Disney’s Magical Express
One of the great advantages of staying on Disney’s property at a Disney Resort Hotel is Disney’s Magical Express. The DME is transportation from the Orlando airport (MCO) right to the front door of your resort. They will even take care of your bags for you, but we will talk about that later!
Step by Step
The first step is to get off you plane and follow the signs to baggage claim and that will lead you to a tram to the main building of MCO. After you arrive there you start to follow the signs to Disney’s Magical Express. It is found on the “B” side of the airport. It is also color coded, the “B” side is Green. Head towards the large set of escalators that take you down to the baggage claim level.
The Baggage Claim Floor
Here is the tricky part! Depending on which set of escalators you are on you have to head to the right slightly and get on the much smaller escalator that takes you down to the Ground Transportation level. Most people get lost on this step on the baggage claim floor. Also you will notice in the pictures a mix of new blue signs and old brown signs. The airport is slowly updating them. Once down on the Ground transportation level you follow the signs and have your magic band on and ready to scan!
Follow the signs to the Magical Express
Heading out into the main atrium of the airport. In this picture the A side is visible to the right.
Following signs to Disney’s Magical Express after taking the tram from the terminal to the main building.
Taking the B side escalator to the baggage claim floor to find Magical Express
From one escalator to the other on the baggage claim level. It’s a small dog leg to the right.
Finding the way to Disney’s Magical Express on the baggage Claim floor. Can you spot this sign in the previous picture?
The family on the small escalator to ground transportation floor from baggage claim floor.
On the Ground Floor. Just keep following the signs
This floor has lots of options. You are heading to the far end. It will be the last thing on that end of the floor.
They tell you which line to get into after scanning your magic band.
Doug with all his friends on the Magical Express
Your Bags
Why did we not pick up are bags? Simple, Disney picked them up for us. If you or your Travel agent send Disney your flight info you will receive bright yellow tags that you put on your bag before heading to the airport. If your flight arrives before 5pm you are all set. Your bag will show up about 3-4 hours later in your room.
Later Flights
If your flight gets in after 5pm to MCO we would recommend not putting the yellow tag on and getting your bags before heading to the bus. The official cutoff is 8pm, but that can lead to the chance you don’t get your bag until midnight. If you are wanting to have the things in your checked bags for bed time you are best off getting them yourself if you are after 5pm. It is great when you get in early because you can get to the bus in no time!
Put your tag on your bag before you head to the airport
Looking for more about getting around at WDW check out this older episode Rope Drop Radio Episode 16
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