End of Magical Express at WDW

[BrizMarc]

My understanding is Meres to already run all the busses for the Disney express are just going to keep running it them self. It wont be under Disney now.

[KeithS]

Sorry - I've been away for a bit but should be around a little more again now.

Yes - I read just this weekend that Mears will take over transporting people from the airport to the resort. It won't be part of your accommodation cost now, so you'll need a separate booking, but at least there is an option.

[DisneyKaren]

Sorry - I've been away for a bit but should be around a little more again now.

Yes - I read just this weekend that Mears will take over transporting people from the airport to the resort. It won't be part of your accommodation cost now, so you'll need a separate booking, but at least there is an option.

I agree that any option is still a good option! Oh the joys of booking a trip to Disney, can't wait for that feeling! I will be going to both Sydney and Canberra this year though and catching up with Disney people so that's a start.

[calisota]

So what are the options for getting from both Miami and Orlando airports to the Park?


Greg

[KeithS]

I don't think there is any option from Miami - it is a long way away. You'd just have to hire a car and drive yourself. Orlando will still have the option of getting the coach from the airport - now that Mears has taken over again.

[calisota]

I don't think there is any option from Miami - it is a long way away. You'd just have to hire a car and drive yourself. Orlando will still have the option of getting the coach from the airport - now that Mears has taken over again.

I had one go at driving in the US and am not in a hurry to do it again.

It's not being on the wrong side of the road, I've done that in other countries on a motorbike, it's more the strange feeling of being on the wrong side of the car and it not lining up the way I want.


Greg

[KeithS]

Yeah - my issue with driving on the wrong side is that I look in the wrong direction for the rearview mirror - it is just weird.

[DisneyKaren]

Getting to and from WDW we'll likely use a taxi on arrival as we land just after 8:00pm, then either Mears or a taxi to return.

My sister drives over there so we have a car for 2 weeks in the middle of our next trip. I have driven on one trip on country roads and then inside National Parks. I'm not keen to drive over there, however it was good on that trip to take some driving off my friend. Thankfully my sister prefers to drive than be a passenger.

[calisota]

A taxi sounds expensive. Is it really the most convenient/cost effective way?

Greg

[DisneyKaren]

A taxi sounds expensive. Is it really the most convenient/cost effective way?

Greg

Wow I didn't realise how long it had been since I was on this page. With nobody travelling it's been a little quite.

Busses would be the most cost effective, just not convenient for arrival at the hotel considering we land after 8pm and they may stop a bit at other resorts before ours. We may look at Uber/Lyft but I don't use the apps. Taxi seemed easiest for us.

[calisota]

It's been, sadly, quite a few years since I was in WDW and I honestly can't remember how I got there. How far is it from Orlando airport to WDW?

Greg

[DisneyKaren]

We arrived at Orlando airport with full intentions of getting a cab. I saw plenty of signs to Mears so we just caught that - $32 return ticket each. This also meant our return trip was pre-booked and we didn't have to think about it. Bus was quick and only does a limited number of hotels in the same area which is great.

The only little tiny issue was we had to buy a ticket using their self-serve system and it wouldn't take my US phone number. Even the staff member couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. I used my Australian number and it was fine so I suspect their system is a little too smart and only takes the number from your country. Lucky they send emails so I had the confirmation without issue and just deleted the text messages which came through when my Australian SIM was put back in.

[calisota]

I used my Australian number and it was fine so I suspect their system is a little too smart and only takes the number from your country. Lucky they send emails so I had the confirmation without issue and just deleted the text messages which came through when my Australian SIM was put back in.

That's interesting to know. Did you get a US number just for the trip, buy a sim at the airport or do you just happen to have one?

Greg

[DisneyKaren]

That's interesting to know. Did you get a US number just for the trip, buy a sim at the airport or do you just happen to have one?
Greg

We ordered SIMs online from a company my sister saw mentioned by a few users on Facebook and did comparisons against others people recommended. AU$55 for 30 days with unlimited calls/texts in USA & 15GB internet so way cheaper than buying one over there.

Anyone reading this who is considering buying one before you go, click any link they provide to double check your phone is compatible as quite a few Andriods won't work on the East Coast which my older sister found out the hard way last year - her husband ended up using her SIM so no loss in the end. I had no issues with my iPhone for either trip and my younger sister was fine with her (brand new) Android this trip.

[calisota]

Anyone reading this who is considering buying one before you go, click any link they provide to double check your phone is compatible as quite a few Andriods won't work on the East Coast which my older sister found out the hard way last year - her husband ended up using her SIM so no loss in the end. I had no issues with my iPhone for either trip and my younger sister was fine with her (brand new) Android this trip.

Good to know. Thanks for the tip.

Greg