If you've been to Walt Disney World, you've probably used Disney’s Magical Express service going to and from the Orlando International Airport to a Disney World resort. Well, Disney just announced that this free transportation service will end on January 1, 2022. Disney’s Magical Express service will continue for new and existing reservations at Disney Resort hotels throughout 2021. Communications manager for Walt Disney World Resort, Avery Maehrer, explained the decision in a Disney Parks blog post,
"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 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."
Disney hasn't commented on whether an alternative service would be offered once the Magical Express retires, but Mears Transportation, which operates the Magical Express, released a statement:
"Walt Disney World made us aware of their decision. While we are disappointed Disney will no longer offer this service, we intend to continue offering transportation services between the airport and all area theme parks and hotels to meet the demand of our visitors now and in the future."
Another change happening to the Walt Disney World Resort is Extra Magic Hours being replaced by "Early Theme Park Entry." The new early entry will allow "Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to ANY theme park, EVERY day." Previously with Extra Magic Hours, hotels guests were able to enjoy certain parks an hour before the park opened or an hour after the park closed.
Do you think these changes were a good idea or a bad idea?
Photo Credit: Disney Food Blog / @disneyfoodblog