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Disney recently signed a deal to extend its Magical Express bus service until the end of 2016, with an option to lengthen the term until 2021. Magical Express transports guests staying onsite at Disney World to their resorts at no extra cost, as well as returning them to the airport at the end of their vacation. Free is good, and the Magical Express service is a boon for guests who used to have to pay for shuttles, limos, or cabs. It includes luggage delivery, and certain airlines even allow expedited check-in in conjunction with the service. But is it the best choice for everyone? Under certain circumstances, you may still want to arrange your own transportation rather than using the Disney buses. Ask yourself these questions:
Will you be visiting other Orlando area attractions? If so, and if you use Magical Express, you will have to pay for shuttles or cabs to get to Universal, SeaWorld, or wherever else you plan to visit. It may be more economical to rent a car. Because you are a Disney resort guest, your parking will be free at the Disney theme parks. However, figure in the cost of parking at the other attractions.
Will you need to go to a grocery store? If you are staying at a Disney Vacation Club resort, you may want to do some grocery shopping. The Magical Express bus is not going to pull over at Publix, but many towncar services offer a free grocery stop. A rental car will also give you the option of running to the many Publix, Wal-Mart, and Target locations in the Disney area or anywhere else you prefer.
Do you mind being reliant on Disney's internal transportation system? When you take a Magical Express bus to your resort, you will be relying on Disney's internal buses, boats, and monorails to take you to the theme parks and other onsite locations. This service is free, but some people don't like having to wait or dealing with the crowds in the morning and at closing time. If you want to come and go as you please, you may want to opt for a rental car.
Do you want to maximize your time? Magical Express buses leave the airport frequently, but if you arrive at a crowded time, you may still end up waiting. There is also the possibility of stopped at other hotels before your own. When you go back to the airport, you'll be required to leave three hours before your flight time. If you want to choose your own timing and know that you'll be leaving immediately and going directly to your hotel, consider a towncar.
If you get a rental car, click here for my parking lot survival tips. Want to read more of my articles? Click here.
Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a counselor or entering a related field? Click here to check out my book So You Want To Be A Counselor, which covers every aspect, from choosing a college and finding financial aid to going through the licensure process. It has special sections on adults returning to school and the field of online counseling. I am available to speak to classes and groups in Central Florida on becoming a counselor or the process of selling a non-fiction book. Contact me at the email address in my bio or on the book's website.
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