*DIS Contributors review meals, resort stays, and entertainment that they have paid for during their own vacations. They only utilize discounts and offers if they are available to the general public, such as annual passholder discounts, Tables in Wonderland, or DVC membership discounts. They receive no additional compensation for dining experiences or events, so that they may give their honest opinions about price and value.
Choosing how to travel to and from Walt Disney World has recently become more involved. What used to be a complimentary service, the permanently suspended Magical Express has caused families to now consider how they will arrive and depart from the Disney resorts. I chose to hire FL Tours for my May 2022 trip and would like to tell you about my experience.
I chose FL Tours because they are sponsored by The DIS, so I thought I would support their transportation service and give a review. I did pay for the service out of my own pocket, so this review is solely based on my one-time round trip family vacation transportation experience.
Booking was easy online. I received an ID number and created a password. I realized later it’s useful to have the ID number handy as well as their phone number and contact information in my phone. We had four passengers from MCO Orlando Airport and we did not need boosters or car seats, which would have been complimentary if I needed them. I chose an SUV (they also provide other vehicles such as limo and van service) because that would have been the right fit for us plus luggage. I received email reminders a couple of times prior to the trip confirming, first upon booking, next twelve days prior to the trip. We received a call the night before the trip to confirm. Upon arrival, the driver gave me a ticket with the time for pickup on the way back to MCO, however I felt the time was too late. I emailed FL Tours and they immediately responded with confirmation to change the time per my request. Upon pickup back to MCO, our driver arrived at our resort fifteen minutes early and gave us a call. It was the same driver both ways.
Regarding pricing, I was asked to pay with cash at time of pickup, but I chose the credit card option and called them a few days before trip to put both the transport charge and the gratuity for both ways on the credit card. They did need my ID number when I called. I asked a question via email and they responded with a response immediately. There was no charge for booking or holding the reservation. There was a surcharge for gas, which I knew from their website was due to escalating gas rates. There were no hidden fees. My charge came out to $234 round trip to the Pop Century Resort for four people. We did not stop for the complimentary stop to a store.
Our service was private transport. We did not share our vehicle with others. Upon landing, I received a phone call from our driver. He asked us to call him when we arrived at baggage claim. Our driver then came and found us in that area within a few minutes and helped us with our luggage to the waiting car. He escorted us to a special limo area. It was very efficient and we were in the SUV in under five minutes. Our driver was personable, professional and well-mannered. He did not have a sign with our names on it, nor was he in uniform (not that I needed either or cared), but he was dressed respectfully.
Our driver loaded our luggage into the vehicle and our drive was safe and smooth. He drove without us having any concerns for our safety. We were wearing masks and he wore a mask. As per FL Tours’ website, masks are required in their vehicles at all times. The ride was quiet, we had a clean vehicle and air conditioning. I saw one phone charger and did use it.
When I mentioned The DIS, our driver was familiar and delighted we were supporting them. I would choose FL Tours again when visiting Walt Disney World. If I were to offer one recommendation for a future traveler, it would be to book ahead. I have been reading online they get booked up in advance and their website also encourages early booking. I was feeling let down that I wasn’t experiencing Magical Express, and I missed it, but I also did enjoy that even though it wasn’t complimentary, that this ride was private and much faster, with no waiting on other passengers.
How will you travel to Walt Disney World Resort? Let me know in the comments below and I wish you happy travels for your upcoming transportation experience!
Note: For full disclosure, The DIS has a financial partnership with FL Tours.