Plan Your Dream Disney Trip from Miami: Tips and Tricks

If you’re a Miami resident or visitor looking for a fun family vacation, Walt Disney World in Orlando is a great option to consider. With its magical atmosphere, thrilling rides, and endless entertainment options, it’s no wonder why millions of people visit the park every year. But planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from Miami. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your Disney trip from Miami with ease.

The distance between Miami and Disney World is approximately 230 miles, which means you have several transportation options to choose from. You can drive, take a train, a bus, or fly to Orlando. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. If you’re on a tight budget, taking a bus or driving might be the most affordable option, but it will also take longer. If you’re short on time, flying might be the best option, but it can also be more expensive. Whatever your preference, we’ll help you find the best way to get to Disney World from Miami.

Once you arrive at Disney World, there are plenty of things to see and do. From the iconic Cinderella’s Castle to the thrilling Space Mountain ride, there’s something for everyone at the park. But with so much to see and do, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time. We’ll provide you with tips on how to navigate the park, where to eat, what attractions to prioritize, and more. Whether you’re traveling with young children or teenagers, we’ll help you create a memorable Disney experience for your family.

Transportation

When planning a Disney trip from Miami, transportation is a crucial aspect to consider. There are several transportation options available, including flying, driving, taking the train, or taking the bus. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on personal preference, budget, and travel time.

Flying to Orlando

Flying to Orlando is the fastest way to get to Walt Disney World from Miami. The most convenient airport is the Orlando International Airport, which is located about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. Delta and other airlines offer flights from Miami International Airport to Orlando International Airport.

Driving to Orlando

Driving to Orlando is another popular option for those traveling from Miami. The distance between Miami and Orlando is approximately 230 miles, and the travel time is around 4 hours. The most common route is via I-95 and FL-60. However, traffic can be heavy, especially during peak travel times, and parking can be expensive.

Taking the Train to Orlando

Taking the train to Orlando is a scenic and comfortable option. Amtrak offers several daily services from Miami to Orlando, with a travel time of around 5 hours. The train station in Orlando is located about 20 miles from Walt Disney World, and transportation options are available to get to the park.

Taking the Bus to Orlando

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get to Walt Disney World from Miami. Several companies, such as Supertours and Expedia, offer daily services from Miami to Orlando. The travel time is around 5-7 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. The bus drops off passengers at the Orlando Greyhound Station, which is located about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. Taxis and other transportation options are available to get to the park.

In conclusion, there are several transportation options available when planning a Disney trip from Miami. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on personal preference, budget, and travel time.

Accommodation

When planning a Disney trip from Miami, it’s important to consider where to stay. There are several options for accommodation, including hotels near Walt Disney World, hotels in Orlando, and hotels in Miami.

Hotels near Walt Disney World

Staying near Walt Disney World can be convenient for those who want to be close to the theme parks. The Four Seasons Hotel is a luxurious option that offers shuttle service to the parks. The hotel also has a golf course, spa, and several restaurants.

Another option is the EB Hotel, which is located about 20 minutes from the parks. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the parks, as well as a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

Hotels in Orlando

Orlando has a wide range of accommodation options for those who want to explore the city as well as the theme parks. The Rosen Centre Hotel is a popular option that offers a shuttle service to the parks. The hotel also has several restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando is another option that is located near the parks. The hotel has several restaurants, a fitness center, and a pool.

Hotels in Miami

For those who want to stay in Miami before or after their Disney trip, there are several options available. The EB Hotel is a luxurious option that offers a shuttle service to the airport. The hotel also has a fitness center, a pool, and several restaurants.

Another option is the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, which is located in the heart of the city. The hotel has several restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.

When staying at any of these hotels, it’s important to have luggage tags to make sure that your bags are easily identifiable. This can help prevent lost luggage and make traveling easier.

Disney World

Disney World is a magical destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney movies or looking for thrilling rides, you’ll find it all at this iconic theme park. In this section, we’ll explore how to get to Disney World from Miami, how to navigate the park, and some of the top attractions to check out.

Getting to Disney World

There are several ways to get to Disney World from Miami, including driving, taking a train or bus, or flying. The distance between Miami and Disney World is approximately 230 miles, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.

If you’re driving, the most direct route is via I-95 N and Florida’s Turnpike. Alternatively, you can take FL-60 W, which is a slightly longer route but offers scenic views along the way. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a train or bus from Miami to Orlando and then transfer to a shuttle or taxi to reach Disney World.

Navigating Disney World

Disney World is a massive park, covering over 25,000 acres. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the park’s layout. The park is divided into several themed lands, including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland. Each land offers its own unique attractions, dining options, and entertainment.

To navigate the park efficiently, consider downloading the My Disney Experience app, which allows you to view wait times for rides, make dining reservations, and access maps of the park. You can also purchase FastPasses, which allow you to skip the line for select rides and attractions.

Disney World Attractions

Disney World is home to some of the world’s most iconic rides and attractions. From classic favorites like It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean to thrilling roller coasters like Space Mountain and Expedition Everest, there’s something for everyone at this park.

In addition to rides, Disney World also offers a variety of shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets. Be sure to catch the nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, which features stunning pyrotechnics set to classic Disney music.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Disney World is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florida. With its endless entertainment options and magical atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this park is known as the happiest place on earth.

COVID-19 Travel Updates

Travel Restrictions

Traveling to Disney Parks from Miami during COVID-19 involves some restrictions. All Disney parks around the world are now open to visitors, though COVID-19 restrictions remain in place in many of them. Disneyland Resort in California reopened on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity at the parks and hotels. In Florida, most of Disney World’s parks are open, and Blizzard Beach water park is due to reopen on March 7. No reopening date has been set for Typhoon Lagoon, however. Hong Kong Disneyland is open with reduced capacity, and Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are operating at limited capacity.

Face Mask and Social Distancing

Face masks are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) and cast members at Disney Parks. Visitors are required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times, except when eating, drinking, or swimming. The park has also implemented social distancing measures, including limiting capacity, physical barriers, and increased cleaning and sanitation.

National COVID-19 Helpline

For information on traveling into the State of Florida, contact the State of Florida’s Health Dept COVID-19 Call Center, available 24/7, at 1-866-779-6121 or COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Visitors can also contact the National COVID-19 Helpline at 1-800-232-4636 for information on COVID-19 testing and travel restrictions.

Travelers can also check with their airlines for specific COVID-19 travel guidelines. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Silver Airways, and Spirit Airlines all operate flights from Miami International Airport to Orlando International Airport, which is the closest airport to Disney World.

Direct Bus

Visitors can take the direct bus service from Miami to Orlando, which is operated by Greyhound. The bus departs from the Miami Bus Station and arrives at the Orlando Bus Station, which is located near the Orlando International Airport. The bus service runs several times a day, and travelers can book tickets online or at the station.

Without a Car

Visitors who do not have a car can take the Amtrak train from Miami to Orlando. The train departs from the Miami Amtrak Station and arrives at the Orlando Amtrak Station, which is located near the Orlando International Airport. Visitors can also take the Porter shuttle service from the Miami International Airport to the Port of Miami, where they can catch a Disney Cruise Line ship to Disney World.

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is located about 8 miles from Miami International Airport and is a popular departure point for Disney Cruise Line ships. The port has implemented COVID-19 safety measures, including enhanced cleaning and sanitation, social distancing, and mandatory face masks. Visitors are advised to check with their cruise line for specific COVID-19 travel guidelines and restrictions.

Security

Visitors should be prepared for additional security measures at Disney Parks, including bag checks and metal detectors. To reduce wait times, visitors are advised to limit the number of bags they bring into the park and avoid bringing prohibited items such as weapons and drones.

Overall, visitors to Disney Parks from Miami during COVID-19 should be prepared for some restrictions and additional safety measures. By following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by Disney and local authorities, visitors can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.