5
Credit: Inside The MagicOrlando theme park fans, get ready for a major shake-up in how you get around the city.
A New Way to Travel Between Disney and Universal
For years, guests staying at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort had to rely on rental cars, ride-sharing services, or expensive shuttle options to hop between the two entertainment giants. But now, a new transportation option is about to change the game.
Starting soon, Lynx Bus Service will launch a dedicated route linking Disney Springs and Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe, making park-hopping between these two world-famous destinations more seamless—and more affordable—than ever.
It’s official, when Universal Epic Universe opens, you’ll be able to take a bus from Disney Springs to Epic Universe for $2 a person each way. The service will begin April 20th. Buses will depart every 30 minutes and the trip takes approximately 30 minutes. – @BillZanetti on X
It’s official, when Universal Epic Universe opens, you’ll be able to take a bus from Disney Springs to Epic Universe for $2 a person each way. The service will begin April 20th. Buses will depart every 30 minutes and the trip takes approximately 30 minutes. pic.twitter.com/yKsqVulm9U
— Bill Zanetti (@BillZanetti) March 28, 2025
But how will this impact visitors, and what does it mean for the future of Orlando tourism? Let’s dive in.
Why This Matters for theme park Guests
The upcoming Lynx bus route, officially named Link 311, will provide a direct connection between Disney Springs Transfer Center and Orlando International Airport, with key stops at major travel and tourist hubs, including:
- Destination Parkway SuperStop
- International Drive @ Destination Parkway (Orange County Convention Center)
- Universal Boulevard @ Destination Parkway
- Florida Mall SuperStop
- Sand Lake Rd. SunRail Station
- Orlando International Airport (Terminal A)
More importantly, Lynx has confirmed that a separate new route will serve Universal Orlando Resort, including the highly anticipated Epic Universe. This means guests visiting Universal’s newest theme park will now have a public transportation option for just $2 per ride—a fraction of the cost of other travel methods.
A Boon for Both Disney and Universal
For years, one of the biggest challenges for visitors has been the lack of an easy, budget-friendly transportation method between Disney and Universal properties. With Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer charging premium rates for airport and resort shuttles, guests often turn to expensive Uber or Lyft rides—sometimes costing $30-$50 each way—or resort to renting a car, adding even more to their vacation expenses.
The Lynx 311 bus route changes everything. With service running every 30 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, it provides guests with a consistent and cheap alternative to move between parks, hotels, and even the airport. At first glance, some might wonder why this matters for Disney guests. Wouldn’t Disney prefer to keep visitors within their own resort bubble? However, this new route could actually benefit both Disney and Universal.
For Disney, this service enhances the appeal of staying on property. Guests who previously booked hotels on International Drive or other offsite locations due to ease of movement between attractions may now reconsider staying at Disney hotels since transportation to Universal is now an option.
Orlando’s Public Transit Revolution for Disney Springs and Universal?
Meanwhile, for Universal, this could be a game-changer for Epic Universe’s grand opening in 2025. With direct, affordable access from Disney’s tourism hub, Universal could see an influx of visitors who might have otherwise skipped visiting due to logistical hurdles. Beyond just theme park visitors, this move signals a shift in Orlando’s public transit approach.
Historically, the city has relied heavily on car travel, but as Universal’s Epic Universe gears up to open, and Disney continues to evolve its offerings, accessible transportation options will be crucial. Could this be the first step toward more integrated theme park transit, similar to how Los Angeles and Tokyo offer seamless connections between major attractions? Only time will tell, but for now, budget-conscious visitors can rejoice.
The Lynx 311 bus route is set to become a must-know travel hack for anyone visiting Orlando’s top theme parks. For just $2 per ride, guests can now travel easily between Disney Springs, Universal’s Epic Universe, and major Orlando locations, making vacations more affordable, efficient, and hassle-free.
What do you think—will you be using the new Lynx route on your next trip to Orlando? Let us know in the comments!