In March we spent several days at Walt Disney World in Florida. We’ve been on holiday many times to many different places utilizing various means of transportation. But this trip was unique. Once we arrived at Orlando International Airport all of our transportation needs were handled by Walt Disney World. Right up until the end of our stay when we were delivered back to the airport for our return flight home. And every means of transportation seemed to be at our disposal. A Magical Express bus whisked us and our luggage from the airport to The Animal Kingdom Lodge, the first of three hotels we called home while away from home. Disney hotel cast members were always quick to offer a friendly “Welcome Home!” greeting.
Not only is there an enormous fleet of buses between all parks and Disney hotel properties, there is of course the Monorail system. The busses alone log more than 20 million miles a year!
The Monorail system links together the Magic Kingdom, three of the several Disney hotels (The Grand Floridan Resort & Spa, the Contemporary, and the Polynesian), and the Disney Transportation Center. Not to mention providing access to various restaurant choices and countless other amenities.
Utilizing the waterways there are ferryboats available between certain locations.
Using a ferryboat was one of the ways we utilized getting about while calling the Grand Floridan Resort & Spa home. There are various sizes of boat craft at the ready for shuttle service. There are great views and vistas to be enjoyed traversing the World of Disney.
There are even smaller craft for hire for personal use transportation or leisurely floating around the waterways. This dock is outside the Port Orleans Riverside. There was also a horse drawn carriage ride available to stroll along the rolling green areas and tree lined walks. The sound of the horse hoofs crossing a wooden bridge echoed throughout the beautiful surroundings.
Covered bus stops are strategically located for convenience, ease of use and architecturally designed for their surroundings.
Bus interiors are utilitarian and functional. Every bus we saw was set up to assist most any special need requirements. Transportation cast members always offered extra assistance as needed.
In addition to meeting our personal transportation needs, we must say that our luggage was also afforded special treatment. From the time we arrived at the airport our luggage was able to be transported from the flight to each of our successive hotels. Cast member at the bellman’s locations were always ready and eager to assist. Depending upon our schedule and activities, sometimes we would arrive at the hotel before our luggage and sometimes after. But it was always there. And when flying on a domestic flight with a Disney partner airline, luggage can be checked directly onto the flight and collected after landing. We don’t know how it could be any easier unless our luggage could be trained to pack and unpack itself! The convenience of the multi-faceted transportation system at Walt Disney World made it extremely easy to get around.
I paid a modest fee to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. The modest fee included a room at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Park Hopper tickets and extraordinary events and family dinner parties. There was no requirement to blog about the conference, Walt Disney World or the events. All the excitement and opinions are 100% mine!
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