alarmed if you are boarding a Mears bus or even a Disney cruise line bus…they are all going to your resort!
Once you are on board, take a seat and sit back and enjoy your ride! You can even play along with Disney trivia and learn all about the most magical place on earth!
Depending on what resort you are staying at your bus could make more than one stop. Just be sure to listen to the bus driver, they’ll let you know what resorts they will be stopping at during your ride.
Returning to Orlando International Airport
We like to call this the Tragical Express, because well, you are leaving Disney!
The day before you are due to leave your resort you will receive a transportation notice on your room door telling you your departure time and place to pick up the Magical Express back to the airport.
Usually your time of departure is 3 hours before your flight. But during the busy holiday season we have seen it up to 4 hours before your flight to give you time to get through security.
Be sure you have your transportation notice on hand to give back to your driver when boarding. Magic Bands don’t work here!
Guest flying certain airlines have the option to get boarding passes and check their luggage at the resort. For more information on this procedure go to https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-airline-check-in/
Cheers tip: Airline check in at certain resorts are only open certain hours, if you need to print a boarding pass concierge or the front desk can help!
So there you have it! We love the Magical Express because it is a great free way to get to our Walt Disney World Resort and back to the airport!
For more information about the Magical Express just go to
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magical-express/
Cheers to the Magical Express!
