BREAKING NEWS: Magical Express Replacement Announced – Launches 2022

We’ve known for some time that Disney’s Magical Express will be discontinued at the end of the year. Many guests have been wondering about the best option to get from the airport to Walt Disney World Resort. Mears has announced a new service that will be a great option for guests. Learn more below.

Mears, the company that operates Magical Express, has announced, Mears Connect, a new shuttle service that will begin when Magical Express ends in January 2022. Details are limited but the service will offer connections to Orlando International Airport to the Disney Resort Area offering “the same reliable, safe, express service” guests have come to know and expect over the year. Since Mears is the current operator we expect that other than guests having to sign up for the service separately, guests won’t notice much difference in how the shuttles are operated. We do expect the buses to be Mears ones and not Disney-themed ones.

Reservations for the new service will begin in May 2021. You can sign up to get notified about when reservations open by clicking here. No pricing details have been released but are expected to be announced later this year.

From the information available, it appears that Mears Connect will essentially be the same service as Magical Express without the Disney theming. While it’s disappointing some of the Disney magic will be gone, it’s good to know that guests will continue to have a full service option for transportation from and to the airport.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Things You Need to Know About Disney’s Magical Express

by Jenn S.

Looking for transportation from Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort for your vacation? Disney provides a shuttle service known as Disney’s Magical Express for registered guests of their resorts. Read on to find out 10 things you need to know about the Disney’s Magical Express.

Editor’s Note: Disney will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals January 1, 2022. Disney will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021.

1 – It’s Free

Disney’s Magical Express is a complimentary service for all Walt Disney World Resort guests. There is not an additional charge to use this service and it does not matter if you have a package or a room-only reservation, any registered guest can use it. Please note that Disney’s Magical Express does not service any of the Hotel Boulevard Resorts near Disney Springs, Shades of Green, The Four Seasons or The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Guests staying at one of these resorts will need to arrange for alternate transportation.

2 – Services Orlando International Airport

Disney’s Magical Express provides complimentary service from Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort. Be careful when booking your flights as some airlines do fly into the Sanford/Orlando airport. This airport is about 45 minutes north of Walt Disney World and you will need to either rent a car or hire private transportation from this airport.

Please Note: During the phased reopening of Disney World, luggage delivery is temporarily unavailable. Points 3 & 4 do not apply if you are visiting during this time. Guests must retrieve their luggage at the airport and it will be transported with them on the Magical Express bus. If you are visiting during the phased reopening, please make sure you retrieve your luggage before you head to the Magical Express departure area.

3 – Yellow Luggage Tags

Before you leave home you will receive a set of yellow luggage tags. These are similar to the types of tags the airline will put on them. By placing the yellow tags on your luggage, the airport will pull your bags after it is unloaded from the plane. There is no need to visit the baggage claim and you can head right to the boarding area for Disney’s Magical Express!

4 – Luggage Delivery Time

Once you arrive to the resort it takes approximately 3 to 5 hours for your luggage to be delivered. Behind the scenes at the airport your luggage is pulled before it reaches the baggage claim, then it is sorted and sent on trucks to Walt Disney World. Each truck may have several resorts to stop at. Once it is at your resort, your Bell Service Cast Members will deliver the luggage to your room! There is no need to be in the room for them to deliver it. Delays can occur due to weather so keep in mind that there is that 3 to 5-hour window for delivery. Usually, the luggage arrives around the 3-hour mark. Also, be sure to pack in your carry-on any items you will need right away before your luggage arrives.

5 – Taking Your luggage with You

If you would rather take your luggage with you and not have it transferred by using the yellow tags, simply discard the tags and pick up your luggage as normal at the baggage claim. Your luggage will be stored under the motorcoach and you will have it immediately at the resort. If you arrive before your room is ready Bell Services can hold your luggage for you until the room is ready.

6 – Arriving after 10 pm

If your flight is arriving after 10 pm you will not be able to utilize the yellow tags and will need to pick up your luggage at the baggage claim and take it with you onto the motorcoach. Additionally, if you are waiting at the resort for your luggage to arrive be sure to let Bell Services know you do want it to be delivered, even if it is late.

7 – Getting your Transportation Notice

The day before your check out you should receive your transportation notice hanging on your door. This letter should have each of your party members listed, your flight information, and a motor coach date and pick-up time.  If any of this information is missing or is incorrect you will need to stop by the front desk with your flight information for assistance. Do not lose this transportation notice as you must have it with you to board Disney’s Magical Express. Your Magicbands cannot be used to board the motorcoach.

8 – Returning Flight and Luggage

There are two options for luggage on your return trip. If your airline is a participating airline for Resort Airline Check in and you are on a domestic flight you can check in your luggage at the resort and not see it until you reach your final destination. This service is open from 5 am to 12 pm daily. You can also pay baggage fees and get your boarding passes at this location. Each adult in the party must have a photo ID.  You can store carryon items at Bell Services until it is time to board the Disney’s Magical Express.

If your airline does not participate in Resort Airline Check-in or you simply want to take your luggage yourself you can store items at Bell Services until it is time for your pick-up time. Then you will take your luggage with you onto the motorcoach and drop it at your airlines bag drop at the airport.

9 – Departure Times

Your Disney’s Magical Express pick-up time should be approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure for domestic flights. International flights should have pick-up times approximately 4 hours before your flight. It is not possible to schedule a later pickup time, you can however go earlier if you would like. The 3 hours prior is to ensure that Disney can get you to the airport in time for your flight. Keep in mind that the motorcoach may stop at multiple other Disney Resorts and that it is approximately 45 minutes to the airport depending on traffic.

10 – Don’t Miss Your Bus

It is recommended that you arrive at the pickup location 15 minutes prior to your pick-up time. If you are using the Resort Airline Check-in service be sure to give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to check your luggage depending on how busy it may be. If you miss your scheduled pick-up time it is likely you will need to take a taxi at your own expense. The Magical Express only picks up guests who are scheduled, so it is quite possible that there may not be another scheduled pick-up at your resort for over an hour. Additionally, if another bus is scheduled to arrive it might be full as the driver knows how many open seats he may have.

Disney’s Magical Express is a free service that takes you from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World and will return you to the airport for your departure. This service makes it easy for you to start your vacation without the hassle of spending time at the baggage claim and the stress of driving a rental car. Be sure to take advantage of this service on your next trip!