In addition to the dozens of fun and fabulous attraction ride vehicles you’ll encounter during a Walt Disney World vacation (Hunny Pots! Doom Buggies!), you’re also likely to go on some plain and practical rides during your visit. These are the many types of transportation vehicles that do yeoman’s work getting you from point A to point B on the 40 square miles of Disney property. Here’s a primer on the types of transport you’ll find on your trip.

You may use many forms of internal transportation during your visit to Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Magical Express bus service has its own rules, but all of the other forms of transportation listed below can be used by anyone, any time, for free.

Again, except for Magical Express, transportation use has no requirement that you be staying on property or at a particular resort. You don’t have to have any sort of ticket to use these transportation vehicles. The drivers don’t have any mechanism to take payments or tickets or anything like that. Really, it’s free. You may very rarely see some fine print that some transportation is only for resort guests. In 15 years of frequent WDW visits, taking thousands of trips on Disney internal transportation, I have never been asked where I’m staying as a condition of boarding a vehicle. On the three to five most crowded days of the year, you might be asked to show resort ID to get on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, at some times of the day. This is simply for crowd control purposes at the park and has nothing to do with limiting your access to the transportation itself.

You can get anywhere on Walt Disney World property using only this free Disney-provided transportation, but bear in mind that many types of trips will require a mid-route transfer. For example, to get from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot, you’ll need to change monorail lines at the Transportation and Ticket Center, or to get from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Beach Club, you’ll need to change buses at the Animal Kingdom park or switch from a bus to a boat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

MONORAIL

• Where Does This Operate?: There are three monorail lines. The Express Monorail runs a continuous loop between the Transportation and Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom parking) and the Magic Kingdom. The Resort Monorail runs a continuous loop from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Polynesian resort, the Grand Floridian resort, the Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary resort, in that order. The Epcot Monorail runs back and forth between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Epcot.
• What Are the Hours?: This varies and changes with some regularity. In general, expect the monorail to run at a minimum from one hour before park open to one hour after park close. The resort line monorail often, but not always, starts moving guests at 6:30 a.m. to accommodate folks with 7:00 a.m. breakfast reservations at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary. Recently, monorail service has stopped running early during events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If this is the case, or if the monorail temporarily suspends operations for technical reasons, then bus service will be provided as an alternative.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally you can expect the next monorail to arrive within four to seven minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Monorail cars have minimal bench-style seating. First thing in the morning, last thing at night, and during crowded times of the year, it’s likely that you may have to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. The monorails are fully wheelchair and ECV accessible. The monorail cast will set up a ramp allowing guests with mobility devices to roll right on.
• What Happens with Strollers?: The vast majority of the time, guests will be able to roll strollers directly onto the monorail, either with or without children in them. There is no need to wake a stroller sleeping child to ride the monorail. Only rarely, during the most crowded conditions, a cast member may ask you to fold a stroller to better accommodate more guests on board. If you’d like to avoid this, you can simply wait until the crowds dissipate.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. To get from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot, you could take your own car or possibly a bus. To get from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom, you could take the ferry. To get between the Magic Kingdom area resorts, you could take your own car.
• Any Additional Tips?: Guests are no longer allowed to ride in the front car with the driver.

The monorail, your highway in the sky.

Children can stay in strollers while on board the monorail.

Typical operational hours Christmas week.

Typical operational hours in late spring.

TRAM

• Where Does This Operate?: Trams take guests from the park entrances into the far reaches of the parking lots at the Animal Kingdom, Epoct, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are no trams directly at the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Guest who have driven their own cars to the Magic Kingdom will find trams that go from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the parking lot.
• What Are the Hours?: Generally, the trams run from one hour before park opening to one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule. Trams generally come every five minutes at park closing time. During the day, they run less frequently, perhaps every 15 minutes. If your car is not too far out, it may be faster to walk.
• What Is the Seating Like?: There is a large step up onto bench style seating.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Folded wheelchairs might be accommodated in the first row of each tram car. Guest riding in wheelchairs or ECVs may not board.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded and carried onto the tram.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. You can walk to your car rather than taking the tram. Guests in wheelchairs or ECVs will likely be parked in the handicapped spots closest to the park gates, making this walk minimal.
• Any Additional Tips?: Successful tram use is dependent on knowing where you parked your car. PLEASE make note of your lot name and row number so you know where to exit the tram when the time comes.

Tram loading area at the Animal Kingdom.

The back of a tram vehicle.

There is more than one tram route at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Make note of your location.

FERRY BOAT

• Where Does This Operate?: The ferry runs between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. Generally you can expect the ferry to run from about one hour prior to park opening to about one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule. Typically, ferries arrive every 15-20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: There are two levels of bench seating. Guests must take stairs to get to the second level. Seating availability is somewhat limited. During crowded times, you may have to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. Wheelchairs and ECVs can roll on board via a ramp.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can roll on board. There is no need to remove the child.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. You can take the monorail instead.
• Any Additional Tips?: Ferry use may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.

Ferry waiting to load guests at the Magic Kingdom.

Ramp from the ferry to the TTC. On rare occasion, you might find characters on board the ferry.

Ferry loading area at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

DISNEY TRANSPORTATION BUS

• Where Does This Operate?: Almost everywhere. Buses are the only form of transportation to/from the Animal Kingdom, water parks, value resorts, and Downtown Disney. Buses serve some locations to/from all the other resorts and theme parks.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. Generally you can expect the buses to begin running to a theme park about one hour prior to park opening and continue until about one hour after park closing. Buses run from Downtown Disney to the resorts until at least 1:00 a.m.
• How Often Does This Run?: The standard line is that Disney buses run about every 20 minutes. In practice, this could be a often as every five minutes or as infrequently as every 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and crowd levels at Walt Disney World. If it seems like an inordinate amount of time is elapsing between buses, ask a cast member to inquire about problems on the route.
• What Is the Seating Like?: The primary Disney transport buses are like standard city buses. They have hard, molded plastic seats. During crowded times, the buses fill to capacity and riders may be required to stand.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes. All Disney transport buses are capable of transporting wheelchairs and ECVs via a ramp/lift.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Stroller must be folded and carried onto the bus.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: In many cases, no. For most bus routes, your only alternative would be driving your own car.
• Any Additional Tips?: Car seats are neither required nor accepted on the Disney buses. If this is an important issue for you, renting a car with a car seat is the best alternative for you.

Typical Disney bus.

Bus rules.

Ramp extended for ECV and wheelchair guests.

ECV secured on board a bus.

Guests with walkers, or who have other mobility issues involving stairs, may be able to use the lift/ramp to board the bus.

Standard bus seating.

Strollers must be folded and carried onto the buses.

At the theme parks, use the signage to help you find the bus headed to your destination.

Buses will be added for special events such as RunDisney races.

FRIENDSHIP BOAT

• Where Does This Operate?: Friendship boats run a loop which includes Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club resorts, and Epcot. The Friendship boats are the only vehicles serving DHS and Epcot from these resorts. (There are no buses to these locations.) There are also Friendship boats inside Epcot, servicing the World Showcase area.
• What Are the Hours?: Hours vary seasonally. Generally you can expect the boats to begin running to a theme park about one hour prior to park opening and continue until about one hour after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: The Friendship boats run approximately every 15-20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Bench seating mostly indoors, but with some seats outside.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Generally yes. However, if the water level is particularly low or there are high winds in the area, wheelchairs and EVCs may not be able to board.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally be rolled on board without being folded. Depending on the conditions, some captains may ask that children vacate strollers while they are being wheeled aboard.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: The DHS/Epcot/Epcot resorts loop can be walked.
• Any Additional Tips?: Friendship boat service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions. If the boats cease operation for more than fifteen minutes, buses will be added to service this route.

Friendship boat passing the Swan and Dolphin.

SASSAGOULA and DVC WATER TAXI

• Where Does This Operate?: There are two routes. One serves a loop between Downtown Disney, Old Key West resort, and Saratoga Springs resort. The other route serves a loop between Downtown Disney, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.
• What Are the Hours?: Service typically begins running from the resorts at approximately 10:00 a.m. and continues until approximately 11:30 p.m.
• How Often Does This Run?: The water taxi boats run approximately every 20 minutes in the morning and early afternoon and approximately every 10 minutes in the later afternoon and evening.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Bench-style seating, fully open to the elements.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Wheelchairs and ECVs may generally roll aboard. This may change if water levels are particularly low.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally roll aboard. The captain may ask that children vacate strollers when boarding.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Yes. There are buses that serve these routes.
• Any Additional Tips?: Service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.

Water Taxis serve the Downtown Disney area resorts.

Wheelchairs and ECVs may roll on board.

Hours typically remain constant.

The different water taxi routes may have different hours.

Water taxi dock at Disney's Saratoga Springs resort.

MOTOR LAUNCH BOATS

• Where Does This Operate?: Motor launches serve some locations in the Magic Kingdom and Magic Kingdom resorts area. Gold flag motor launches run a loop between the Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian. Blue flag motor launches run a loop between the Contemporary, the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.
• What Are the Hours?: Gold flag launches typically run from half an hour prior to park opening to 45 minutes after park closing. Blue flag launches typically start at 6:30 a.m. and run until 11:30 p.m.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally boats run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Wooden bench-style seats, fully open to the elements.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Wheelchairs may be accommodated if folded and carried on board. ECVs are not permitted.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded to board.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: For the gold flag locations, guests can use the monorail Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Private cars can be used to get between the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, or alternatively, take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to the Contemporary or a bus to the WL or FW.
• Any Additional Tips?: If there is a boat waiting, this may be a faster way than the monorail to get to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Serve may be suspended during severe weather.

Small motor launch boats serve some of the Magic Kingdom area resorts.

Motor launches are open to the elements. Not the best choice during rainy weather.

Boarding may be a challenge for guests with mobility issues. Depending on water levels, the boat may not be at the same height as the dock.

Strollers must be folded on motor launches.

MOTOR CRUISER BOATS

• Where Does This Operate?: Green flag motor cruisers run a loop between the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness. Red flag motor cruisers run a loop between the Magic Kingdom and the Wilderness Lodge.
• What Are the Hours?: Red and green flag routes run from 30 minutes prior to Magic Kingdom park opening to approximately one and a half hours after park closing.
• How Often Does This Run?: There is no set schedule, but generally boats run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Plastic bench-style seating. Some seats are covered inside and others are outdoors.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Yes, although water level issues may cause a change in this.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers can generally be wheeled on board. Captains may ask that children vacate strollers before boarding.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Buses are available to service these routes.
• Any Additional Tips?: Service may be suspended during severe weather.

Motor cruiser docking at the Magic Kingdom.

Motor cruiser seating.

Guest in wheelchair leaving a motor cruiser.

Green flag motor cruiser.

“PIRATE” BOATS

• Where Does This Operate?: These boats are used for the Pirates & Pals evening tour, but may be called into service during crowded days to supplement the motor cruiser routes above. The hours and schedule mirror those of route the boat is running.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Bench-style seating.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Guests must step down to enter the boat. Wheelchairs may be folded and carried aboard. ECVs are not permitted.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded and carried aboard.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: The same alternatives as listed above.
• Any Additional Tips?: There is a step down required to get on to the boat. If someone in your party has mobility issues and you’ll be using water transportation in the Magic Kingdom area, it may pay to send someone ahead to see which types of boat is running your route. Boat service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.

Step down into the pirate boat.

MAGICAL EXPRESS BUS

• Where Does This Operate?: Magical Express buses run from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s resort hotels.
• What Are the Hours?: Magical Express runs 24 hours.
• How Often Does This Run?: Buses depart the airport as they are filled. Waits are generally no more than about 20 minutes.
• What Is the Seating Like?: Two by seating in plush seats with armrests.
• Is this Wheelchair/ECV Accessible?: Mobility devices may be transported on some ME buses. Call ahead to arrange this.
• What Happens with Strollers?: Strollers must be folded and stored in the luggage compartment under the bus.
• Are There Alternatives to Using This Form of Transportation?: Take a taxi, town car, or rental car from the airport to your hotel.
• Any Additional Tips?: Use our guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Disney’s Magical Express for more detailed information.

Magical Express buses waiting at Orlando International Airport.

Plush seating on the Magical Express buses.

So fellow travelers, tell us about your experiences with Disney transportation. Is there a method you prefer? Have you chosen your resort based on the available transportation options? Have you ever ridden these vehicles for fun rather than for transportation? Let us know in the comments below.

A Walt Disney World Transportation Primer: Monorails, Buses, and Boats, Oh My is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos by Seth Kubersky

Owing to its expansiveness and isolation, most visitors to Walt Disney World in Florida basically have their options for arriving at the attraction dictated by where they are sleeping: on-site guests get to use WDW’s Byzantine system of busses, boats, and monorails, while those staying off-site drive their rental cars into the theme park parking lots.

Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort, on the other hand, offers more entry options by virtue of its more accessible design. While there are advantages to staying in one of Disneyland’s three Mouse-owned hotels (early entry to DCA’s Cars Land being chief among them), many off-site properties are nearly as close (or closer) to the Happiest Place On Earth than the official accommodations.

On my recent trip to California I tested three methods for getting into the Disneyland Resort, and I hope my experience will help you in planning your next trip. So, with deepest apologies to The Muppets, let’s look at whether to “[hitch]hike, bus, or yellow cab it.”

Hike

Let’s cut to the chase: if you are capable, walking is by far the best way to get from your hotel to Disneyland. It’s fun, it’s healthy, and best of all, it’s free!

The determining factor is the location of your hotel. As you’ll note in our list of recommended walking-distance hotels in The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, the ideal properties to walk from are located along Harbor Blvd between Manchester and Katella Ave. Staying here provides quick access to the main pedestrian entrance to the Resort just north of Disney Way. You can also find good deals on rooms around the intersection of Harbor and Katella that are less than a 15 minute walk from the park; I’m a particular fan of the Super 8 when traveling on the cheap.

Slightly less convenient, but still within walking distance, are hotels near the corner of Katella and Disneyland Drive. From here, you can walk north on Disneyland Drive and enter the resort by cutting through the Grand Californian Hotel into Downtown Disney. On my recent trip I stayed at the Best Western Stovall’s Inn (an unexceptional hotel in most respects) and had a pleasant 14-minute commute to the parks.

Do keep in mind that the convenience of walking is dependent on the composition of your party. Healthy adults should be able to walk 3/4 of a mile or more into the Resort without trouble, while groups with young, elderly, or physically challenged members may want to stay closer.

Especially important for families with stroller-age children are the numbers of intersections you must cross; while area surrounding Disneyland has adequate sidewalks and traffic signals, its best to look at a map and minimize the number of crosswalks you must use. The Candy Cane Inn is ideal of families in this sense because it is the closest off-site hotel that is on the same side of Harbor as the resort entrance.

Bus

If your hotel turns out to be too far to walk, resist the temptation to drive your car to the Mickey and Friends parking garage. Its entrance is designed to accommodate visitors arriving on the I-5 freeway, rather than Anaheim surface streets; and it requires a sometimes-frustrating ride on a parking tram, which drops you off in Downtown Disney, still a size able walk from the park entrance.

Instead, investigate the available shuttle bus options. ART, the public Anaheim Resort Transportation system, has twenty numbered routes that all begin and end at Disneyland. One-way fares are $3 per person; daily passes start at $5.

An even better option may be a private shuttle, if your hotel offers one. During my recent stay at the Hyatt Regency on Harbor, I enjoyed their dedicated shuttle, which features comfortable seats and Disney videos during the 15-minute voyage, for the same price as a daily ART pass. Before buying a private shuttle pass, enquire how often it runs (at least twice per hour in each direction is preferable) and if its schedule will accommodate Magic Morning or extended operating hours.

A final option for guests staying on Harbor and Orangewood: you can actually walk into Disney’s Toy Story parking lot and catch its shuttle bus to the resort for free! If you do need to park your car, the Toy Story lot is a popular choice among locals and Annual Passholders because it is more accessible than Mickey and Friends. Travel time from the lot to the park is usually under 10 minutes, thanks to a steady stream of buses; you can often wait longer than that for a Mickey and Friends tram.

Cab

Let’s say you’re at the tail end of a full day in the parks, or perhaps you’ve had one too many Uh-Oa’s at Trader Sam’s. If you are too tired to walk, or the shuttle buses have shut down for the night, your best bet is to hail a cab.

Be aware that there is no taxi stand available on the east side of the resort (along Harbor) and flagging down cabs on the street (like in New York City) isn’t advisable. Instead, walk through Downtown Disney to the taxi stand near ESPN Zone, or to the front entrances of the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian.

My recent ride from the Disneyland Hotel to the Hyatt cost $10 (plus tip), a small price to pay for safe passage to my bed after a day of exhausting adventures in the Happiest Place on Earth.

What’s your favorite way to get in and around Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments below!

Disneyland Debate: How To Enter The Resort — Hike, Bus, or Cab? is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Disney’s Magical Express is a service that provides free bus transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and Disney’s resort hotels, for guests staying at those hotels. While the word “FREE” always sounds good, there may be some situations where using Magical Express does not make sense. There are also some tips and tricks that can make your Magical Express experience better if you do choose to use it. Here’s what you need to know.

Who can use Disney’s Magical Express?

The Magical Express check-in desk at MCO

Registered guests of Disney-owned hotels are eligible for Magical Express Service. These hotels are:

• Art of Animation
• All-Star Movies, Music, & Sports
• Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas, Jambo & Kidani
• Beach Club & Villas
• BoardWalk & Villas
• Fort Wilderness Cabins & Campgrounds
• Caribbean Beach
• Contemporary & Bay Lake Tower Villas
• Coronado Springs
• Grand Floridian
• Old Key West
• Polynesian
• Pop Century
• Port Orleans French Quarter & Riverside
• Saratoga Springs
• Wilderness Lodge & Villas
• Yacht Club
  

But I’m staying at the Swan! Isn’t that on Disney property? Don’t I qualify for Magical Express?

Sorry, no. While the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and a few Downtown Disney area hotels are quite close to the action, only guests staying at the hotels actually owned by Disney qualify for free Magical Express transportation.

If you’re considering staying at the Swan/Dolphin/etc., you may want to factor the lack of Magical Express service into your decision process. The lack of ME means that staying at these resorts will automatically add a rental car fee (and a resort parking fee) or cab or shuttle fare to the cost of your vacation.

I’m flying into Sanford Airport. Can I get Magical Express from there?

There are many Disney cast members to help direct you to the right Magical Express bus.

No, there is only free Magical Express transportation from Orlando International (MCO).

How do I set up my Magical Express ride?

When you make your Disney hotel reservation, you will be asked if you want to use Magic Express. Say yes. To make a Magical Express booking, you’ll need to provide your flight information and resort confirmation number.

What if I don’t know my flight information yet?

No worries. Magical Express can be arranged at any point prior to your trip by calling 866-599-0951. You can also add flight information to your itinerary by visiting www.disneyworld.com/mydisneyvacation.

I booked my Disney stay through a travel aggregator (Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity) that never asked me if I wanted to use Magical Express. Can I still use it?

Yes. As long as you have a reservation at a Disney hotel on the list above, then you can use ME. Call 866-599-0951 to set this up. Again, have your resort confirmation number and flight information available when you call.

What do I do if my flight information changes after I’ve given the information to Magical Express?

If the airline has tinkered with your arrival/departure time by a few minutes, don’t worry about it. If there has been a substantial change, then call Magical Express to let them know. You should also do this if anything happens at the last minute, such as a significant weather delay or you miss your flight. If you’re in a tizzy at the airport (status quo for me) and forget to call to update Magical Express about a delay, don’t stress. Just get to Orlando, and they’ll work with you at the Magical Express Welcome Desk to get you to your resort as quickly as possible.

Will I get anything in the mail about my Magical Express booking?

Buses at the airport, ready to head to the resorts.

If you reside in the US or Canada, then yes. If you make your Magical Express booking more than about a month in advance, then you will get an envelope in the mail that includes a Magical Express voucher booklet and yellow ME luggage tags.

What are the vouchers for?

The vouchers basically function as your Magical Express ticket. When you arrive at the Magical Express area at the airport, they will scan your voucher and point you to the correct bus waiting area.

I lost my vouchers. Help!

Stay calm. There are lots of friendly folks at the Magical Express desk. If you don’t have vouchers for any reason (you lost them, you arranged for ME service on short notice, etc.), just let them know at the desk. They can look up your room reservation and print you new vouchers. Assuming that there’s no line at the desk, this only takes two or three minutes.

I only have carry-on bags. Do I need the yellow luggage tags?

Nope. Feel free to toss them in the trash. They also make a festive alternative to tape when wrapping packages.

I will have checked luggage. What do I do with the tags?

Magical Express voucher booklet

That depends. Do you want Disney to deliver them directly to your hotel room for you? Or do want to pick up your bags yourself, taking them with you on the bus?

Disney will bring my bags from the airport to my room? Cool! What do I do?

If this is your preference, place the yellow bag tags on your luggage before you surrender them at your origination airport. Say goodbye to your bags, because you won’t see them for for a looong time.

What do you mean I won’t see my bags for a long time?

Disney states that bags are typically delivered to your room three hours after your plane arrives at MCO. Anecdotal evidence suggests that waits of up to five hours are not atypical. If you do plan to have Disney deliver your bags to your room, you should be sure to stock your carry-on items with anything you might need for the better part of day. This may mean a change of clothes, toiletries, and baby gear. You should always keep medications, electronics, and trip documentation with you in your carry-ons.

Disney only sent me one yellow luggage tag, but I have two bags. What do I do?

Call Magical Express, and they’ll mail you another one.

I made my Disney booking at the last minute and there was no time for Disney to send me luggage tags. What do I do?

How to find the Magical Express desk at the airport.

Honestly, the easiest thing is for you to retrieve your bags at the airport yourself and bring them with you to the Magical Express bus. The WDW website states that you can just leave your bags, go to the ME desk and describe your bags, and they’ll find them and bring them to the hotel for you. I’ve heard it works, but the entire concept just makes me nervous.

I’ve decided I’d rather not wait for Disney to deliver my bags. What do I do?

If you have checked luggage, you’re always welcome to bring your bags with you on the bus to your resort. In this case, do NOT put the yellow tags on your bags. If the airport baggage handlers see the yellow tags, they will pull them for sorting behind the scenes. With yellow tags, your bags will never make it out to the pick-up carousel at baggage claim.

Once you’ve grabbed your bags, wheel them with you over to the Magical Express check-in area.

I’m flying to Orlando from outside the USA. Does that impact my ability to use Magical Express?

From the Walt Disney World website: “If the Orlando International Airport is your first point of entry into the United States, please follow the U.S. Customs & Border Protection process and claim your luggage upon disembarking the airplane. Once you have completed this process you will give your luggage back to the airport officials and proceed to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center on B side, Level 1. Disney’s Magical Express service will recollect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 4 hours after you check in at the resort. For international Guests arriving after 10:00 p.m., please retain your luggage with you or pick it up in the baggage claim area and then proceed to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center. Your luggage will accompany you on the motorcoach. If you have already completed the U.S. Customs & Border Protection process in another U.S. city, proceed directly to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center on B side, Level 1. For airport arrivals after 10:00 p.m., collect your luggage for transport on the motorcoach.”

You’ll also notice that I mentioned above that only US and Canadian guests will receive vouchers and tags in the mail. If this applies to you, you are still eligible for Magical Express service, you’ll just have to stop at the Magical Express desk to get vouchers when you arrive.

Where is the Magical Express check-in area?

Sample yellow luggage tag.

Magical Express is on Level 1, below the B side baggage claim area. Follow the signs to baggage claim B, then take the elevator or escalator down. Follow the signs from there.

If you’re going directly to Magical Express from your flight, or if you’re collecting your own bags from Baggage Claim B, then you’re in good shape. If you’re collecting your own bags from Baggage Claim A, then you’ll have to go back to the main terminal and cross over to the B side.

Does Magical Express have specific hours?

The Magical Express buses run 24 hours a day. Whatever time you arrive at MCO, there will be a bus to take you to your hotel. This applies to flights that are running on time and to those that arrive late due to weather or other delays.

While the bus service runs all day, the luggage delivery service does not. If your flight arrives after 10:00 p.m., because it was scheduled to do so or because of a delay, then you must collect your luggage from the carousel on your own and bring them with you to the Magical Express check-in desk.

OK, I’ve made it to the Magical Express check-in area. What do I do?

If you have your vouchers, proceed to the line for your hotel. If you don’t have vouchers, stop at the desk, and they’ll hook you up.

How long will I be waiting for the bus?

In my experience, the wait could be anything from nothing to about 20 minutes. It depends on when the last bus left for your resort area.

OK, my bus is ready. What do I do with my bags?

Just give whatever bags you have, checked or large carry-on, to the driver, and he’ll load them under the bus for you.

What’s the inside of the bus like?

There’s lot of signage at the airport to direct you where to wait for your bus.

These are coach-style buses. The seats are plush velour, with armrests and footrests, two by two down the aisle.

Is there entertainment on the bus?

Once you get off airport grounds, a propaganda video will play on the overhead TV monitors. It’s fairly innocuous, showing you many of the activities available at Walt Disney World. Expect Disney fans to cheer when their favorite attractions appears on screen.

I have a small child. Do I need a car seat?

No. Florida law does not require car seats on buses, nor is there any mechanism to attach a car seat to the bus seat. Your baby can sit on the seat next to you or on your lap. If you happen to have a car seat with you, your driver can stow it underneath with the luggage.

I’m uncomfortable not having my child in a car seat. What do I do?

If this is a sticking point with you, then you may want to consider alternate transportation to your resort.

Is there a bathroom on the bus?

Yes, most Magical Express buses do have a small lavatory at the rear of the vehicle.

Is the Magical Express bus handicapped accessible?

Guests traveling in wheelchairs can be accommodated. This service must be requested in advance.

Can I bring my dog with me on the Magical Express bus?

Only service animals are allowed on board.

I want to rent a car for my trip, but I’d like to save time by having Disney deliver my bags to my room. Can I do this?

Unfortunately not. This is called a “luggage only transfer” and it is not allowed.

There’s a video to entertain you while on board the Magical Express bus.

Members of my party are flying to Orlando on several flights arriving at different times. Can we use Magical Express?

Yes. Make sure their names are on your room reservation and that you give ME their flight information. There’s no need for you to travel all together. Each person can take a bus independently upon arrival.

I want to start my fun right away. Can Magical Express drop me at a theme park rather than my hotel?

Nope. They’ll only drop you at your resort.

I’m arriving in Orlando several days before my Disney room reservation starts. We’re renting a car and going to the beach. After I return the car back at the airport, can I take Magical Express to my resort?

This one is tricky. The short answer is probably yes. Here comes the long answer …

The Magical Express paperwork states, “Complimentary transportation services provided by Disney’s Magical Express are associated with a Walt Disney World room reservation and include a one way ground transfer between the Orlando International Airport and your Disney hotel on the day that you check in and a one-way ground transfer from your Disney hotel to the Orlando International Airport on the day you check out.” You’ll note that there is no language here about a need to FLY to the Airport. As long as you’re going to your resort on your check-in day, then it really doesn’t matter how you got to the airport itself.

However, Magical Express does want to know approximately what time you’ll need transportation, so they can make sure to have enough buses available. The only real mechanism they have to note is is via a flight number. Since you’re driving to the airport, you won’t have a flight number. This may fluster some ME reservationists. A good workaround is to find a flight that arrives at approximately the time you want to go to your hotel. Simply give that flight number to the reservationist as a placeholder.

Any other workarounds?

Typical Magical Express bus seating.

Well, you could just show up at the Magical Express desk and ask for a ride. I’ve done this myself twice. As long as you have a valid Disney resort reservation number and there’s room on the bus, they’ll transport you.

Members of my party are arriving on different days. Can they be accommodated on Magical Express?

Probably, just call ME and let them know what you need. I’ve had WDW trips several times where my husband either arrived a few days after me or left a few days before me (pesky business meetings). In every case, ME had no problem putting him on a bus.

I’m on the Magical Express bus. How long will it take me to get to my hotel?

The actual ride from the airport to Disney property takes about half an hour. Each ME bus may transport guests from the airport to three or four different hotels. So, if your hotel is the first stop, then it will take about 35 minutes to get from the airport to the resort. If you’re the fourth stop, then it may take up to about 75 minutes once you leave the airport.

That seems like a long time. Would it be any faster if I rented a car or took a cab?

Well, there are waits involved with those forms of transportation too, but yes, you might save a few minutes if you skipped ME. On the other hand, Magical Express is free. A cab one-way from MCO to a Disney hotel will be at least $70.

Will not having a car at Walt Disney World have any impact on my vacation?

If you ask 10 people, you’re going to get 10 completely different answers about this. I used to be VERY anti car rental. Now I’m more in the “it depends on where you’re staying” camp. You can read some related Touring Plans blog posts on the topic by Ryan, Brian, Evan, Ryan again, and me.

One thing to consider is that even if you take Magical Express to your hotel and forgo a car rental, your vacation may be substantially improved if you budget for a few internal cab rides while you’re at Walt Disney World, particularly if you’ll be dining at hotels that are not your own.

Should I tip my Magical Express driver?

Here’s a handy guide to all things tipping at Walt Disney World.

What’s the process for taking Magical Express home? How do I know when/where to get the bus?

The day before you depart, you’ll get a note either on your room door handle or under your door telling you what time the Magical Express bus will pick you up. The pick up spot is always right out side the hotel main entrance. The note you will receive includes a bar code that will function as your bus ticket/voucher.

Is there any way to know further in advance what time my bus will be leaving?

For domestic flights, Magical Express pickup is generally about three hours prior to your flight departure time. This may be four hours in advance for international flights. If you’d like to know the exact time of your ME bus, you can call ME directly or stop by the concierge desk at your resort, and they’ll be happy to let you know.

I want to get in the most park time possible. Can Magical Express pick me up at a theme park?

No, sorry. Magical Express will only pick you up at your own hotel.

Can they pick me up from another resort?

Again, no. Magical Express pick-up is only from your own hotel.

Members of my party are taking different flights home. Can we be accommodated on Magical Express?

Generally yes. As I mentioned, there have been several times when my husband has left our vacation a few days early or left earlier in the day than the rest of the family. Magical Express was always able to accommodate him. Give Magical Express a call to explain your situation and they will be likely to help.

My flight is at the crack of dawn. Can I really use Magical Express to get to the airport?

Yes, really. My parents once had a 6:00 a.m. departure from MCO. The Magical Express bus picked them up at their hotel at 3:00 a.m. I am still glad that I wasn’t on the flight with them.

My flight is late in the evening. Check out time is at 11:00 a.m. I’d like to go enjoy some more time in the parks, but what do I do with my bags?

Magical Express pick up area for the Art of Animation Resort

You have two options here. First, if you only have carry-on luggage, you can leave everything will the Bell Services desk at your hotel. They will tag your bags, give you a receipt, and then store your luggage in a secure location. Return to your hotel about 15 minutes before your scheduled Magical Express pick-up time, hand the clerk at the desk your receipt, and you’ll have your bags back in a jiffy.

Is this really secure? I have my laptop in there.

If you tell the Bell desk that you have valuables in your luggage, they will put it in an even more securely locked compartment. However, I will tell you that I have given my bags to Bell Services for storage dozens of times, even with unzippered bags containing cameras, laptops, iPods, and iPads. I’ve never had a problem with anything going missing. Perhaps I’m just a trusting soul, but I feel like my bags are quite safe with Bell Services.

I have lots of checked luggage. Do I leave that with Bell Services too?

You can if you’d like to. Under this scenario, you’ll pick up your bags a few minutes before your ME departure. Then when the bus arrives, the driver will store them under the bus for your trip to the airport. At the airport, you’ll unload them and bring them yourself to the airline check-in desk.

That seems complicated. Any alternatives?

It’s actually not too complicated, but it does involve lots of carting your stuff around. If you’d prefer not to do this, there is an alternative called Resort Airline Check-In.

Resort Airline Check-In? What’s that?

Basically think of this as airport curbside check-in, but it’s right at your hotel. Bring your bags to RAC, and they will tag them with your airline’s bag tag and deliver them directly to your airport and then to the plane. You drop your bags here, and you won’t see them again until you claim them at your destination airport.

Sounds scary, does it work?

Yes! Yes! Yes! This is wonderful service. I’ve used it many times myself without a hitch. You don’t even have to be using Magical Express to take advantage of Resort Airline Check-In. Even if you’re driving, this is a way to get your bags to the airport without you having to carry them. RAC will even print you out a boarding pass. This allows you to proceed directly to your gate. Yay!

So everyone can use Resort Airline Check-In?

Not every airline participates in this service. Currently (July 2012) the approved airlines are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United and US Airways. This list changes with some regularity. You may want to stop by early during your visit to confirm that your airline participates. If you are traveling internationally or if your airline does not participate, you can leave all your luggage with Bell Services, and they’ll store it for you until it’s time to leave.

Does Resort Airline Check-In have specific hours?

Yes, RAC is generally open from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Bags must be dropped at RAC no earlier than 12 hours prior to your flight and no later than 3 hours prior to your flight. This means that guests booked on flights departing prior to 8:00 a.m. may not use Resort Airline Check-In.

My airline has a checked luggage fee. How do I pay that?

From the Walt Disney World website: “Fees vary by airline. Guests should inquire with their specific airline as to what fees might apply. Guests must contact Baggage Airline Guest Services at (407) 284-1231 to pay any airline fees in advance of visiting the Resort Airline Check-In desk, which will have a record of the payment transaction. Airline luggage fees cannot be collected at the check-in desk.”

OK, I’ve got the idea now, but I’d like you to break it down for me. What are the good points about using Magical Express?

The biggest item in the Magical Express pro column is that it’s free. It’s also easy to use and quite reliable.

What about the negatives?

Well, it may take you a bit more time getting to and from the airport than it would if you were transporting yourself. Also, once you’re “on campus” at Walt Disney World, you’re stuck there without a car. For many guests, this will not matter, but others who want to visit other area attractions or go shopping off site, this can be a problem.

And once you’re at WDW without a car, you’re then at the mercy of the internal Disney transportation system, which has many pros and cons of its own to consider.

What’s your personal thinking on Magical Express. Do you use it?

As with all Disney questions, the answer is, “It depends.” It depends on what rental car rates are, who I’m traveling with, where I’m staying at WDW, how long I’ll be there, what else I’m doing on my vacation, and a host of other factors. But yes, I do often use Magical Express and have been favorably impressed with the service.

So fellow travelers, what else should I have included? What have your Magical Express experiences been like? Let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disney’s Magical Express is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.