For years, our family has been, Disney Purists. We faithfully ride Magical
Express, love the Disney Dining Plan, rely solely on Disney Transportation, and
enjoy "coming home" to a different resort every trip. During our trip this month,
we had the opportunity to stay with friends in a five bedroom, three bathroom,
rental home in Davenport, Florida, about 25 minutes away from the parks. We were a bit reluctant to accept the offer,
since it felt like we were cheating on Mickey, but thought it would broaden our
vacation view, since we’d sworn off staying anywhere other than “on-property”
ten years ago. Would we consider staying
in a rental home again? Read on to find out.
Transportation
I cannot tell you how much we missed Magical Express. Traveling with two children, ages 3 and 1, meant we had lots of stuff; three suitcases, two backpacks, two car seats and a stroller. Magical Express allows you to drop off your luggage at your departure airport and not see it again until it was in your room. Since car seats aren't needed (or allowed) on Disney transportation, this was the first time we had to drag ours along, and it wasn't fun. After getting everything into our rental car, we did love having our own transportation to and from the parks. Traffic and parking was not as bad as we expected and since we’re annual pass holders, parking was free. Having a car is much easier than wrangling kids and strollers on a crowded Disney bus. The euphoria of being our own drivers quickly withered away when we realized we’d have to return the car and drag all our stuff through a long line to an airport ticketing counter. If there was a way to use Magical Express and have a rental car waiting at our Disney resort, I’d be the first person to sign up.
I cannot tell you how much we missed Magical Express. Traveling with two children, ages 3 and 1, meant we had lots of stuff; three suitcases, two backpacks, two car seats and a stroller. Magical Express allows you to drop off your luggage at your departure airport and not see it again until it was in your room. Since car seats aren't needed (or allowed) on Disney transportation, this was the first time we had to drag ours along, and it wasn't fun. After getting everything into our rental car, we did love having our own transportation to and from the parks. Traffic and parking was not as bad as we expected and since we’re annual pass holders, parking was free. Having a car is much easier than wrangling kids and strollers on a crowded Disney bus. The euphoria of being our own drivers quickly withered away when we realized we’d have to return the car and drag all our stuff through a long line to an airport ticketing counter. If there was a way to use Magical Express and have a rental car waiting at our Disney resort, I’d be the first person to sign up.
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| Try getting this shot from a Magical Express bus...much easier in your own car! |
