Embarking on the Disney College Program (DCP) is an exciting adventure, and like many international participants, you might be wondering about transportation, particularly whether you need a car. Rest assured, navigating Orlando and Walt Disney World without your own vehicle is absolutely manageable. There are numerous convenient and cost-effective ways to get around, ensuring you can fully enjoy your program experience.
Getting To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Your journey begins when you land at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The first hurdle is getting from the airport to your Disney College Program housing.
For those staying at a Disney hotel before checking into housing, Disney offers a complimentary service called the Magical Express. This coach transportation directly from the airport to your Disney resort is a fantastic perk included with your hotel booking. Many participants, especially those arriving from international locations with early housing check-in times, opt to spend a night or two at a Disney hotel beforehand.
It’s highly recommended to utilize the Magical Express if you’re eligible. After a long flight, especially when arriving in a new country, the last thing you want is the stress of finding a taxi or booking a ride-share service.
Here are a couple of important tips for using Magical Express:
- Advance Booking: Call Disney at 0800 169 0730 a few weeks prior to your flight to provide your flight details. This allows them to arrange your Magical Express transportation efficiently.
- MCO Airport Exclusive: Magical Express operates exclusively from Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you happen to fly into another airport in the Orlando area, this service will not be available.
Navigating Disney Property from College Program Housing
Once you’re settled into your Disney College Program housing, getting to work and exploring Disney property is incredibly convenient thanks to Disney’s dedicated bus service for participants.
Disney contracts bus companies like Transtar and Transdev to provide transportation to and from all Disney College Program housing locations to virtually every corner of Walt Disney World property. This exclusive bus service is solely for DCP participants; you’ll need to show your housing ID each time you board. Buses run frequently, and most routes serve Chatham Square and Vista Way, with many also stopping at The Commons. Patterson Court is the only housing complex not directly served; residents there can easily walk to Chatham Square (about 5 minutes) to catch a bus.
These buses often have designated drop-off locations slightly different from the guest resort buses. For example, the Magic Kingdom bus usually drops off at either the Contemporary Resort or West Clock (which is backstage at Magic Kingdom). If you’re aiming to enter Magic Kingdom as a guest, disembarking at The Contemporary and taking a short walk to the main entrance is the quickest route.
In situations where the scheduled buses don’t align with early or late work hours, you can contact Transtar/Transdev, and they will arrange a bus to ensure timely arrival for your shift.
Understanding the Realities of Housing Transportation
You might have heard mixed reviews or even “horror stories” about Transtar from past DCP participants. However, for many, the experience is generally quite acceptable. Buses typically run on schedule and are more reliable than some might expect.
However, it’s important to be aware of a few common realities of using the DCP bus service, mainly due to the sheer volume of participants relying on it:
- “Extra Time” Buses: Try to avoid buses marked as “allow extra time” on the schedule. These buses often include a lengthy stop, sometimes up to half an hour at Vista Way for driver breaks. While they will reach your destination on time according to the schedule, the extended stationary period can be tedious.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Bus temperatures can be inconsistent. Sometimes the air conditioning is excessively cold, especially if you’re already damp from rain. Conversely, the buses can become very hot if the air conditioning malfunctions.
- Timetable Accessibility: Take photos of the bus timetables with your phone. This eliminates the need to carry the paper booklet and allows for quick reference.
- Transtar App: Download the Transtar app. It offers bus tracking and is generally accurate, providing real-time updates.
- Early Arrival Strategy: Always catch a bus that gets you to work well before your scheduled shift. Buses can occasionally be delayed or, in rare instances, not show up at all. Arriving early provides a buffer against unexpected transportation issues.
- Bus-Induced Sleepiness: Be prepared for the buses to make you feel incredibly drowsy. Regardless of the time of day, you’ll likely find yourself and fellow participants falling asleep. It’s often the only downtime in a busy program schedule!
- Park Closing Time Rush: Park closing time is the busiest period for DCP buses.
Navigating the Park Closing Time Rush
Many DCP roles involve closing shifts, meaning buses at park closing times are extremely crowded. You’ll be sharing transportation with a large portion of the park’s workforce and departing park guests all heading towards Disney housing.
Working at Magic Kingdom, the bus route often involves a stop at the Contemporary Resort before proceeding to West Clock, the backstage Magic Kingdom bus stop. Guests leaving Magic Kingdom typically board buses at the Contemporary. This can lead to situations where buses are already full by the time they reach West Clock, potentially not even stopping to pick up waiting cast members.
Imagine this scenario: it’s late, exhaustion is setting in, your feet ache, and you’re told to wait an additional 30 minutes for the next bus, which might also be full.
Seat availability on these crowded buses can sometimes become a point of tension. Everyone understandably wants a seat after a long day of working or enjoying the parks. However, those who have worked all day often find themselves standing as guest pick-ups occur first. Occasionally, kind guests will offer their seats to cast members, which is always appreciated. But often, after standing for a 12-hour shift, another half-hour standing on the bus feels like a further challenge.
Tips for Park Closing Buses:
- Costume Strategy: Consider staying in your work costume after your shift. Changing into park clothes before heading home might lead to guests assuming you were just visiting the park and not offering you a seat.
- West Clock Queuing: At Magic Kingdom West Clock, there isn’t always a formal queue. Sitting on a bench while waiting for the bus might mean you lose out on a seat when the bus arrives due to others standing closer to the bus doors. Learning the optimal moment to leave the bench and position yourself for boarding is key.
- West Clock Express: Sometimes, Transtar operates an “Express” bus specifically for West Clock at closing time. This bus goes directly to housing without other stops, often resulting in a less crowded and more comfortable ride with a better chance of getting a seat.
Despite potential challenges, it’s worth noting that Transtar manages a significant task in transporting a large number of people across numerous locations, often at late and unsociable hours. Overall, the service is generally reliable and more than adequate for most participants’ needs. And of course, rides home from friends with cars are always a welcome treat!
Exploring Disney Property Transportation
Once you are on Disney property, getting around to different parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is part of the magic! You don’t need to return to housing to travel between locations within Walt Disney World. Disney provides an extensive network of complimentary transportation options for all guests, including DCP participants.
Disney Resort buses are available to travel between parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Compared to Transtar, these buses often feel more luxurious and are a pleasant way to travel around property.
Beyond buses, the iconic Monorail system connects Magic Kingdom, select Magic Kingdom resorts, and EPCOT. If you want to travel from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom, the monorail is a scenic and efficient alternative to a bus. Additionally, if you take a housing bus to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), the central hub for non-Disney resort guests accessing Magic Kingdom, you can choose between the monorail or a ferryboat to reach the park entrance.
Ferryboats and Water Taxis add another layer of transportation variety. For instance, from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy a pleasant walk or take a Friendship Boat from the World Showcase, with stops at various EPCOT resorts along the way. Exploring different resorts by hopping off the boat for a quick look around can be a fun way to break up your park day.
Exploring the diverse Disney transportation system is an enjoyable part of the DCP experience. It’s a great way to take a break from the parks and adds to the overall Disney immersion. In fact, the Disney transportation system is so extensive it could be a topic for an entire separate post!
Venturing Beyond Disney: Orlando and Wider Florida
Getting around Orlando beyond Disney property is also achievable without a car. The DCP housing buses extend their routes to include essential off-property destinations like Walmart, Publix, and the Post Office. These buses make accessing everyday necessities very straightforward.
For popular destinations like Universal Studios, which are not served by the DCP buses, several options exist. The I-Ride Trolley, costing around $2 per ride, and the Lynx bus service, which drops you closer to the Universal parks, are public transport options detailed in your program guide.
Many participants find ride-sharing services like Uber to be a convenient solution for off-property travel. An Uber to Universal Studios typically costs around $14, which is very reasonable, especially when split among a group. Ride-sharing is a simple and efficient way to reach destinations not covered by Disney transportation.
The Disney housing team also organizes excursions to places like Cocoa Beach and baseball games, often including transportation in the price. These organized trips are a great way to explore beyond Disney and offer hassle-free transportation.
While exploring beyond Disney can be slightly more involved without a car, it’s certainly not prohibitive. Ride-sharing services are readily available, and with some planning, accessing various parts of Orlando and even wider Florida is possible. With a longer program duration, venturing further afield would become even more feasible.
Conclusion
So, Do You Need A Car For The Disney College Program? The answer is a resounding no. While having a car might offer some added convenience, it is by no means necessary to fully participate in and enjoy your DCP experience. Walt Disney World and the surrounding Orlando area offer a wealth of transportation options, from the comprehensive Disney transportation system to accessible public transport and ride-sharing services. Embrace the adventure, utilize the available resources, and have a magical time on your program, car-free and carefree!
