“The Sunshine Flyer” announces transportation from MCO to Walt Disney World!
The end of Magical Express is coming. Only a couple more weeks of this complementary service that takes guests from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World resorts.
So what will guests do for transportation in 2022?
Yesterday, a new service was announced via PRNewswire. It’s called “The Sunshine Flyer” and it’s coming to Orlando on February 1, 2022!
According to The Sunshine Flyer’s website, the buses are all themed around old-fashioned passenger cars and train locomotives. Even their drivers will be dressed 1920’s rail conductors and engineers. This sounds like a great theme to start off your Disney vacation.
The buses will service all of the Walt Disney World resorts. They do mention that entertainment will be provided and according to the video above, it looks like the buses have TVs but we’re not sure if that’s the entertainment. Each bus features a bathroom, has USB chargers, and has 3-point seatbelts. They also mention that car seats can be used on the bus for your little ones. If you are needing wheelchair access, there is a place on your reservation to select ADA accommodations too. The Sunshine Flyer does state to make your reservations online at least 4 days before arrival.
The price?
Tickets are priced at $17 per adult and $12.50 per child for a 1-way trip. Round trip is $34 for adults and $25 per child. Kids under 2 ride free.
The Sunshine Flyer also announced in celebration of Disney’s 50th anniversary, they will donate 50% of all revenue from the first 50,000 passengers during the first 50 days of business to Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida to support their mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. As a part of the Sunshine Flyer’s commitment to giving back, all Make-A-Wish children and their families will receive complimentary service from the Sunshine Flyer for their Disney wishes indefinitely.
The Sunshine Flyer is run by TMS (Transportation Management Services) which has over 25 years experience as a transportation company. Their CEO, Frank Sherman had this to say about The Sunshine Flyer experience:
“By combining our storied expertise in mass transportation management with a creative, themed experience, we have the unique opportunity to offer an experience that’s both stress-free and engaging. After all, Disney guests deserve a trip to remember, right from the start. Whether they’re young or old, travelling in a group or solo, we hope The Sunshine Flyer sparks the imagination and excitement of all of our guests from the moment they step on the bus.”
Other Options:
Uber, Lyft, and taxi services has always been available for transportation around Orlando. But with ride shares, the price is never the same which makes it a little tricky to budget.
Mears Connect has already announced their service which will be $16 per adult & $13.50 per child (ages 3-9) for a one way trip. For a round trip it will be $32 per adult and $27 per child (ages 3-9). Their standard service sounds similar to Magical Express and does mention that there might be more than one stop which is normal for some Magical Express routes.
Then there is Express Service from Mears. It will be direct service to the resort from the airport. It isn’t considered private service so don’t expect your own vehicle transporting you. You could still be on a bus, van or other shared vehicle. The price? $200 round trip for up to 4 passengers and $55 for each additional passenger with no child rates.
Personally, it looks like Mears has some major competition coming from The Sunshine Flyer. And with not a big price difference, I could see how Sunshine Flyer might be a better option with their theming especially for families. What do you think? Which one do you think you’ll try on your 2022 Disney vacations?
