From San Juan to Disney Magic: Our Hyatt Regency MCO Travel Day Experience
Planning a Disney travel day from Puerto Rico? Whether you're heading to Walt Disney World or preparing for a Disney Cruise, your arrival day sets the tone for your whole vacation. In this post, we share how we turned a long day of travel into a smooth, magical start — with the help of a convenient hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency inside Orlando International Airport (MCO).
As a bilingual family based in Puerto Rico, we know the challenges of traveling to Disney with kids, strollers, luggage, and all the excitement that comes with it. Here's what worked for us, and how you can plan a stress-free Disney arrival too.
🎥 Watch the Travel Day Vlog
If you want to see exactly how this day played out, including a full room tour and our airport arrival, watch the video here.
We share the good, the awkward, and the family moments that make every Disney trip unique.
✈️ Why Hyatt Regency MCO Is a Game-Changer for Families Traveling from Puerto Rico
Flying from San Juan (SJU) to Orlando (MCO) is the fastest way to start your Disney vacation, but after landing late in the day, most families are tired, overwhelmed, and not ready to head to the parks or even check into a resort. That’s where the Hyatt Regency MCO becomes the perfect pre-Disney hotel.
Benefits of Staying at Hyatt Regency MCO:
- 🚶♂️ Located inside the airport — no shuttles, no taxis, no delays
- 🛏️ Large, comfortable rooms — perfect for families or couples arriving late
- 🥂 Surprise touches — our room even included a bottle of champagne!
- 🌙 Great for early risers — sleep well and head to the parks fully rested
- 📍 Excellent location — connected to dining, security, and Terminal C access
🎁 A Magical Welcome Thanks to Megan
We can't talk about our Hyatt Regency MCO stay without giving a huge thank you to Megan, who went above and beyond to make our travel day extra special.
Before we even arrived, Megan helped us prepare with helpful guidance and thoughtful communication. And when we walked into our room, we were greeted with the most magical surprise — a bottle of champagne, sweet treats, and a few other Disney-inspired surprises that made us feel instantly welcomed and celebrated.
Moments like these remind us that it’s not just about where you stay — it’s about the people who help create the experience. Thank you, Megan, for turning our travel day into a magical memory we’ll never forget!
Our Disney Travel Day from Puerto Rico: Step-by-Step
Here's how our real-life travel day went with carry-on luggage and plenty of Disney excitement!
1. Departing from SJU (San Juan)
We took an evening flight out of San Juan to maximize our time at the parks the next day. Rainy skies and delays were part of the journey, but they didn’t stop our excitement.
2. Arriving at MCO & Navigating Terminal C
Once we landed, we moved through the new Terminal C, took the tram to the main terminal, and walked straight to the hotel, without needing a rideshare, extra bags to move, or any stress.
3. Hyatt Regency Check-In & Room Experience
The Hyatt team made us feel welcome. Check-in was quick, and the room was spacious, quiet, and clean. The highlight? A surprise bottle of champagne and a beautiful view of the runway ✨
4. Waking Up in the Magic
We didn’t have to rush. We slept in, grabbed coffee downstairs, and felt like our Disney travel day from Puerto Rico was part of the vacation, not just a travel headache.
💡 Why You Should Consider This Travel Strategy
For families and couples flying in from Puerto Rico or the Caribbean, this strategy ensures a relaxed and smooth transition on your arrival day — rather than a stressful and exhausting start.
Who this is perfect for:
- 🌴 Families arriving late from San Juan or the Caribbean
- 🚢 Travelers heading to a Disney Cruise the next day
- 👨👩👧 Parents traveling with kids or babies
- 📸 Content creators looking to document their full travel day
What this avoids:
- ❌ Missed park reservations or early check-ins
- ❌ Expensive last-minute Uber or Lyft rides
- ❌ Tired kids on day 1 of your vacation
- ❌ Luggage overload or resort check-in chaos
Tips for Planning Your Disney Travel Day from Puerto Rico
- ✅ Book your Hyatt MCO room at least 4–6 weeks in advance
- ✅ Look for direct flights from SJU to MCO to save time
- ✅ Pack snacks and electronics for your kids' comfort during delays
- ✅ Use this day to rest, recover, and ease into the Disney pace
🧳 And if you need help planning your vacation, we’re bilingual travel advisors based in Puerto Rico — and we’ve helped families just like yours plan magical, low-stress Disney and cruise experiences!
Let Us Help You Plan Your Disney Trip
Whether you're booking a Disney Cruise Line sailing from San Juan or flying to Orlando for a week at the parks, our team is here to make it easier.
