Magical Express Help!

[WDWFantasmicFan]

I am looking to go on a solo trip in Feb/Mar next year. Can't afford to stay onsite for the whole trip, but want to use Magical Express to get to and from the airport as I won't be driving. If I book one night onsite for the first night, one night onsite for the last night, and the rest offsite, am I right in thinking I can use Magical Express both ways? TIA

 

[wilkeliza]

I am looking to go on a solo trip in Feb/Mar next year. Can't afford to stay onsite for the whole trip, but want to use Magical Express to get to and from the airport as I won't be driving. If I book one night onsite for the first night, one night onsite for the last night, and the rest offsite, am I right in thinking I can use Magical Express both ways? TIA

Just wondering what is the price difference between your onsite and offsite hotel? Might even out or even be cheaper to just Uber to and from the airport.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes. Just under the different reservations.

 

[WEDWDW]

Sure.

 

[willmccready]

You could do it, but I'm guessing Uber wouldn't cost that much and then you wouldn't have to worry about switching hotels twice.....

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

Just wondering what is the price difference between your onsite and offsite hotel? Might even out or even be cheaper to just Uber to and from the airport.

Will definitely look into Uber. Will see what the difference is... If there isn't much difference, may just stay onsite anyway for the experience (thinking one night in a value and the other in a moderate). Would also get a MagicBand free, so another less thing to worry about buying when I get there. But if the difference is large, Uber option sounds like a good one Any ideas as to approx. how much an Uber would be from MCO to Disney area? Thanks for your help

 

[wilkeliza]

Will definitely look into Uber. Will see what the difference is... If there isn't much difference, may just stay onsite anyway for the experience (thinking one night in a value and the other in a moderate). Would also get a MagicBand free, so another less thing to worry about buying when I get there. But if the difference is large, Uber option sounds like a good one Any ideas as to approx. how much an Uber would be from MCO to Disney area? Thanks for your help

Regular taxi is about 70. UberX will be less then that probably 40-50.

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

Regular taxi is about 70. UberX will be less then that probably 40-50.

Thank you

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We took an uber from Beach Club to the airport in January on a Monday afternoon and it cost $23.20. I believe it will be more for the airport pickup because I think they charge a $10 airport pick up fee. You may be able to find more specific info on the Transportation forum.

 

[maxiesmom]

Be careful what off site hotel you pick. The bus service to the parks is lacking at many of them, to say the least. And some charge for it.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I would not stay offsite without a car. Maybe price everything out including the offsite hotel fees that are often hidden. You might be surprised that onsite can often be a better deal. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

Be careful what off site hotel you pick. The bus service to the parks is lacking at many of them, to say the least. And some charge for it.

I am currently looking at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, which offers free shuttles to the parks at selected times, and is also about a 30 minute walk from Disney Springs, so could always hop on a Disney bus to Springs and walk if needsbe.

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

I would not stay offsite without a car. Maybe price everything out including the offsite hotel fees that are often hidden. You might be surprised that onsite can often be a better deal. I hope you have a great trip!

Will definitely price it out again staying onsite. As I am from the UK, there is a free dining and $200 gift card offer at the moment for all 2018 bookings, so that may work out the better deal. Need to do the math!

 

[Hopefully]

I am currently looking at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, which offers free shuttles to the parks at selected times, and is also about a 30 minute walk from Disney Springs, so could always hop on a Disney bus to Springs and walk if needsbe.

The "selected times" for free shuttles are usually NOT convenient for guests.
No Disney buses go FROM Disney Springs TO the parks. Disney buses only go FROM the parks to Disney Springs after 4 PM. Walking 30 minutes on roads that may or may not have sidewalks is questionable. Walking 30 minutes in often unpleasant Florida heat and humidity is not something that I want to do.
Check out the price difference carefully. Since you are from the U.K. I worry you are only considering the cost and not other really important factors.

 

[bumbershoot]

Would also get a MagicBand free, so another less thing to worry about buying when I get there.

You wouldn't *need* a magicband. your ticket media will connect to MDE just fine and do everything BUT get the ride videos or the picture from minetrain (those are all captured from longer range RFID with no touchpoints...all other ride pictures you can use the touchpoint to capture after a ride). If you're offsite you can't have room charging anyway.

No Disney buses go FROM Disney Springs TO the parks.

Definitely a good point to make!

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

The "selected times" for free shuttles are usually NOT convenient for guests.
No Disney buses go FROM Disney Springs TO the parks. Disney buses only go FROM the parks to Disney Springs after 4 PM. Walking 30 minutes on roads that may or may not have sidewalks is questionable. Walking 30 minutes in often unpleasant Florida heat and humidity is not something that I want to do.
Check out the price difference carefully. Since you are from the U.K. I worry you are only considering the cost and not other really important factors.

I had forgotten that there are no buses from Disney Springs to the parks, thanks for reminding me. You make some good points there that I hadn't thought about. I've been doing the maths this evening, and it actually works out a similar price to stay on site at Caribbean Beach (once you consider all the extras - free QS dining plan, $200 gift card offer, Magical Express, discounts etc.). I know CBR is undergoing refurbishment, but not planning to be in my room much so hopefully it won't affect me too much??

 

[Hopefully]

I had forgotten that there are no buses from Disney Springs to the parks, thanks for reminding me. You make some good points there that I hadn't thought about. I've been doing the maths this evening, and it actually works out a similar price to stay on site at Caribbean Beach (once you consider all the extras - free QS dining plan, $200 gift card offer, Magical Express, discounts etc.). I know CBR is undergoing refurbishment, but not planning to be in my room much so hopefully it won't affect me too much??

I'm glad to help. I personally wouldn't want to stay at CBR during this refurbishment/ construction. BUT I think with the two choices you have listed it could be good for you. I worry that your original plan is a recipe for disappointment.

 

[Doug S]

3 time solo traveler here. I always stay onsite so I don't have to worry about getting to/from the airport and the parks. I feel your pain in having to eat the entire hotel cost yourself, but if you get enough discounts it can ease the burden.

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

I'm glad to help. I personally wouldn't want to stay at CBR during this refurbishment/ construction. BUT I think with the two choices you have listed it could be good for you. I worry that your original plan is a recipe for disappointment.

I can stay at any other moderate resort and still get the same benefits, it's just CBR was the cheapest. Travelling solo means I have to foot the whole hotel cost as they don't do single rooms, so CBR still isn't cheap! Would you recommend spending a bit more not to stay at CBR then?

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

3 time solo traveler here. I always stay onsite so I don't have to worry about getting to/from the airport and the parks. I feel your pain in having to eat the entire hotel cost yourself, but if you get enough discounts it can ease the burden.

Now I've thought about it, onsite sounds a lot easier! A tad more expensive, but probably worth it. Do you have any tips for travelling solo to WDW?