End of Magical Express at WDW

[KeithS]

In a very disappointing statement from WDW today, they've announced that they are discontinuing the Magical Express buses from Orlando to the resort and back. From now on, we'll need to arrange our own transport to pick us up from the airport and take us to the resort.

They state that "As consumer needs and preferences change, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service starting with arrivals in 2022" - which is just a pure (and poor) PR line that they've come up with.

It might be okay for US people to get to Orlando and hire a car - but the last thing I want to do when getting off a 24 hour flight (and being up for 36 hours straight) is to get to Orlando, stand in a hire car queue and then drive on the wrong side of the road for 40 minutes to reach my hotel.

Sure there is Uber too, but again we are now trusting ourselves to local US citizens to get us to our hotel, rather than WDW/Mears employees.

They say they hope to open the light rail from the airport to Disney Springs in 2022 and we can catch that - but again, I don't want to carry my suitcases at 10pm onto a light rail service to the Springs and then try and catch a Disney transport bus to my resort with all my luggage.

With the demise of the Disneyland Express bus in Los Angeles, they are making it difficult for foreign travelers to go to the US parks. Maybe I'll stick to Japan in future.

[calisota]

Have you used it? Was it busy?

I don't think I've ever used Disney transport from any airport so I can't really comment.


Greg

[KeithS]

We use it every time we go to Orlando - it is included in your ticket price if you are staying at a WDW resort. It is so convenient - they pick you up at the airport and deliver your luggage straight to your room. I'm not a fan of Uber etc - but I guess now we'll have to use that service. Of course - we won't be going back to the US for a few years I suspect, so things might change again.

[DisneyKaren]

This has been a subject of much debate on Facebook. Some say there's no point staying at a Disney hotel if they don't get free transport and the EMH which are apparently changing also (I'll still stay at a Disney hotel). I've only used the Magical Express once and that was to return to the airport. We did Universal first so used a taxi. This was a great service as I checked my bags in at the hotel and didn't see them again until arriving at my destination.

I'm not too concerned about either as yet. Anything could change before we're allowed to go there again. At that time I may be saddened by the changes. Right now I'm just saddened by the fact I can't so much as plan a trip to any Disney park. (Come on Japan, get it together, you were my hope for 2022).

[calisota]

This has been a subject of much debate on Facebook. Some say there's no point staying at a Disney hotel if they don't get free transport and the EMH which are apparently changing also (I'll still stay at a Disney hotel).

EMH?

Taking everything into account (although this may be the wrong crowd to ask ) is it worth it to stay onsite as opposed to a cheaper place offsite?


Greg

[DisneyKaren]

EMH?
Taking everything into account (although this may be the wrong crowd to ask ) is it worth it to stay onsite as opposed to a cheaper place offsite?
Greg

EMH = Extra Magic Hours - one park a day would have an extra hour or two for hotel guests. I believe they're considering all four parks opening 30mins early instead but to be honest I've just seen comments on Facebook. It's a great perk but not the selling point, I'll make the 30mins work if that's what they offer.

I'd still stay onsite for the Disney theming, plus I like being in the Disney bubble for as long as possible.

[calisota]

I just posted a news item about a petition to get the Magical Express reinstated. It does sound like a pretty useful service, especially if you are coming from OS.

The only places I have stayed onsite were one night in Hong Kong and a week in Paris. I don't know if Paris offered anything like this but I remember it costing a fortune to get a cab to and from the airport because I had weird flight times.


Greg

[KeithS]

Magical Express is the best - I don't understand the US preference for Uber now. It was very useful for anyone coming into Orlando and staying on property.

[calisota]

Magical Express is the best - I don't understand the US preference for Uber now. It was very useful for anyone coming into Orlando and staying on property.

How well advertised was the Magical Express? If it was so cheap and easy, and given the sheer numbers of people visiting, I find it hard to believe it wasn't popular and packed.


Greg

[KeithS]

Everyone flying to WDW and staying on site would know about it. It was free - included with the cost of your accommodation. Of course, lots of people stay offsite or like to hire a car at the airport so they aren't stuck on Disney property, so not everyone used it. But for us coming from overseas purely for Disney - it was a god-send to know that your transport was sorted after a 24 hour flight...

[calisota]

Everyone flying to WDW and staying on site would know about it. It was free - included with the cost of your accommodation. Of course, lots of people stay offsite or like to hire a car at the airport so they aren't stuck on Disney property, so not everyone used it. But for us coming from overseas purely for Disney - it was a god-send to know that your transport was sorted after a 24 hour flight...

Now I'm disappointed. Who knows when I'm likely to get back to Orlando but it would have been nice to know that it was an option.


Greg

[DisneyKaren]

The lack of international tourists has no doubt affected the use of the bus. Perhaps the return of international travel may assist in the return of the Magical Express? We can only hope.

I think it was around this time last year we were lamenting the lack of transit options between LAX and DLR. I wonder if I will be less concerned about lining up and paying for taxis when I can finally just travel to a Disney Park - any of them!

[calisota]

I wonder if I will be less concerned about lining up and paying for taxis when I can finally just travel to a Disney Park - any of them!

That's an interesting question. Are you willing to pay more than you used to just to be able to travel, when are finally able to, or are you expecting big discounts everywhere ?


Greg

[DisneyKaren]

That's an interesting question. Are you willing to pay more than you used to just to be able to travel, when are finally able to, or are you expecting big discounts everywhere ?

Greg

I have no expectations at this stage. I've heard WDW prices have gone up, however I haven't looked anything up as yet so I can't comment. Until international travel becomes a possibility, I don't worry too much about prices. I'd love to say there will be discounts to get us there, however with people travelling in their own countries and people looking forward to going overseas again, I'm not sure if tour operators will feel a need to offer discounts.

[calisota]

The travel bubble between Aus and NZ will be an interesting test case for peoples willingness to travel. Personally, I'm already planning my next trip in hope that it will be soon, possibly late this year or early next.


Greg