Disney announced today that it is discontinuing the popular Disney Magical Express transportation service starting on January 1, 2022.
Disney’s Magical Express is a service that provides guests free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel they are staying at. The service started in 2005 and has been indispensable for millions of guests to get to the resort.
Disney’s Magical Express did reopen with the Parks in July 2020 with some modifications, but Disney has decided to discontinue it moving forward. At this time Disney doesn’t have any plans to replace it with another form of transportation.
If you are looking for another shuttle alternative to Disney’s Magical Express check out:
- Mears Connect Shuttle
- The Sunshine Flyer – (1920s locamotive-themed buses)
Disney released a statement about why they are eliminating the Magical Express service:
“Vacationers have more options to choose from than ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want. In light of this shift, when Disney Resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals on Jan 1, 2022.
We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. Additionally, complimentary transportation options – such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner – will continue to be available within Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Resort hotel guests, including to and from all four theme parks.”
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Our first reaction is not a good one. Disney’s Magical Express is one of the biggest perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, a list which is growing ever smaller.
A vacation to Disney World is already extremely expensive, and free transportation for guests to get to and from the airport provided by Disney is not only cost-effective but extremely easy and convenient.
Alternatives to the Magical Express for getting to Walt Disney World are now:
- Ride Sharing (Uber or Lyft)
- Taxi
- Renting a Car
- Mears Connect (Shuttle)
- The Sunshine Flyer (Shuttle)
While it’s true an Uber to Disney World from the Orlando International Airport typically costs $30 to $40, it’s the principle that counts. Many fans are already tired of the exorbitant prices in the parks, and having to shell out money now to get there from the airport will not help.
Obviously, after the extreme budget cuts from this past year, Disney feels it’s too expensive to operate and isn’t as valuable of a service as it once was with ride-sharing services now so widely used.
Many people online are talking about the possibility of using the new Brightline high-speed train line coming to Disney World as a replacement for the Magical Express and maybe that’s why Disney is continuing the bus service.
While that is technically possible, we just don’t see it. Since there is a stop going in at the airport, Disney could include a round-trip ticket from there for every resort hotel guest.
The only issue is that it wouldn’t be very convenient since the stop planned at Disney World is at Disney Springs which means guests would have to get off at Disney Springs and then take a bus from there to their hotel.
We just don’t see that happening and getting an Uber is going to be the cheapest way from here on out.
Disney also announced some more new changes recently with Disney World Resort guests being able to go to the parks earlier than the general public. This new service is called “Early Theme Park Entry” and it takes the place of Extra Magic Hours. MagicBands are also not included free for hotel guests anymore.
You can read our guide to the Disney World Reopening to see more of the changes that have happened in the last few months.
One thing is for sure, with all these perks disappearing, it’s become less and less appealing to stay at Disney World Resort hotel. We’ll see if Disney does something to change that.
The Magical Express transportation service will continue running for guests arriving at The Walt Disney World Resort through December 31, 2021.
This is a breaking story and we will share more of our thoughts on the situation soon.
Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about Disney’s Magical Express being discontinued…
- How do you feel about this change?
- How much does this weigh into your decision to stay at a Disney World Resort Hotel?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Nickledanddimed
Sunday 13th of November 2022
One year later and no change to DME being shelved.
Internal losses show only online subscriptions were the cause for 1.5 billion loss in 4Q.
Doubt that is accurate. Controlling the narative is their bread and butter. Won't even release daily park attendance, so how do you believe subscription goals not met is the reason.
Cuts made will be at the parks, of course ! And what little remains of service or entertainment will completely dry up.
Magical express buses were natural gas powered as I recall so the enviro excuse rings totally and wholly false, for it's demise.
No it was a cost shift to consumers, not the corporate double speak/spin that "consumers have so many more choices now" gibberish, and want to pay for their transportation to and from resorts.
As their fifedom ends, it's self-governing charade, will probably unearth some very troubling truths about how things ran.
The bi-county supervision of park up keep will ensure Disney will remain in cost cutting mode for years to come.
A new sign at the enterance to the happiest place on earth will read, "FOR SALE"
Sophia
Tuesday 25th of January 2022
Talking to a driver a few years ago, they mentioned that Disney was having a hard time finding and keeping drivers to operate all their buses. He joked that if we wanted a job for a week, we could have one. It’ll be a different experience without this mode of transportation, but I’m sure the decision had to do with a lot more than just the operating costs of it.
John
Monday 20th of September 2021
The “little things” disappearing are the things that added to the magic. The parks and the rooms are excellent but it’s these little extras that had me thinking seriously About the DVC. Now we are waiting to see just how many other “little things” disappear that might just make it not worth it
PegP
Friday 25th of June 2021
We've always tried to go to Disney every year, when possible. We missed 2020, for obvious reasons, but went in May 2021. It was, I'm sorry to say, the worst vacation we've had anywhere, let alone at Disney. Gone are the days of Disney picking your luggage up for you at the airport and allowing you to check them in at resort before leaving. The buffets that are now 'family-style' meals are ridiculous. They're still ridiculously expensive, but you don't get the character interactions or the food choices. Tusker House (for example) no longer has the combination of the exotic African food with the familiar American foods. So anyone with picky eaters won't enjoy there. But you'll stay pay a premium price. ADRs only being able to be made 2 months out inside of 6 made it even harder to get a coveted reservation. This was the first time we couldn't get one for Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater. Disney's increasing capacity at the parks, but not returning the FastPass. Park Hopping doesn't start until 2:00 pm. And park reservations are a major hassle if you need to change one. No more magic bands. And now no more Magic Express. BUT (shocker) the cost of an onsite Disney trip is still just as high as ever. So you're paying the same amount and getting about a third what you used to get. It's soured us on Disney. We're thinking of going to Universal next year.
Mary Anne
Friday 30th of April 2021
This will probably be our last visit to Disney.. we used to go frequently.... it’s the principle of discontinued perks..