Yes, this is a very broad topic however, they all relate to each other so I decided to group them all together. When you arrive at Orlando International Airport you will want to board the AGT train that takes you to the main terminal. Once you arrive at the main terminal you can go two ways; to the A side of the terminal or the B side. If you’re catching Disney’s Magical Express to your resort you will skip baggage claim and head straight for Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center on the B side of the terminal on Level 1. Once you go down the escalator you will be greeting by Disney Cast Members who will help you find the Welcome Center. Disney’s Magical Express service will pick up your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 3 hours after you check in at the resort.
Once you arrive at Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center you will check-in and will be directed to the proper area for boarding your Magical Express motor coach. The wait is usually about 15 or 20 minutes since they like to fill as many seats as possible on the motor coach. Any carry-on luggage you have will be stored under the motor coach by the driver. Speaking of the driver, you might want to consider giving him or her a tip for taking care of your luggage. It’s not expected but it’s always a nice gesture. Once you are on the motor coach and begin heading to your resort, the motor coach driver will start a DVD for you all to watch. It’s about your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort starring all of your favorite Disney characters. If you and your kids aren’t already excited, this movie will get you there for sure! Also, the movie is a good way to keep the kiddies occupied on the 20-30 minute trip.
When you arrive at your Walt Disney World Resort you will gather your carry-on luggage from the driver and head to your resort lobby to get checked-in. Keep in mind, if you arrive in the morning there’s a good chance your room won’t be ready. There has only been on occasion during our yearly visits where our room was ready first thing in the morning. Does that mean you should grab a later flight? Absolutely not! There’s plenty to do when you arrive at your resort and within Disney properties to keep you busy until your room is ready. When you check-in the Cast Members will make sure you have everything you need; a map of the resort property, your “Keys to the Kingdom” and other goodies. The “Keys to the Kingdom” is a credit card basically that holds everything. It is your room key, your credit card, and your park tickets. It’s a wonderful concept that makes things very easy for you. If your room isn’t ready, you will still get your “Keys to the Kingdom” minus the room key portion. They will add that on once your room is ready.
So, you need to kill some time while waiting for your room. What shall we do? I would start off by getting familiar with your resort. Learn where the pools, restaurants and shops are by walking around with your resort map. Also, locate the bus stop that is in the area of your room. You will use the bus stop to get to all of the parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney. Buses run about every 20 minutes so the wait is never long. I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t want to drag my carry-on luggage all over the place while I wait for my room.” Not a problem! You can drop off your carry-on luggage with the concerirge and it will be locked up and secure until you get back. Something else you can do is hop on a bus and head to Downtown Disney. There’s plenty to do and see there plus, it will get you in the “Disney Mood” right away. You can grab a bite to eat at any of the excellent restaurants there, do some shopping, or just sit and people watch. Then, when it’s time to go back to the resort and check-in just hop on a bus and head on back!
There you have it! A quick look at your arrival in Orlando, the trip to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel, and what to do if you have to wait for your room. Don’t forget, when you’re ready to plan your Disney vacation, give us a call and we will help you plan your entire stay and make sure you have a truly magical time.
Magical Resorts Travel is an affiliate of Cruises & Tours Unlimited