Tag: Disney Transportation

Did You Know Volume #1: Valet Parking

Published on by aiottravelrobLeave a comment

dwl-balcony-view

This past September, my family spent a weekend at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a joint celebration of my son’s 16th birthday and my 40th (wow, that hurts to type).  When we pulled in on Friday morning, I decided to use Disney’s valet service.  Outside of Tables in Wonderland, this would be my first time using Disney’s valet service.

I am that guy that likes to drive myself around Disney property; nothing against Disney transportation, I’m just a control freak!

After we checked in and had a bite for lunch, we called upon the valet to retrieve our car so we could head over to the Magic Kingdom for a few hours before closing out the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  While waiting for our vehicle, an attendant asked if we needed any directions or help.  Being a Disney Super Dad, I said, “No Thank You.”  The attendant then asked where we were headed, and I replied, “Magic Kingdom.”  This is when I learned, thanks to another great Cast Member, that once you pay the daily valet fee (currently $25.00) at any of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, you can also use the valet service at any of the other Deluxe Resorts (on the same date) without having to repay the fee.

Upon hearing this, I immediately felt like a schmuck, after all, I know everything, I’m a Disney Super Dad, remember…

Much to my surprise, we were able to drive into Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa; use valet service, then hop the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom (I’m a simple guy and am easily impressed by the little pleasures, lol).

Now, anyone who’s visited the Magic Kingdom knows that getting from the parking lot to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) then over to the Magic Kingdom, can at times, be a bit arduous; especially if you’re carrying little ones.  Well…  Here’s your tip of the day: you can utilize valet parking at one of the monorail resorts, and then hop the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.

Now, I must throw out a disclaimer…  You are going to have to pass through security to get into any Disney resort; however, security at the monorail resorts can be especially “picky” (especially during peak times).  Therefore, you will need a “reason” to be at the resort (i.e. dining reservation, spa appointment, etc.).  In our case, we were already staying at a Deluxe Resort and had paid for the valet service, so security let us in.  In the past, you could simply say that you wanted to “look around” or “visit” the resort.  That is not always a guarantee now…

When using valet parking, it is important to remember that the fee you pay goes to Disney and not the valet attendant; so please, please, please remember to tip the attendant.

Another point to keep in mind, when you pay to park at a Walt Disney World Park, you can use that receipt to avoid paying the parking fee at another park on the same day.  This does not apply to valet parking and park hopping.  If you paid for valet service at a resort (and you are not a resort guest), you will still need to pay the parking fee at the park.

Well, that’s enough out of me for this month!

First Experience Using Disney’s Magical Express

Published on by Adventure is Out There Travel, LLCLeave a comment

Our family typically drives from North Central Illinois to Orlando or Port Canaveral.  This is for two reasons.  First and foremost, I am terribly anxious about flying and I do not want to couple that with trying to get two young children on a plane.  Second, I actually like driving.  The journey is part of the vacation for me.  I try to make it enjoyable for all of my family members.  Sometimes the love of my life reminds me about the challenges of the longer journey of driving.

My wife and I decided to take a short, three-day cruise out of Port Canaveral.  A few weeks beforehand we received our Disney Cruise Line travel documents.  This elegant booklet is always exciting to receive!  It contains a fair amount of pertinent information that all cruisers should read.  Our booklet included our luggage tags.  These magical little stickers can make your life a whole lot simpler!  Here is how it works: 1. Pack your luggage.  2. Affix the sticker to a handle on your luggage.  3. Drop off your luggage at your airline check-in.  That is it.  Yes.  It is that simple.

We flew from Midway Airport to Orlando International Airport.  At Midway, my wife and I did curbside check-in.  Each of us had a checked bag and a carry on.  Relieving ourselves of the checked bag was surprisingly efficient, and the attendant seemed very chipper for 4:15 AM.  We had a little snag while obtaining boarding passes and checking in at security, but it was very promptly remedied.  I am sure I will find some sympathizers here.  Why does it seem like whenever I fly, I get my bags searched?  Not just scanned-searched and dug around in.  The security person who rifled through my bag seemed like a cool guy though.  We chit-chatted while he admired my Ripcurl trunks and asked me why I needed two extra razors.  He also made a nice comment about my headphones.  After that, we were on our way!  The flight was uneventful.  When we landed, we took the monorail and no park admission was necessary.  A side note and possible tip: there is a Hyatt within Orlando International Airport.  If you are one of those people who likes to arrive a day early to avoid delays, this may be an option to look into.  Most people who arrived with us went to baggage claim in Terminal A.  My wife and I headed straight to Terminal B where the Magical Express check-in is located.  (There are several rental car counters located there as well.)  Disney was experiencing technology failure with one of two computers at the Disney Cruise Line Magical Express counter.  We ended up having one of our longest waits of the entire trip there, and we were third in line.  After checking in, we were directed to board the bus.  The Magical Express bus was very comfortable.  Or, the transition from the airplane to the Magical Express just made it seem like the Taj.  Similar to the plane, one could control the light and air flow directly above.  Unlike the plane, there were several televisions.  On the ride to Port Canaveral, informational videos and Disney shorts were played.  The 45-minute ride went by very quickly!  Magical Express drops passengers off very close to the terminal at Port Canaveral, and there are several porters waiting to assist any families that may need it.  My wife and I only had our carry-on luggage, so we quickly went to the terminal and through security before most of the bus was unloaded.  Here is the coolest part of Magical Express.  After partaking in various onboard activities, we went back to our stateroom.  In the early afternoon, our luggage magically appeared by our stateroom door.  We dropped our luggage curbside in Chicago and didn’t have to touch it until we were in our stateroom!

If you have ever taken a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, you know how disheartening it is to leave the ship.  There are multiple options for handling your luggage when disembarking.  We were unable to take full advantage of Disney handling our luggage, as we had an early flight.  Disney Cruise Line encourages people in these situations to walk off the ship with their luggage.  After swiftly going through customs, we boarded Disney’s Magical Express.  Again, the buses are located very close to the terminal, so there is minimal walking distance.  The drivers of the buses are amazing.  They are quick to offer a hand with luggage and are very courteous.  The ride back to the airport continues the Disney withdrawal.  And, the sales pitches playing on the televisions do not make the emotions any better.

Unlike utilizing Disney’s Magical Express to get to Walt Disney World, there is a fee for transfers to and from Port Canaveral.  The fee can change, so if you are considering using this transportation, ask your agent how much the fee is or check online.  Magical Express is a great way to get to and from Port Canaveral or Walt Disney World.  It offers riders a simple and comfortable transfer and provides some entertainment.  If you are looking for a convenient and relaxing ride, I would encourage you to use this transportation option.

Justin Eggenberger, Co-Owner of Adventure is Out There Travel, LLC