Arriving in Florida

An e-mail from Disney about arriving in Florida...

Greetings,

As Disney continuously strives to make improvements in the processes to create a more seamless and welcoming arrival for all of their participants, we would like to share with you a change that Disney will be implementing beginning in May of this year. The Disney International Programs arrival team will now be greeting you at the Vista Way Housing Complex rather than the Orlando International Airport (MCO). This change will allow the Disney arrivals team to be available to you and to answer all your questions. This new change will enable the Disney arrivals team to be able to offer you a warm and inviting environment for your arrival, as well as allow Disney to focus on creating an overall better arrival experience for you.

This change will mean to you are now responsible for making your own way to the Vista Way Housing Complex at Disney from the Orlando International Airport. There are several modes of transportation you are able to choose from, here are a few examples:

· Mears Shuttle Service from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex.

o Mears will offer Disney Cast Members a coupon to use the shuttle service at a discounted rate.

o The current one-way rate is $19 US Dollars and Disney Cast Members will receive a $5 off coupon to use towards the transportation. Please do note that you must present the coupon when purchasing the ticket to receive the discount.

o Mears has several counters located throughout the airport to assist you with local transportation. You are able to purchase tickets and board busses from either terminal at the Orlando International Airport.

o Disney Cast Members will receive the coupon via e-mail prior to your arrival, (or as part of your offer packet). The coupon can be printed by you prior to departing for the US.

o Disney encourages you to visit www.mearstransportation.com where you are able to learn more about Mears Shuttle Services, helpful arrival instructions, and to secure a reservation.

· Taxi, limousine, and car services from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex:

o There are several taxi services operating at the Orlando International Airport that your are able to choose to use. The average rate of the fare from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex is approximately $55 US Dollars to $60 US Dollars. This mode of transportation may be ideal for arriving with friends.

o Several other independently owned and operated transportation providers are available at the Orlando International Airport. You can visit one of several information desks throughout the airport for assistance

Upon arrival, you will check in to the Vista Way Pavilion, where you will be greeted by the Disney welcome team, who will be offering snacks and assistance with locating your new home at Disney! You also will be provided with computers and/or telephones to call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. You will then have transportation available to assist in arriving to your new home in one of the Disney’s apartment complexes.

Below are frequently asked questions which will also assist you with this new exciting change! If you have any questions regarding the above information, please feel free to contact enquiries@yummyjobs.com

We hope you are excited for this new adventure your about to take and that you enjoy the new enhanced arrival process that Disney has create as a more welcoming experience for you!

Have a Magical Day!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is this change being implemented?

In order to create a more seamless and welcoming arrival process for you, the Disney International Programs team will greet you when you arrive at the Vista Way Pavilion. The new process will allow the Disney team to create an inviting welcome center where you may grab a snack, place a call or send an e-mail home to let friends and family members know they have arrived safely. The Disney staff members will also be available to answer questions and help locate your new home in one of the Disney apartment complexes.

When I arrive, where should I go to find transportation?

Transport via Mears Transportation:

After exiting your aircraft, follow the signs to baggage claim. You will board an elevated tram which connects the airline concourses.

Once you exit the tram you will have arrived at the main terminal. The airport is divided into sides A and B, and the signs directing you from the gate to the terminal will indicate which side you should expect to find your baggage. Pass the security area, continue to follow signs to baggage claim, and then take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim on level two.

After you claim your luggage, go to the Mears Motor Shuttle service counter. You will see the Mears locations on level two (baggage claim) and on level one (ground transportation). Please visit www.mearstransportation.com for additional information and more detailed instructions.

Transport via taxi:

After exiting your aircraft, follow the signs to baggage claim. You will board an elevated tram which connects the airline concourses.

Once you exit the tram you will have arrived at the main terminal. The airport is divided into sides A and B, and the signs directing you from the gate to the terminal will indicate which side you should expect to find your baggage. Pass the security area, continue to follow signs to baggage claim, and then take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim on level two.

After you claim your luggage, take the escalator or elevator to Level One – Ground Transportation and follow the signs for the closest taxi stand.

What is the cost of the Mears Shuttle Service from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex?

The current one-way rate is $19 and participants have been provided with a $5 coupon to apply to that rate.

What is the average cost of a taxi fare from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex?

Taxi fare averages $55-60.

Do I need to make a reservation to use Mears?

It is recommended that you make a reservation prior to their arrival date. Reservations may be made at www.mearstransportation.com.

Who do I make aware of my arrival information?

You should contact our Arrivals Office at 001-407-560-6128 or via email at wdwinternationalarrivalitineraries@disney.com with your arrival flight information once you have secured your flight arrangements. This will allow us to be aware of your anticipated arrival at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

A friend or family member has offered to transport me to the complex. Is that ok?

Yes. On your scheduled arrival date, please ask them to take you to the Vista Way Housing Complex for check-in at the Pavilion.

You should contact our Arrivals Office at 407-560-6128 or via email at wdwinternationalarrivalitineraries@disney.com with your arrival flight information once you have secured your flight arrangements. This will allow us to be aware of your anticipated arrival at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

To assist you in reaching Vista Way Apartments by automobile, we offer the following directions:

• From Orlando International Airport
  Take the North Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway)
  Take SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway) west to Interstate 4 (I-4) west. Exit I-4 at Exit 68 – Lake Buena Vista. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-95
  Exit I-95 to I-4 junction heading west to Orlando. Exit I-4 at Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-75
  I-75 heading south toward Ocala, FL. Exit on Florida Turnpike south to Orlando I-4. Exit I-4/Orlando. Go west on I-4 to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-10
  Exit I-10 at I-75 junction heading south toward Ocala. Exit on Florida Turnpike south to Orlando I-4. Exit I-4/Orlando. Go west on I-4 to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• Florida Turnpike
  Exit I-4 west to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-4 from Tampa
  Head east towards Orlando to Exit 68. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto 535. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-4 from Daytona
  Heading west to Orlando. Exit I-4 at Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.

Where do I meet the International Programs welcome team?

Please meet the Disney International Programs welcome team at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

Can I arrive earlier than my scheduled program start date?

If you arrive earlier than your scheduled arrival date, you will need to make your own accommodations. If you would like to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you may make reservations by calling 001-407-W-DISNEY. Please note that your benefits, including park entry and hotel room discounts, will not begin until you have completed your first day of work.

My flight does not arrive until after midnight. Will transportation be available for me?

Yes. It is recommended, however, that you make a reservation for shuttle service by visiting www.mearstransportation.com Taxi dispatch is also generally available 24 hours a day. Should you have any difficulty finding transportation upon your arrival, please call our team toll free at 1-888-839-4890 so we may assist you.

Who should I call if I experience any delays or have any problems with transportation?

Should you be aware of a delay in your arrival prior to your departure, please call the Arrivals Office at 407-560-6128. Once you arrive in the U.S., please call our toll-free number at 1-888-839-4890 or 407-560-2657.

Will I need the coupon sent to me to use the Mears Shuttle?

Yes, you will need the Mears voucher to receive a discount on your shuttle service. Please visit www.mearstransportation.com for additional information about the shuttle service and to make a reservation.

Once I arrive at housing, will there be transportation to my actual apartment complex?

Once you arrive at the Vista Way Housing Complex, a team will be waiting to welcome you and check you into the housing complex. Following your check-in, you will be transported to your actual apartment location in one of our four apartment complexes

This is good for me, as it means that I know where to go when I arrive (since I'm driving), but it's not so nice for everyone else who's never been to Florida, or never traveled alone and are now in a foreign country after a long flight and have to find their way to Vista.