Travel

Orlando is served by two major airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. MCO is the main airport and serves most major airlines.

• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – About 50 minutes from Disney, primarily serving Allegiant Air and other low-cost carriers.

✈️ Pro Tip: We recommend flying into MCO for the most convenient access to Disney-area hotels and attractions.

From Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World, you’ve got options:

• Attendee Hub – Connect with other YSA to coordinate a pick up or share a ride

• Mears Connect – A dedicated airport shuttle service offering rides to Disney resorts and nearby hotels.

• Uber / Lyft – Rideshare services are widely available and easy to use. Expect to pay $30–$60 depending on time of day.

• Rental Cars at MCO – Ideal if you plan to explore more of Central Florida. Parking is included at Disney Coronado Springs Resort.

Once you’re on Disney property, transportation is magical and free for guests:

• Buses connect every Disney resort to theme parks and Disney Springs.

• Monorails & Boats offer scenic and convenient rides across select resorts and parks.

• Disney Skyliner: A gondola system linking resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Your Home Away from Home: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Nestled around the serene Lago Dorado, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a harmonious blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American Southwest influences.

🌟 Accommodations

The resort boasts 2,416 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Each room features modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in-room safes.

🍽️ Dining Delights

Savor a variety of dining options without leaving the resort:

• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: Located atop Gran Destino Tower, this rooftop restaurant offers delectable Spanish-inspired cuisine and panoramic views.

• Three Bridges Bar & Grill: Set on an island in Lago Dorado, accessible via wooden bridges, it provides a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu.

• Maya Grill: Enjoy Latin flavors in a vibrant setting reminiscent of ancient Mexico.

• El Mercado de Coronado: A quick-service spot offering a variety of dishes to satisfy any craving.​

🏊 Recreation & Relaxation

Unwind at the Lost City of Cibola Pool, featuring a 50-foot Mayan pyramid, a waterslide, and the largest outdoor hot tub at Walt Disney World. Additional amenities include:

• Three leisure pools scattered throughout the resort

• A 0.9-mile jogging trail around Lago Dorado

• La Vida Health Club with fitness facilities and spa services

• Explorer's Playground and Iguana Arcade for family fun​

Whether you’re arriving early or extending your trip, Orlando has no shortage of fun:

• Disney Springs: Free to enter, filled with shops, restaurants, movie theater, live entertainment, and sweet treats (don’t skip Gideon’s Bakehouse or Everglazed donuts!)

• ICON Park: Features the 400-ft Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and quick eats.

• Downtown Orlando: Art, book shops, and lakeside strolls for a chill break from theme park crowds. Don’t miss Lee & Ricks Oyster Bar for a unique dining experience!

• I-Drive District: Located in the heart of the theme park district, here you will find escape rooms, themed dining, mini-golf and more!

Please note that if you are travelling outside of Disney property, Orlando is a very sprawling city with limited public transportation! If you are staying for extra days before or after the conference we recommend having a car.

Orlando is theme park heaven! Here’s the scoop:

🌟 Walt Disney World Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Classic Disney with Cinderella Castle, fireworks, and rides like Space Mountain and TRON.

• EPCOT: A mix of world cultures and futuristic rides. Don’t miss Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

• Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Land.

• Animal Kingdom: A blend of nature and thrill—home to Pandora and Expedition Everest.

📍 Pro Tip: Park reservations are no longer required for most guests, but park hopping rules still apply. Genie+ is available for skipping lines (extra fee).

🎬 Universal Orlando Resort

• Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Home to Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and high-speed thrills.

• Volcano Bay: A water park with a tropical vibe and daring slides.

🌌 Coming 2025: Epic Universe

Universal’s Epic Universe opens in May 2025 and holds the themed lands of Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and a new Wizarding World.

• Pack for heat and rain—Florida weather can shift fast.

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

• Bring a refillable water bottle—hydration is key!

• Download relevant apps:

  • My Disney Experience (iOS) / Android

  • Universal Orlando App (iOS) / Android

  • Mears Connect for airport shuttle service.

🎡 Planning Tools & Park Info Sites

Here are some helpful websites and blogs packed with insider tips, crowd calendars, and cost-saving advice:

• WDW Prep School – Disney planning guides, Genie+ strategies, and packing lists.

• Undercover Tourist – Discount tickets and crowd calendars.

• The DIS – Up-to-date news, resort reviews, and dining info.

• Touring Plans – Custom park itineraries, crowd trackers, and ride wait time predictions.

• Orlando Informer – The go-to site for Universal Orlando and Epic Universe planning.

• AllEars.net – Detailed menus, room tours, and ride reviews.