If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, chances are you’ll be flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) — it’s the main gateway for millions of Disney guests each year.
Orlando International
Just stepping off the plane, seeing that iconic blue and green carpet, and you can already feel like the start of your vacation. But while MCO and Disney World are closely connected in many ways, the journey from the airport to the parks has gotten trickier in recent years — and there are a couple of big things that really need to change to make this part of the trip smoother for guests and our readers did not hold back their thoughts on this one.
We asked readers, “What changes would make that ride from MCO to Disney World smoother?”. The was one overwhelming response to this — the Magical Express. This complimentary bus service used to take guests from the airport straight to their Disney World hotel — no extra planning, no luggage wrangling, and no stress about ride-shares or rental cars. It made the arrival experience feel seamless and magical, like your vacation truly started the moment you stepped off the plane. As reader Mike put it plainly, “There’s only one answer, right? Bring back the Magical Express.”
Magical Express sign
Not only did the Magical Express offer convenience, but it also kept guests in the Disney bubble — something a lot of fans are still missing. Reader Kristen explained it best: “Why would they stop bringing people into their Disney bubble? It just pops the bubble and makes us more mobile — maybe even able to stay elsewhere and visit Disney.” Without the Magical Express, guests are now more likely to explore other transportation and lodging options, which means they may not be as immersed in the full Disney experience as they were before. For many, this one change made a big impact on how that first day of vacation feels.
We miss the Magical Express
With increasing traffic and travel times between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney World, many guests are dreaming of a faster, smoother option, like a dedicated rail line. Our reader, Chris, summed it up perfectly: “Rail, rail, rail! Need an AirTrain-like train between MCO and Disney to just bypass the traffic.” A reliable rail system could eliminate the guesswork of traffic delays, ride-share surges, and rental car chaos. It could also help bring back a little of the “magic” that’s been missing since the end of services like Magical Express, giving families a calm, stress-free journey straight to the fun.
Baggage claim!
Good news, Chris — this might happen! Currently, there is a proposed project in the works to add a SunRail train line to Central Florida. The proposed stops would be at Orlando International Airport (MCO), near the Orange County Convention Center, and on South International Drive. There will even be a route along Interstate 4 to go to Tampa. A stop will eventually be added to Disney Springs, as well!
©SunRail
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What changes would make that ride from MCO to Disney World smoother? Let us know in the comments below.
The post “There’s only one answer, right?” Orlando Airport Transportation to Disney World Needs 2 Big CHANGES first appeared on the disney food blog.
