Well, 2021 is off to an interesting start for Disney World news. It was announced today that the Magical Express service will not be continuing in 2022.
The Magical Express is the complimentary bus service offered to Disney World Resort hotel guests. For years the Magical Express has transported guests to and from their Disney World Resort Hotels. Plus, they picked up their luggage for guests at baggage claim, which was a very nice. The service of picking up guests’ luggage and delivering it to their hotel was discontinued in July of last year. However, the actual bus service was still being offered. Now the bus service will only be available for the next year. So the last date of service is December 31, 2021. Not surprisingly, this news upset many people who use the service. The Magical Express was a nice way to begin a Disney vacation. Plus, the fact that it was complimentary helped when going over the cost of a Disney World vacation.
I’m sure financials were part of the decision, but the building of the Brightline train station at Disney Springs might have something to do with it. The timeline for the station has not been announced, but tracks have to be built from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs, so it might be a while. However, once it is built that will be another option for guests to use, in addition to car rentals, a car service, or a taxi/Uber/Lyft.
As more information is release, or if Disney decides to offer any other transportation (complimentary or with a fee) I’ll post an update. It seems that any other service offered will most likely have a fee, but we’ll have to wait and see.
How do you feel about this news? Did you use the Magical Express on your Disney World trips?
Thanks for reading!
Liz
The start of our trips on the magical express really is the start of the magic for us. That being said the end of our trip on the tragical express really depresses me and I would just as soon be in a cab at that point. It is very convenient to have a free service that is there waiting for you at MCO.
I have used the Magical Express since it began. I am very disappointed that it is going away. I always felt that it was part of the “special” service that Disney gave to you and it was something I never experienced anywhere else. I am saddened that another service is going away. I can tell that the magic I experienced with Disney is in the past and going forward it’s not going to get better.
So disheartening to hear. Amazing to me that a company that raked in billions for years didn’t have a contingency plan in place. It been only 10 months of reduced income for a business giant and they took away thousands of jobs, continue to remove guests benefits without lowering trip costs, but still managed executive bonuses. I love DISNEY and have plans to take my little girl again this year, but maybe i should change destinations and give my money to a family owned hotel that really suffered during this time.
I have used Magical Express since 2001. The good side for Disney is having guests use it keeps folks in the Disney bubble. If guests have to rent a vehicle they are less likely to spend their entire time on property. Hopefully, the train iption won’t be too long in the completion!
Very disappointed in this news you would think Disney would at least keep this service even for a small fee. Wouldn’t you want to welcome visitors instead of making it more difficult to travel. We have been to Disney because of the little extras. Now we will pursue other places
Horrible! It was part of the experience. My 6 year old son and I are so upset about it. Getting onto to that bus and seeing the tv screen introduce you to what was ahead, was magical and exciting for a child.such a shame.
Now that Disney has taken away, the magic express, baggage service from the airport, early magic hours, and dining plans. There is zero benefits to staying on site. Oh wait we can rent a car and pay to park at their resorts, so we can get in the park a half hour early. Not , now it’s time to book hotels off site for 1/2 the price and park for free at those hotels. Big mistake Disney…
I’m gonna say it— I’m outraged!!
The reason my daughter and I go every year is because of the convince of getting too and from Disney ,it starts the excitement of the whole trip,now that’s gone too,very sadden and will look too go elsewhere now,there is no Magic left !!
My wife and I loved the magic express and the excitement that began when you get on the bus , we are very disappointed in the direction Disney is going, Not so family friendly anymore, I wonder what Walts thoughts would be , doesn’t seem like the parks he envisioned
Question… so if we decide to go for New Years, we would have Magical Express upon arrival, but would have to find alternate transportation upon departure?
Hi Christine! That’s my understanding. The last day of operation is December 31, so I’m betting anyone who arrives right before the last date of operation will receive a message about having to find their own transportation back to the airport. I’ll keep an eye on this, in case any exceptions are noted, but it sounds like once it’s done then that’s it, unfortunately.
Hi Liz! Just found out today from a Disney Vacation Planner that IF you arrive in 2021, they will use ME to transport you back to the airport until January 10th, 2022. This works great for our family!
Thanks Christine! I’ll look into that, because last time I called I was told it was done on the 31, but this is why I usually call a few times to make sure I get the same answer from multiple people. LOL Thank you for the information!