Your next trip to Orlando is about to change — in a big way.
If you’re headed to Disney World, there’s a good chance that you’ll also want to visit Universal Orlando’s NEW theme park, Epic Universe. We don’t blame you — Epic Universe is, well, EPIC. However, there’s a problem you’re going to have to consider if you’re heading to Epic Universe from Disney World — how will you get there?
The problem is that there aren’t any direct transportation options that go from Disney World to Epic Universe, unless you’re driving your own car on your vacation (although you still have to consider the cost of parking). However, you do have a few other options if you’re not driving.
Renting a car
Your first option is to rent a car. Granted this could get pricey, depending on how long you need the vehicle, but it would give you some freedom in how you visit the theme parks. In addition to the cost of the rental, though, you do have to consider the cost of parking.
The good news is that there is a parking lot at Universal, but you’ll still have to pay for parking, which is $32 per day for standard parking and $50 to $60 for premium spaces. Add that to the price of the rental car, and that adds up.
Renting a car gives you a lot of flexibility, especially if you plan on visiting other parts of Orlando plus you don’t have to deal with waiting for a ride or rideshare surge pricing. If you’ve got a large group, it could also end up saving you money. However, it’s still expensive, you still have to pay for parking, and you’ll have to actually drive, meaning you’ll be navigating roads you’re not familiar with.
You can rent a car through Alamo and National at Disney World by visiting Disney’s Car Care Center, which is located near Magic Kingdom.
Car Rentals Information and Tips for Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Rideshare Services
More than likely, you’ll probably want to take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Disney World to Epic Universe. This is certainly the most convenient option because you can get picked up directly at your Disney World location and dropped off close to the front of the theme park (and vice versa).
The cost will vary depending on the time of day and the demand for services, but we priced out an Uber from Disney’s Pop Century Resort to Epic Universe:
- Uber X: $25.98
- Uber Comfort: $27.14
- Uber XXL: $42.50
- Uber XL: $48.43
- Uber Black: $68.59
- Uber with Carseat: $59.09
The same route with Lyft would cost around:
- XL: $20-25
- Lyft: $15-18
- Black: $35-42
- Black SUV: $60-70
- Extra Comfort: $18-21
As we mentioned, this could be the most convenient way to get to Epic Universe from Disney World plus you won’t have to pay for parking. You will have to have the rideshare app on your smartphone to order a ride, plus you may have to wait a bit for it to show up. Another downside is that both Uber and Lyft are subject to surge pricing, meaning the price could go way up depending on demand.
Ride Share: The Best Way to Get Around Orlando if You Don’t Rent a Car
Taxi Service
Yes, believe it or not, taxis still exist and a taxi service could be an option for you to get from Disney World to Epic Universe. Mears, which operates the Mears Connect shuttle from Orlando International Airport to Disney World, is one of the most popular taxi services in the Orlando area — plus you can get a sedan or van.
When looking at pricing, a one-way trip from Disney’s Pop Century Resort to Epic Universe could be around $50. Taxis are easy to find outside most hotels and the rates are fixed so you don’t have to deal with surge pricing. However, you could still have to wait in line when things are busy and it’s generally a more expensive option. However, if you could grab a taxi faster than getting a rideshare and you have a group, this could be cost-effective.
Bus
If you really want to save money, you could hop on an Orlando City bus (called LYNX), but it’s not going to be very efficient or fast. First, there is no direct bus route from Disney World to Epic Universe, so you’d end up having to transfer buses at least once during your trip. However, there is a bus stop at Disney Springs, so that’s a start. Between having to wait for a bus and having to transfer, it could add a lot of time to your trip.
However, the ride is cheap and you can get a single ride fare for $2 or an all-day pass for $4.50. But you’ll need to keep track of your route as you’re riding the bus, know where to connect, and know where to get off to get to Epic Universe. It’s cheap, but it’s inconvenient.
The Transportation Rule That Could Change Your Entire Disney World Vacation
So which option is the best? Well, we’d recommend a rideshare service that offers convenience with a decent price. It might not be the CHEAPEST option, but it will get you from Disney World to Epic Universe quickly without the hassles of some of these other options. Ultimately, though, you’ll have to look at your priorities and decide what’s most convenient for you and your group.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
It’s Happening! We Went INSIDE Epic Universe for the FIRST TIME!!
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Which transportation option would you choose to get from Disney World to Epic Universe? Share with us in the comments!
Lol I only go to Orlando for universal. Disney is an afterthought.
We went a few yrs back and out hotel had free transportation to all theme parks, I would check with your hotel before booking
To be very honest, I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else but, WDW parks. If you live in NJ and plan your trip to Walt Disney World, why would you go to a different destination? I have vacationed in WDW multiple times in a year. I still have not seen everything or, enough. I adore the childlike feeling that I get when I am there. I simply adore Walt Disney World. I was lucky enough to be there for New Year’s Eve!
We use Lyft instead of buses even when staying on site at WDW to non skyliner hotels (CBR life!)
It’s just faster, and more convenient overall, and often $10-$15. We use the Minnie Van service for express drop off to MK to skip the ferry, etc.
I used Lyft. When I went from WDW hotel to Seaworld and back to my hotel. And on another trip from my WDW hotel to my Universal hotel. Very easy. No waiting. Stress free. And price was reasonable and it was just me.