Behind the Magic #3 Our Expected Expenses for a Long Weekend + Bonus Airport Transfer Tips
Behind the Magic: Post #3 Inside My Disney Trip Plans Series, where I give you a front-row seat to how I plan my Walt Disney World vacations! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Disney planning, this series is your new best friend. I’ll be sharing all the nitty-gritty details—real decisions, real dilemmas, and my best tips—so you can plan your own magical trip with less stress.
We’re looking at:
- What our long weekend at the Dolphin is expected to cost
- Ground transportation options (and what many people miss!)
- Where we splurged, where we saved, and the little extras that make the magic
Let’s break it all down so you can plan smarter and feel more confident booking your next dreamy Disney escape.
The Trip Snapshot (Quick Recap)
- Who: Me + my husband
- When: Fall weekend, 3 nights / 4 days
- Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (fireworks view room)
- Parks: EPCOT & Magic Kingdom (with Park Hopper)
- Extras: Fireworks Dessert Party, Couples Spa Treatment
The Known and Expected Numbers:
| Category | Estimated Cost (2 adults) |
|---|---|
| Our hotel choice is The Walt Disney World Dolphin – A Fireworks view room was booked directly with the Dolphin. | $1,072.13 Actual cost after fees and taxes |
| Flying into Sanford Orlando (SFB) is a nice discount for us. We prefer how laid back that airport is, which allows us to start and end our trips with less stress. | $233 Actual cost after taxes and including trip insurance for two round trip tickets |
| For our park tickets, we chose a one day park hopper. | $460 After tax, purchased on the Walt Disney World website, cost for two tickets |
| The Fireworks Dessert party seats and sweets tickets | $238 Two Dessert party tickets |
| We’ve opted for a relaxing resort day which includes a couples massage at Mandara Spa | $320 Couples massage |
| VARIABLES/ESTIMATES | |
| Dining/Drinks/Snacks | $500 |
| Ground Transportation – rental car or airport transfers. | $300 |
| Souvenirs and Miscellaneous expenses | $150 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | $3,273.13 |
Tip: Check with Undercover Tourist for Park tickets at a discount.
Ground Transportation:
Here’s where things get interesting: we’re flying into Sanford International Airport (SFB), not MCO.
Why? Because the flight deal was too good to pass up — and honestly, SFB is so much more laid-back than MCO. Less foot traffic, shorter lines, and a way more relaxed vibe.
SFB Travel Perks:
- Stress-free arrival
- Quicker baggage claim
- About 25 minutes further from Disney than MCO (not a big deal for the savings!)
Now let’s explore the transfer options:
1. Mears Connect (From MCO only)
- Not available from SFB, so not an option this time.
2. Private Car Service (Recommended for SFB)
- Pros: Personalized, direct, great for non-MCO flights
- Estimated Cost: $280-$500 round trip
- Best For: Stress-free arrivals, especially from smaller airports like SFB
3. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Estimated Cost from SFB to Disney: around $150 each way
- Watch out for: Surge pricing at peak arrival hours
4. Rental Car
- Estimated Cost for the weekend: $300
- Best for: impromptu outings/flexibility
Insider Tip: Booking a private car service in advance is a game-changer for SFB arrivals.
We’re still deciding but are leaning toward a rental car for the ease of impromptu plans, keeping us flexible. Totally worth it for an adult getaway.
How We Saved Big (Without Sacrificing Magic)
- Booked early for best airfare deals
- Targeted short trip = fewer park days, lower ticket cost
- Picked experiences that double up (Fireworks Dessert Party = dinner + entertainment)
- Earning Marriott Bonvoy points by booking direct with the Dolphin Hotel
Getting the most value out of your Disney trip doesn’t mean skipping all the fun. It means getting strategic and spending where it matters most to you.
What This Post Is Really About
Planning a Disney trip is about more than just numbers. It’s about being informed, empowered, and getting the most magic for your money. Sharing these breakdowns is my way of giving you a seat at the insider planning table.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifteenth, you’re not just “any” Disney fan — you’re part of a crew that knows what’s up.
Got questions about your own Disney budget or transfer options? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram!
Stay tuned: next up in the Trip Diary series, I’ll show you how I choose Lightning Lanes and plan our ideal park mornings for a short trip!
- Behind the Magic #3 Our Expected Expenses for a Long Weekend + Bonus Airport Transfer Tips
- Insider Picks: Magical Character Dining Experiences at Disney World
- Behind The Magic: #2 Resort and Flight Picks For A 5-Day Disney Holiday!
- How I Got My Outdoorsy Husband to Love Disney World (And Keep Coming Back)
- Behind the Magic: New Series “Inside My Disney Trip Plans”
Hey a great post you have here!
It is nice to see you are travelling, spending time with your loved ones, its precious time!
I enjoyed reading your post as it provide a great insight into how the costs and what they go towards can look like!
Enjoy your holidays!
Thanks again and have a great day!
You’re absolutely right—traveling and making these memories with loved ones is truly priceless, and I’m so glad that came through in the post.
The cost breakdown is something I wish I had seen more often when I first started planning Disney trips. It’s amazing how even small choices can really shape the vibe and the budget of a trip.
Thank you so much for your kind words!