Transfers and Transportation All Arranged for Our Summer Disneyland Vacation

Check transportation off the “to do” list for our summer Disneyland and Legoland vacation!

We secured round-trip transfers from LAX to the Disneyland Resort.  Using Disneyland’s transfers, that have a fee, were only going to be an option for getting us to Disneyland, but not back to the airport as the buses start their runs later in the day than we needed to catch our flight home.  Super Shuttle was another option that we explored.  Sharing the ride and multiple stops were cons especially since there was a charge for this service.  (Disney’s Magical Express’ stops don’t seem so bad when it’s free!)  Then, we discovered Lansky Limousine Service or DK’s Livery Service because of a comment on the Williams Family Blog. 

I went to the website and filled in the form for a free quote.  I received an email within minutes and after one phone call we had our transportation all arranged including round-trip transportation to and from Legoland.

The round-trip fee to get from LAX to the Disneyland Resort is $180 and includes taxes, gratuity, and a stop at a grocery store.  We will be greeted at baggage claim and directed to our transportation. 

When I called, I talked to Daniel, who is the “D” in the “DK.”  One question I had was how long does it take to go from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim to Legoland in Carlsbad.  The 72 mile journey will take about 90 minutes.  Having that information helped us to plan for a timely pick-up at both Disneyland and Legoland.

Also, when talking to Daniel, he said that a sedan or town car would not be comfortable for three people and luggage.  So, he is sending us an SUV.  He also asked if we needed special child restraints that are required for children under 8.  I told Daniel that we were a party of two adults and a 12 year old, so now child restraints needed.

Items left on the “to do” list for our summer vacation include making dining reservations, including any special dining experiences and any tours.  Both of those have to wait until the 60 day mark which is two months away.

We're Headed West to Disneyland!

The Williams Family is headed West this summer to tour Disneyland.  We’re excited, curious, and feeling like “newbies” when it comes to planning a Disney vacation.  So where are we with our planning for a vacation that is six months away from today?

Flights—the flights are booked.  We got a great deal on direct flights from an airport 90 miles from home.  As a part of the flight booking process, we also paid for luggage and seats.  Done!

So we know our dates.  We’ve got 12 days and would like to spend a few/days nights at one Disneyland Resort, then head off to Legoland to stay and play in their theme park, water park, and hotel, then return to the Disneyland and give another resort a try.  Always researching. . .

We’ve hit a bit of a snag and I sent an email to our travel agent to help us find out more.  Transportation to/from the airports to the Disneyland Resort is available—for a fee.  Motorcoaches have specific operating times, not like Disney’s Magical Express in Orlando.  The buses start running at 6:00 am and our return flight is at 8:15 am so I’m wondering if getting on that first bus would give us enough time to get to the airport and make it to our flight.  Otherwise, we will have to make alternative transportation arrangements.

Then, there’s getting to Legoland.  Just like Disney to think of everything and adding transportation to Legoland and/or other Southern California destinations is something guests can add on to their vacation package.  What I need to know is the timing of that transportation and is it such that we can take our luggage with us?  The answers to this question will determine the types of tickets we want/need for both Legoland and Disneyland.  And, we obviously want round-trip transportation, just not on the same day.

For example, if the transportation to Legoland is early in the day, then there is no sense in having a Disneyland park ticket for that day.  Maybe there is enough time to have a character breakfast before going to Legoland. 

Walt Disney World planning veterans would be making dining reservations as today marks our 6 month window, but not Disneyland.  Dining reservations are available 60 days ahead.  Good thing as we are not ready to make them yet.

We’re already noticing the differences, just in the planning stages.  We’ll keep you posted!

Quicksilver. . . To The Rescue!

I laughed out loud when I read a post on the message boards about an engaged couple deciding on whether or not to fly or drive 18 hours to get to Walt Disney World and wondering if they would still want to get married after the drive to and from.  After an 18 hour drive the question for us would be, “Who is filing for divorce first?”

I jest a bit, but not much.  The reason we fly—and subsequently let Disney do the driving—is that we want to stay married.  The husband and I each bring a different skill set to the driver’s seat and his skill set is not meant for long distance driving into unknown territory on multi-lane highways.  This means I would either be driving or directing the driver. . . so instead, we fly!

And, while flying offers all sorts of advantages—convenience, timeliness, etc. it can also offer challenges such as how do we get somewhere at our destination that requires transportation.  You see with Disney, we don’t worry. . . Disney’s Magical Express efficiently transports us from Orlando International Airport to our Disney Resort and back again—for FREE!  While at the Walt Disney World Resort, we rely on fleets of buses and boats to whisk us from place to place along with the monorail.  But on our upcoming vacation, we are venturing away from Disney for just a bit and will need transportation.

The dilemma became how to get from the Hyatt at Orlando International to Universal Orlando Resort and back again.  A rental car was immediately nixed . . . due to the who is going to drive thing.  So, we were left with a cab or some sort of car service.

I checked the Taxi Cab Fare Finder website which allows you to enter your city and then the destinations you are traveling to and from for rates.  The range of $40 to $70 one-way for the almost 15 mile jaunt, depending on amount of traffic and tolls and of course, a tip would be in addition to the fare.  The PROS of a cab were that it was going to be easy to get a cab at the Hyatt at the airport and we could come and go when we were ready—very flexible.  The CONS of a cab was that we wouldn’t know the amount of the ride until the ride was over so there was no way to budget.

I also checked Quicksilver Tours website for their fares from the airport to Universal for a town car.  The rate was $125 round trip plus gratuity.  PROS of using the service included knowing the rate up front for budget purposes.  CONS were that it was less flexible than a cab as pick up times had to be scheduled and it could potentially be more costly than a cab, but that was a gamble.

After searching, it was time to talk to the husband and make a decision.  When I mentioned getting a town car, he turned to me and said, “You’re going to drive, right?”  (See what I mean about the driving skill set?)  I replied, “No, honey, we will have a driver.”  He was sold!

Making a reservation on Quicksilver’s website was quick and easy.  I also mentioned that we were repeat customers—we used their service the last time we went to Universal—and got a $5 discount.  I also asked if there was some flexibility in the time we got picked up at Universal if the weather took a turn, etc.  I was told that if a car was available that would be fine, otherwise, we would stick with our pick-up time.  I programmed the number into my cell phone.

So, we will be traveling to and from Universal Orlando in style.  Our pick-up will be at the “motor lobby” of the Hyatt which is two levels below the registration lobby and accessible by elevator—no venturing to baggage claim or through the airport to get to our car.  The best part?  We will stay married!

Using The Disney Transportation System

Walt Disney World Resort offers guests transportation options to get to and from the parks and other resorts for FREE!  The Disney Transportation System contains fleets of boats, buses, and, of course, monorails.  The system shuttles guests from resorts to parks and park to park.  Navigating the system is easy, but can be overwhelming if a guest is not sure how the system works.

There’s a great web-site called Our Laughing Place (a reference to Splash Mountain) Walt Disney World Transportation Wizard.  Visitors to the site put in where they are and where they would like to go and the transportation wizard determines the best route using the Disney Transportation System.  Click here to get to the OLP WDW Transportation Wizard.

I’ll never forget the time an adult female guest was getting on the Magic Kingdom bus to go to breakfast at Cape May Café at the Beach Club.  We were at the bus stop at Port Orleans French Quarter and were getting on the Magic Kingdom bus.  She was asking the driver if this was the early bus for character dining and if the bus would get her to Cape May Café.

I intervened.  While the Magic Kingdom bus could get her to the Magic Kingdom and then she could take a Beach Club bus to the Beach Club, the bus to Magic Kingdom wasn’t her best bet.  I asked what time her Advanced Dining Reservation was for.  While I don’t remember the exact time, I do remember that she had given herself plenty of time to make the reservation.  Good for her!  I then suggested that she wait for the Hollywood Studios bus and then take Friendship Boat to the Beach Club.  I told her where to go at Studios to catch the boat—as she wouldn’t actually have to enter the park the get to the boat.  (This is different than at EPCOT, as guests would have to enter the main entrance of the park—using their admission ticket—and traverse to the International Gateway to get to a Friendship Boat launch to get to the Beach Club.)  Going to Studios would be easier.

The lady I was helping asked if I was one of those “moms.”  I replied, “Do you mean a Disney mom?”

“Yeah.”

“No, but I have applied to be a Disney mom.”  I wished her and her family a good day and a great trip.  I’m sure they made it!

When I made the little yellow cards for the husband for our most recent trip—click here to read more—I included information about Disney transportation on the card.  For example, the evening we were having dinner at Garden Grill in EPCOT, I had listed on one card to take Magic Kingdom Ferry to TTC then EPCOT Monorail if Express Monorail from the Magic Kingdom is not running.  At the time of our visit, the Magic Kingdom monorail line was experiencing interruptions due to construction at the Grand Floridian.  So, we had plan A and B to use the Disney Transportation System to get from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT for dinner.  This also meant that we knew which park we were going to be in on which day, etc.  Turns out that the monorails were running—I asked a Cast Member when we exited the park to be sure—and we took the Express Monorail from the Magic Kingdom to the Ticket and Transportation Center and switched to the EPCOT monorail—we didn’t get to ride the Ferry this time.

Guests’ views on the Disney Transportation System are as varied as the guests themselves and opinions vastly vary.  For us, using the Disney Transportation System, including Free Magical Express from Orlando International Airport to our resort, is all a part of the Disney experience.  I can’t wait to hear the music on the bus when it turns the corner at the Magic Kingdom announcing our arrival.  I love to hear the themed music on the various buses for different resorts. All of us enjoy visiting with other guests during the commute to and from the parks.  I like to sit back, relax, and let Disney do the driving!

Be sure to check out the Transportation Wizard and let me know what you think.

Using Disney Transportation

One of the many reasons we return to Walt Disney World is due to the Disney Transportation system and the ease of getting from one location to another. There is no need for us to rent a car or learn shuttle schedules. Instead, we learn about and use Disney’s busses, boats, and monorails.




Sometimes getting from one place to another is not as obvious as it may seem. Busses go between parks and resorts or resorts and Downtown Disney. (Click here to read about Disney bus stops.) Going from park to park either requires a bus transfer, a monorail if going from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT or the reverse—and that even requires switching monorails at the TTC, or a boat if going from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT or the reverse.

Here are some things that are important to know:

• TTC---otherwise known as the Ticket and Transportation Center. The TTC includes a monorail station, ferry dock, and some bus platforms. The TTC is walking distance from the Polynesian Resort—there is even a sidewalk that will take you right there.

• Monorails—there are 3 monorail lines. The Express—which takes guests from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom and back. The Resort Line—which takes guests to/from the Contemporary, the Polynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian, and also stops at the TTC. This line follows the same route as the Express—it just stops at the resort. The EPCOT line—which goes from EPCOT to the TTC and back.

• Boats—They are everywhere! Ferries go back and forth from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian resorts have boats that go to/from the Magic Kingdom. There are boats that service the Boardwalk, the Swan and Dolphin, and the Yacht and Beach Club resorts to take guests to/from Hollywood Studios or EPCOT. And there are boats that take guests to/from Downtown Disney from Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.

• Busses—take guests to/from resorts to theme parks and to/from resorts to Downtown Disney. Busses also take guests to/from the Orlando International using Disney’s Magical Express—click here to read more.



So, now that you know a bit more, let’s have a quiz:



Let’s say you are staying at Port Orleans Riverside and are having breakfast at Chef Mickey’s located at the Contemporary Resort. Do you. . .

a. Take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and walk to the Contemporary.

b. Take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to the Contemporary.

c. Take the bus to EPCOT and the monorail to the TTC, switch to the resort monorail to take to the Contemporary.

If you answered “a” or “b” you picked the best choices. All of the choices are actually correct, but some routes are faster than others and vary depending on crowds, etc. Knowing that there can be more than one way to get to a location is helpful. Here’s a web-site that provides assistance with using Disney Transportation—check it out.



For example, after eating breakfast at ‘OHANA’s at the Polynesian Resort, we were headed to EPCOT. We could take the monorail from the Poly to the TTC and switch to the EPCOT monorail or we could walk to the TTC and take the EPCOT monorail. Since it was shortly after 8:00 and we wanted to get to rope drop at EPCOT, we walked to the TTC and caught the EPCOT monorail—as this way was faster.



Here’s another Williams Family post about busses, trains, boats, and monorails.

Boats, Busses, and Trains--Oh, My!

 If you have a yearning for various forms of transportation, the Walt Disney World Resort is your place to be. This vast 47 square miles boasts busses, trams, trains, boats, bicycles, and monorails.




Let’s talk trains. If you want to travel by train at the Walt Disney World Resort, there’s the Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom to ride on. You can take the train all the way around Magic Kingdom or get off at stops at Frontierland or Toontown/Tomorrowland. There’s also the Wildlife Express Train at Animal Kingdom that takes guest to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch—click here to read more. If smaller trains are more to your liking, you can ride the children’s train at Downtown Disney—Marketplace—click here to read more. If train watching is more your style, the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT has a lovely garden with G-gauge trains.



You could include monorails into the train category, too, but since it is Disney, monorails get their own category. The 11 monorails travel along the million dollars per mile monorail track at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Here’s a secret tip: If you are at the Polynesian Resort and want to go to EPCOT—don’t take the Resort Monorail to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) and switch to the EPCOT monorail line. Instead, take the short walk from the Polynesian to the TTC and get on the EPCOT monorail—this will take less time. We were having breakfast at ‘OHANA—click here to read more—and were headed to EPCOT for rope drop. I asked in the lobby which door would take us to the sidewalk to walk to the TTC. The man behind the counter gave us a curious look and said, “You must come here often, as most people don’t know they can walk to the TTC.” I just smiled. What was interesting about walking to the TTC to catch the EPCOT monorail was that all non-resort guests, meaning those people not staying at the Walt Disney World Resorts, were quartered off. Non-resort guests were not allowed to get to the monorails or the ferry to the Magic Kingdom, as it was before 9:00 am. You see, Magic Kingdom had “extra magic hours” from 8:00-9:00 am only for resort guests. As I walked past all the people waiting, I was reminded once again about the benefits of staying on-site. Anyway, click here if you want to read more about Monorails at Disney.


 Boats: Whew! This category goes from the huge, multi-story ferries that take guests back and forth from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom, to the 2 person Sea Raycers that are available for rent at various resorts. Let’s start with the ferries. There are 2 ferries that make the journey across Seven Seas Lagoon. Their horns are deep and evoke a magical sensation that something wonderful is about to happen. Guests parking in the parking lots of the Magic Kingdom have two choices to get to and from the Magic Kingdom—monorail or ferry. The launches that take guests back and forth between the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness are the next in size. Then there are the Friendship Boats—these boats are smaller than ferries, but still hold many guests. They travel the route between EPCOT’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios with stops at Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, and Yacht and Beach Club Resorts in between. The Friendship Boats have helped us park hop between Studios and EPCOT. There are also the boats used for special cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon—click here to read about the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise. There are the large pontoon boats that are for guests at Port Orleans, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Downtown Disney. There are also smaller launch boats holding about 30 guests that go between the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness. After that, it is all about guest rentals—yachts, pontoon boats, cruisers, and raycers. You could spend days trying to experience the various boats that are part of the Disney fleet.




Then there are all the attractions that involve boats, like the Libertybelle Riverboat in the Magic Kingdom. Let’s see. . .others would include Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Grande Fiesta Tour, and Living with the Land. Then there’s the flume rides—Splash Mountain and Maelstrom. Let’s not forget Kali River Rapids and it’s rafts!



Trams: I included this category, as for children, this can be an attraction all on its own. And, Disney recently announced that they are adding doors to the sides of the trams. Trams are used in parking lots of all 4 Disney parks. Personally, we haven’t experienced trams, but we have seen them in use. Guests who drive to any of the 4 Walt Disney World Parks, have the option of using a tram to get either the park entrance, or in the case of the Magic Kingdom, to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) to then ride the ferry or monorail.


Bicycles: Bikes of all shapes, sizes, and number of passengers are available for rent at most Walt Disney World Resorts. Renting a bike at our resort is still on the husband’s list of things to do.




Busses: Finally! We are well experienced in the bus system at Walt Disney World. Busses run 24/7 between Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World Resort.--click here to read more. Then there are the resort busses. Busses make regular runs between each of the 21 resorts and the various parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney. We use busses to get to and from the parks, park hop, and get to and from the airport. In some resorts, there are even “internal busses” like at Fort Wilderness and Caribbean Beach. There’s a dedicated phone line from your resort room phone to contact the Walt Disney World Transportation Center should you have questions about bussing.



Whew! That’s quite a list and I didn’t even get to ponies, horses, carriages, and horse drawn wagons. Again, it can take many, many visits to the Walt Disney World Resort to experience everything it has to offer. When is your next visit?