Are you looking for an answer to the question “Does anyone know how I can get from Disney World to Universal Orlando and back WITHOUT having a car?”
Instead of looking at this from a locals perspective, my goal is to share what it’s like to get from WDW to Universal without a car – as a large percentage of the readership of Stepstomagic.com are those who UBER or Rideshare everywhere versus renting a car.
First Things First: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Before we dive into the transportation magic, let’s clear up a common confusion:
- WDW (Walt Disney World): Home to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- UOR (Universal Orlando Resort): Where you’ll find Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure (including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
Despite both being in “Orlando,” these magical realms are about 15-35 minutes apart. So no, you can’t hop on the Hogwarts Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get to Harry Potter World. That would be some serious magic!
And yes, this mistake does happen a lot.
Your Chariot Awaits: Transportation Options
1. The Uber Express
Pros:
- Flexibility: Leave when you want, return when you’re ready.
- Convenience: Door-to-door service.
- Cost-effective: Often cheaper than other options.
Cons:
- None, really. It’s pretty much the best option!
StepstoMagic Tip: Uber is your golden snitch here. Quick, easy, and won’t break the bank!
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2. Rental Car
Pros:
- Ultimate freedom to explore.
- Can be picked up and dropped off at your Disney resort (thanks, Alamo!).
Cons:
- Expensive, especially with parking fees.
- You’ll need to navigate Orlando traffic and have to deal with all the annoyances of remembering where you parked. Did you park in the Jurassic Park lot or the Jurassic World lot?
StepstoMagic Tip: Only worth it if you plan to explore beyond the parks.
3. Mears Shuttle
Pros:
- Can be part of discounted travel packages.
Cons:
- Requires advance booking (at least 24 hours).
- Multiple stops on the way back.
- Can be time-consuming (2+ hours is not unheard of).
- No online booking or app.
StepstoMagic Tip: Unless it’s part of a great package deal, avoid this like you’d avoid a timeshare presentation in the lobby of the Holiday Inn.
The Verdict: Our Magical Recommendation
Uber for the win!
It’s the best transportation option. Quick, convenient, and won’t eat up your precious park time or make you regret going 30-minutes from Disney to Universal just to get a butterbeer.
Bonus Tip: The Secret Spell for a Perfect Universal Side Trip
- Book your Universal tickets in advance (often cheaper than gate prices).
- Uber to Universal in the morning.
- Enjoy your day of witchcraft and wizardry.
- Uber back to Disney when you’re done.
Simple, effective, and leaves you more time (and money) for Butterbeer and Mickey bars!
Remember, whether you’re racing to catch the Hogwarts Express or hurrying back for fireworks at Cinderella’s Castle, the journey between these magical lands doesn’t have to be a quest in itself. With these tips, you’ll be hopping between Disney and Universal faster than you can say “Accio transportation!”
Get it…because “Accio” means “I Call or I Summon” and “Transportation” means not waiting for years to have a Mears shuttle drive you through the I-Drive scenic route in order to go back to your Disney Springs resort. It really shouldn’t take two hours, but it did!