Ever since Disney announced it would be ending its popular Magical Express service in January 2022, Disney travelers have been wondering: So what now?

This week, Transportation Management Services (TMS) announced The Sunshine Flyer as a new service that would transport guests from MCO to Walt Disney World resort hotels. 

The Sunshine Flyer offers a themed experience that is based on old-fashioned railway passenger cars and vintage stream train engines.

A Design and Themed Experience that Walt Disney Would Love

The service aims to take the stress of airport transportation for Disney guests in Orlando and help to kickstart the magic of a family vacation from the moment they board the bus at the airport. Some key facts about The Sunshine Flyer:

There is also a charitable component to the launch of The Sunshine Flyer in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary:

The Sunshine Flyer’s buses are late model, premium motorcoaches. From the classic railway-inspired bus designs to staff dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineers, the motorcoaches effectively serve as time-machines, offering a glimpse into 1920s rail travel.

According to Frank Sherman, CEO of TMS: “Everyone knows the magic of Disney once they’re inside the park gates. But through The Sunshine Flyer, we’re able to give guests the chance to start their vacation from the minute they step off the plane and turn what used to be a procedural drive into the beginning of an adventure to remember.” 

With 25 years of experience as a large events transportation company working with world-class events such as the FIFA World Cup, NBA Finals and various PGA TOUR Tournaments, TMS is primed to offer a streamlined and well-executed service through The Sunshine Flyer. 

And yes, the buses will serve all Disney resort hotels 

You will book tickets online and receive a QR code that you will scan once you arrive at Orlando International Airport. Presumably this will be around the luggage carousel area. The goal is to ensure smooth timing and departures to the Resorts. 

No luggage handling option at launch, but they hope to add it at some future time. 

Located in the Main Terminal Building of Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Terminal B, Level 1, in the Ground Transportation area

 

What You Want to Know

Will buses depart WDW four hours before flight? 
Unclear. "Your bus is scheduled based on your specific flights. We monitor both inbound and outbound flights to make sure your trip is scheduled properly. We will email/text you a more exact departure window the day before your scheduled trips."

 

How long will it take to get to your hotel? 
According to Sunshine Flyer: "We are using a dynamic routing software that customizes each day’s transfers based on specific riders. We can set the parameters to how long the ride is or how many stops the bus makes. 65 minutes is the longest anyone will be on a bus once it leaves to the final destination."

“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,” added Sherman. “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.”

In celebration of Disney’s 50th anniversary, the Sunshine Flyer 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.
 

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.

Tickets for The Sunshine Flyer must be booked at least four days ahead of arrival. Tickets are $17.00 per adult, $12.50 per child each way. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.sunshineflyer.com.

Cancellations 72 hours in advance for full refund, credit if less than that.

 

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will welcome Guests back starting March 31, 2022. Reservations are now open to book your stay.

With this announcement it means that, as of Spring 2022, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be operating by for the first time since Spring 2020.

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