Kingdom Konsultant Travel Blog

We recently took the Brightline from Miami to Orlando after our cruise so we could visit  Universal, which is in Orlando. The train connects Orlando to South Florida with a relaxed transit. Many cruise passengers traveling to/from Orlando or Central Florida may find this easier than balancing airport-to-port ground transfers. I stepped of my cruise ship and within 5 minutes I was at the Brightline Miami Central station at 9:00 a.m. with 3 kids and luggage in tow. We checked our bags quickly, and breezed through the security check (no need to unpack or remove electronics.) Checked bags are allowed on Miami, FLL and Orlando, and it closes 30 minutes before boarding. We chose the 9:45 a.m. train. The station was sleek and modern, with a bar/cafe. You don't have to be 2 hours early like for a flight.  Once onboard, we settled into our seats in coach, car #2. It was roomy, with generous legroom and a wide tray table. Our seats faced the seats on the other side of the table. There w...

One of the perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is the complimentary transportation and proximity to the parks. Once you arrive at your resort, you have a variety of methods to travel to and from the Disney parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, all included with your stay.   If you have not been before, here is a guide to understanding how Walt Disney World transportation operates. Once you arrive, you'll also find friendly Cast Members who are happy to help direct you, should you have questions while on vacation.  Transportation Basics You can travel directly between: Park to Park:   M ostly by bus. Going between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot is by Monorail, and you also have the option to take the boat, Disney Skyliner or walk between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Resort to Park:  M ostly by bus. Most Deluxe and Moderate Resorts also have an alternative form of transportation for at least one park- such as Monorail, Disney Skyli...

Guests looking for ground transportation to Disney World don't have to look far. Mears, the same company that used to operate Disney's Magical Express, introduced their new service, Mears Connect. Although the service may have a new name and price, Mears offers the same safe and reliable service guests have been using for years. In fact, if you use Mears Connect on your next vacation, it may look very familiar.  Mears offers two service options; Standard and Express. The Standard service is a shared shuttle service with monitored wait times and limited stops at at other Disney Resort Hotels, much like Disney's Magical Express service. If you're looking for more direct service, you can book the Express which provides limited wait time on a direct, shared service to your Resort. This isn't a private service so you may share your vehicle with other guests but you'll be guaranteed to be the first stop. Once you arrive in Orlando, you'll collect your luggage from...

Disney’s Skyliner, a gondola system connecting several resorts and two theme parks, opened a little over a year ago in September 2019. Before its opening, resorts on the Disney World Monorail, which connects three deluxe resorts and their related villas with two theme parks, were considered the most coveted accommodations … but has that changed now that the Skyliner is here? I recently stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort, which features a Skyliner station with direct access to the back entrance of Epcot as well as the BoardWalk area and the Yacht & Beach Club. In the other direction, passing through the hub next door at Caribbean Beach Resort allows for access to the front entrance of Hollywood Studios in minutes. Other resorts with Skyliner stations include Art of Animation and Pop Century, which in my opinion raises the value of these Value Resorts. The ability to get to so many resort areas for shopping and dining is a bonus. The continuous cycle of Skyliner gondolas means the lin...