Hiya Eric!
Welcome to planDisney! Congrats on your first Walt Disney World vacation! I just came back from a solo trip to Walt Disney World Resort and figuring out my transport back and forth from the airport was a bit tricky. I miss the days of Disney's Magical Express which was one of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and one of my favorite perks. However, that time has passed and I have now tried quite a few alternatives.
I'm not sure Eric what Disney shuttle you have scheduled but it most likely is not operated by Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort does provide a
Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft but it mainly works within Walt Disney World Property. There is a limited option for guests staying Club Level at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel which can bring you to the airport and this is arranged through
Disney Signature Services well in advance. If you are not a Club Level guest then I suggest you book a private transfer such as with a rideshare, private shuttle, or a rental car. The most popular shuttle service is Mears Connect which operates just like the Magical Express but now at a cost. You can reserve online through their website very easily. They will send you via text and email your boarding pass and all the timing details.
The other items you should consider before you arrive are dining reservations, Lighting Lanes, and
Enchanting Extras. Dining and Enchanting Extras can be reserved up to 60 days before you arrive. If this is your first time then consider booking a special meal with characters or in a unique location. I had a great time at
1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa where we met Tiana, Aladdin, Mirabel, and Cinderella. The breakfast was delicious and I had approximately five small bowls of the famous Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup. Another great meal in a unique setting is
Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park which is set in Beast's castle. There are magical windows and surprising details in each dining room.
There are so many fun experiences to add to your trip to make it extra special. Enchanting Extras to consider if you have a little one is
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park. If celebrating a special event consider ordering a Specialty Cake when dining at Disney Restaurant! What a great way to make even more special memories.
Guests can purchase
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lighting Lane Single Pass or if they are feeling fancy there is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass is still in the early stages and can only be purchased by those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a few other Resorts. All of these passes can be purchased 7 days before Walt Disney World Resort Hotel guests arrive via the
My Disney Experience Mobile App which I hope you download immediately. All other visitors to the Parks must wait 3 days before. The benefit of the passes is that you can use them to access the Lightning Lane entrance of an attraction which results in a shorter wait time. Happy Planning!
-Nimmy