WDW 101

So, what exactly is the Magical Express? In one sentence: Free round trip airport transportation provided by Disney between Orlando International and the Disney World resort hotels.

Originally announced in December, 2004, and service started in May, 2005, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. The service was originally announced as a free service for Disney resort guests, though no indication has been given that it will remain free. Up until this point, there has been no charge for the service, and that looks to continue in the near future, as it has become a fantastic benefit for staying on Disney property.

WDW101 Insight – The Magical Express is efficient and trustworthy. Get off of your plane, and head straight to the Magical Express desk. Your luggage will be found and taken directly to your resort. Rarely, if ever, does anything get lost. Make sure you have anything important you may need for a few hours in your carry on luggage, such as medications, cell phones or swim suits for the kids.

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Walt Disney World introduced the FastPass system in 1999, as a way to shorten lines on many of the popular rides in their theme parks. Think of the FastPass akin to showing up at a busy restaurant with a long wait, but being able to put your name on the list, and come back after a certain time, and your table will be ready. No waiting in long lines, and it fits to your schedule.

One of the most important things to understand about Walt Disney World is how to use the FastPass system. Once you figure it out, it will allow you to ride more rides during the day, and stand in fewer lines.

Here is how the FastPass works:

1. Walk up to a ride that offers the FastPass
2. Find the FastPass distribution Center near the entrance of the ride
3. Notice the current time, along with the return time listed on the FastPass sign
4. If the return time is not too far away, insert each of your park passes into the FastPass machines
5. You will receive one FastPass for each ticket you insert (children under 3 do not need a FastPass to ride the ride)
6. Look at the return times printed on the tickets, you will not be allowed to ride the ride until that time.
7. Go fill your wait time with other rides, food or relaxing while others foolishly wait in line

FastPasses are free to all theme park guests, they are not limited to Disney resort guests or anyone else.  Not only are they free, there is not way to purchase them, and they do not come as part of a Disney resort package, you can only get them in the theme parks with your tickets

WDW101 Insight – Make sure to note your return time, and also the time listed when you can get your next FastPass, usually one hour after the FastPass was issued. Get another FastPass as soon as you can, and keep doing so throughout the day. Also, even though you have a one hour window to return to ride the ride, Cast Members will allow you in after your one hour has past, so don’t worry about getting back in time.

Do not be afraid of the FastPass system, it is free to use, and really makes your vacation just that much better.

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For the most part, kids of all ages can enjoy all of the rides at Walt Disney World. However, whether due to thrills or chills, some rides have height restrictions. It is good to know in advance which rides your little ones will not be able to ride, so you can plan around them.

WDW101 Insight – Admit it, you really want to ride all those big kid rides, even with the little ones in tow. Consider the child swap option. This allows one adult to ride the ride with the big kids, and then the other adult to go to the front of the line with the same kids, while you swap places watching the little ones.

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