Sometimes, you want to feel fancy when you travel to Disney World …
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
And sometimes, you book the cheapest hotel possible, skip the park hopper tickets, and pack everything in a backpack to avoid airline luggage fees … because you just NEED to visit Disney World, even on a bargain basement budget. Today, I’m headed right down to the basement with you to show you what is probably the LEAST practical way to get from Disney World to Universal … but it is most definitely the cheapest.
So you want to visit Universal Orlando while you’re staying at Disney World. It’s OK. Trust us, many people have a thing for the boy wizard over there, and believe a visit to Orlando isn’t complete without a Butterbeer. We get it.
Butterbeer
So what’s the best way to get there? Well, it’s about 15 miles from Disney World to Universal Orlando, and the quickest way to get there is going to be to drive (if you drove your car to Disney World or have a rental), or to take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.
Lyft pick-up
That Lyft is going to run you about $20-$30, depending on where you are staying in Disney World, and what time of day it is. If you drive, you’ll need to pay parking fees at Universal Orlando, where regular parking is $32. That trip by car will take you 20 to 40 minutes, again depending on the time of day. But what if there was a way to save that $30 and get to Universal for just $2?
The bus is here!
Well, enter public transportation in the form of a Lynx bus. City buses in Orlando run routes that pick up in Disney Springs — and you can take them to Universal. Now this journey is probably going to take you at least an hour. And it’s going to require several transfers. I told you it wasn’t easy. Let’s get into it.
Lynx bus
The first step here is a taking a Disney bus (you know, that FREE Disney World transportation we love!), from your hotel to Disney Springs. You will get dropped off in a central location at Disney Springs. Now, go through security and head toward the Disney Springs West Side — alllll the way down there past House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. You’ll exit Disney Springs near the Watermelon Parking Lot, and keep walking until you get to the West Side Bus Loop. Yep, it is too bad the Disney World buses don’t drop off here!
Disney Springs West Side Bus Loop
Now, you’re looking for the 311 Lynx Bus.
Sign detailing the route
When it arrives, you’re going to hop on. Did we mention you’ll need $2 cash, exact change? (Reminder: Nobody said this was easy.) Have a seat — these buses are surprisingly clean, and the air conditioning is great. Plus: Free Wifi!
Inside the bus
There’s even free hand sanitizer! You’re going to take this bus to the Destination Parkway and Tradeshow Boulevard stop (aka the Orange County Convention Center), and BEFORE you get off the bus, you need to ask your driver for a transfer to Bus 38. This is going to prevent you from having to pay that $2 fare on your next bus.
Lynx Bus
Once you board the 38, you’re on the last leg of this journey. That bus will take you to a stop at Universal Orlando security — the same spot you would be after walking through Universal’s parking garage. Now you’re just a 10-minute walk from the park entrance.
Welcome to Hogwart’s!
Whew! THAT WAS A TRIP. But, you’ve got a cool $30 you could have spent getting there that you now have to spend on MULTIPLE Butterbeers. All the Butterbeer, people. And you took shared public transportation … which means you’re responsible for a little less carbon emissions today. Pat yourself on the back and GO GET THOSE HARRY POTTER SNACKS. You’ve earned ’em.
We’ll keep bringing you all of our Disney World tips and tricks — even the “not so easy” ones that could be worth it! So keep following along here at DFB!
You Can Take Lynx from Disney World to the Orlando Airport, Too — Here’s How!
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YOU CAN, TOO.
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Great tip!
Not to mention while you’re waiting for the next bus at the Orange County Convention Center, there is a lot to see on International Drive. Lots of unique restaurants (Cafe Tu Tu Tango) and Icon Park are in walking distance.
Maybe suggest an International Drive Walking Tour?
I often used the Lynx buses to get from WDW to SeaWorld or the outlets. But then I went from the TTC. If I remember correctly it was 1 transfer at SeaWorld. But if you were impatient you could get the I trolley for an extra $1 or so.
You could shorten the trip if you drive to Disney springs park free by the house of blues then just hop on the bus Gus. This would still save the parking fee at universal.
How late do the buses run for your return trip?