For decades, visiting both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in one trip often meant making some tough choices—or shelling out serious cash. Rental cars, rideshare fees, and complicated transfers made it difficult for many travelers to afford the full Orlando experience. Until now.
Disney and Universal: What Is LYNX and Why Should You Care?
In a quiet but monumental shift, LYNX, Central Florida’s public transportation system, has just added a direct route that connects Walt Disney World and Universal’s Epic Universe, launching April 20th with one very attractive perk: the ride only costs $2 per person.
Yes, $2.
This new route could become the most budget-friendly and stress-free way to enjoy both theme park titans—something once thought impossible for those traveling without a car.
While many vacationers overlook public transit in favor of convenience, LYNX has long been a reliable (and wallet-friendly) option for locals and savvy tourists alike. With direct service to Disney Springs and other major hubs, it’s always offered a low-cost way to move around Orlando.
A New Means of Getting to Both Parks
But with the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe, the stakes—and expectations—changed.
Now, with this expanded service, riders can journey between Disney Springs and Epic Universe with several added benefits:
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Buses depart every 30–35 minutes, starting at 5:15 AM and ending just after 10 PM
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The trip includes key stops like the Destination Parkway Superstop, the Orlando International Airport, and limited-time service to the Helios Grand Hotel, Universal’s upcoming premier resort
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The entire ride from Disney Springs to Epic Universe? Around 30 minutes
And if you’re staying for a week, there’s more good news: you can score a 7-day LYNX pass for just $16—less than the cost of a single Uber ride between parks.
Why This Changes Everything for Orlando Travelers
Let’s be real: theme park trips are expensive.
From multi-day ticket prices to food and hotel stays, adding pricey transportation to the mix often forces guests to limit their itinerary. But this new LYNX route lowers that barrier significantly.
Families without cars can now easily hop between Disney and Universal, and international visitors—especially those staying at Disney hotels or near Disney Springs—have a new, reliable way to reach Universal’s latest and most technologically advanced park without logistical headaches.
And for locals or annual passholders? This opens up even more spontaneous day trips without the gas money guilt.
This isn’t just a bus route—it’s freedom to explore more of what Orlando has to offer.
What You Should Know Before Hopping On
While the benefits are crystal clear, there are a few things riders should keep in mind before making LYNX their new go-to:
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This is public transit, not a private shuttle, so there won’t be onboard amenities or extra space for large luggage
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Plan ahead, especially during peak travel times when buses might fill up quickly
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The Epic Universe stop is new, and with the park still in soft-launch and construction stages, some details or services may evolve over the coming months
LYNX is known for steady service, but if this route becomes as popular as expected, future enhancements or increased frequency may be needed.
A Sneak Peek at What’s Ahead for Disney and Universal
This new development hints at something bigger happening in Central Florida: a stronger bridge between theme parks, public transportation, and tourism strategy.
With Orlando International Airport also on the same route, vacationers flying in can theoretically land, check in at a hotel, and visit both Universal and Disney without renting a car—saving hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip.
And as more travelers demand eco-conscious and affordable options, LYNX’s move could be the first of many shifts that reimagine Orlando’s role as a sustainable, connected vacation hub.
So, whether you’re dreaming of castles or coasters, Hogwarts or Hollywood Studios—you now have one more reason to say “yes” to both parks this summer.
All it takes is $2 and a little adventure.
