In his recent article on Disney’s Magical Express MousePlanet staff writer Steve Russo gave an outline of Walt Disney World’s airport transfer service and his experiences with it (“Disney’s Magical Express,” March 21, 2008). He also asked for reader opinions, and you replied with enthusiasm. This week’s mailbag presents a sampling of the letters that Steve received, along with his responses.
Brad W. writes:
Great job summing up the Disney’s Magical Express (DME) program! I keep up with all things Disney, so I was well aware, but I’m sure there are plenty out there who were glad to see your article! Here are a couple of notes and observations from my own experiences using the service:
1) Great point on the “complaints and arguments” that people have. Someone you don’t know will be handling your bags, whether it’s a person affiliated with Magical Express or the airlines, so there’s equal chance something can go wrong. In the three times I’ve used it, we’ve never had anything lost, damaged or stolen, so at least my track record is pretty good! Yes, there’s a chance, but there’s also the same chance even if you don’t use Magical Express, so I don’t see the difference.
2) Out of the three times I’ve used DME, I’ve gotten on almost immediately twice, and waited maybe a half hour the other time. Both times I’ve gotten on early have probably been because I arrived at MCO quite early (around 9 or 9:30 a.m.), and there just wasn’t a huge volume of traffic at that time. Last September, we arrived around 11, but apparently so did about 2,000 other people, so it took a while to get going. However they moved the lines quickly, and I still didn’t have to deal with rental cars, finding a cab/limo, etc, so it’s worth it to me!
3) We aren’t ones to make a “grocery stop” (we usually just pack any food/drink we want to bring in our luggage), so this doesn’t really affect us, but your point on the math is great. There are other ways to come out ahead.
4) I agree with the rental car scenario. I’m on vacation at WDW so the last thing I want to have to do, especially with four kids, is drive everywhere. The Disney transportation options are great, and allow someone else to worry about the driving while I relax on the bus, boat or monorail!
5) As to the listener who supposedly waited 5 hours—I’m sorry, but if that truly happened, that’s your own fault. I’m not saying glitches don’t happen, that people can’t fall through the cracks, but if that indeed happen, then the person should have taken some action. If that person in particular was getting passed up, then it definitely was something extremely unusual. It would be interesting to know the details – what the person did when they arrived at MCO, if they checked in properly, if they waited in the right lines, etc. I bet not, but that’s just a hunch.
6) Although some with kids may wish to skip DME, it actually works better for us, having 4 kids, to use it rather than other conventional options! My wife and I are already trying to keep tabs on a 12 and 9 year old, as well as push a 2 year old in a stroller we bring and carry a baby. For us, having to stop and get luggage on top of that, and then get to our transportation, would be a major hassle. Using DME allows us to skip all that, and just be able to concentrate on getting our family where we are anxiously waiting to go! We then only have to fuss with luggage at our home airport, when departing for our vacation, and coming back from our vacation. For us, it is definitely much easier using DME!
All in all, a great concept, and one I’m sure has paid off for countless families, as well as for Disney!
I’m glad you enjoyed the column. You’ve made some great points here, particularly # 6. It seems that parents with multiple children in tow would do well to heed your advice.
Bob B. writes:
I couldn’t agree with you more. Since I am a retired vet, we spent our last visit to WDW at Shades of Green. We were disappointed to learn that DME did not go to the military resort, but I can understand why. We did end up spending about $150 on a Mears town car including tip. That would have paid for a couple days of food for us. We also loved the Disney transportation system. When the only thing you have to worry about is if you’re standing in the proper queue then sign me up. We are planning another visit and are now thinking of staying at a regular Disney resort instead of Shades of Green so we can use DME.
I also appreciate the Disney transportation system. It’s certainly not perfect, but I think it does a wonderful job of transporting thousands and thousands of people each day.
Mike writes:
Having now made three trips to WDW from the West Coast (LA area), we have experienced both the DME and rental car scenarios. I have to say, after all the planning, packing, driving, screening, checking, boarding, sitting, and waiting, the DME for us is a service that we will always take advantage of. The ability to get off that airplane at Orlando International Airport from Los Angeles International (after a five-hour flight) and not have to worry about picking up luggage, getting a car, and packing everyone in, is a luxury I for one hope Disney never gets rid of. And we look forward to seeing the Disney greeter in the airport because we know that means we are there!
I have always found the DME employees to be helpful and courteous, making sure our return plans are correct. Then I can relax, take a seat on the bus and not worry about fighting traffic for the rest of my vacation. And for once, I am saving money! You can’t beat that…
I truly do not understand those who complain about some of these things. We get a kick out of using Disney transportation, sure it has its “moments” and we wait, but we are on vacation at WDW and remind ourselves of that. We like to talk to the CMs working the boats, buses and monorails, they have interesting stories to tell and you never know what you might learn about the place or them.
So I hope Disney never takes DME away, or worse, starts to charge separate for it. Go prepared like you said and stop complaining about everything. You are on vacation for Pete’s sake…
Thanks for writing. I appreciated and enjoyed your comments. I think we’re a lot alike in our view of what a vacation is.
Lisa McC. writes:
I really enjoyed reading your article about Disney’s Magical Express and can hardly wait to show it to my husband. He is one of the gremlins in the bowels of the Orlando airport that looks for yellow DME tags!
Thanks for writing and for those kind words. Tell your husband ‘Hi’ for me and ‘Thanks’ for getting my bags through without incident.
Patricia C. writes:
My daughters, granddaughter and I have been to Disney World twice: In February 2006 and again this year in February. Both times we used the Magical Express. I don’t see what anyone would have to complain about. All you have to do is check in and get on the bus. If your resort isn’t the first one, it really doesn’t matter, because you will get to your hotel soon enough. I think it’s great.
One comment that I did agree with was to be sure to put swimsuits in your carryon because, most likely, the children are going to want to go swimming and it does take quite awhile for your luggage to get to you. Since we fly from San Diego, by the time we get to the hotel it’s time to have dinner anyway so we really don’t need our luggage as soon as some people seem to think they need theirs.
Another great advantage is the check in at the hotel when you are on your way home. The first trip my daughters had really overloaded one of the suitcases. Since it was weighed at the hotel check-in they could take care of it at the hotel instead of in the middle of the airport.
I think the Magical Express just makes everything easier. We have found that it’s not that hard to arrange to rent a car for just the day to do something off property. The first trip we went to Kennedy Space Center, this year we went to Tampa. The rest of the time we used the buses on property and that was it.
I’m glad Magical Express worked out so well for you. Thanks so much for reading and writing.
Chris H. writes:
I enjoyed your article on Disney’s Magical Express. The biggest problem I had with DME was finding the DME counter at the airport. There are no signs – you basically have to ask someone how to get there. My flight was getting in late so I decided we would carry our own luggage. Huge mistake. I don’t care how late I get in and what time of night I’d be wakened by bell services, I will have Disney haul my luggage to my resort and then the one-mile walk across Coronado Springs Resort.
I had a similar experience the first time I used DME after they moved to Terminal B—I also had to ask someone. In their defense, I believe the airport has restricted the signage they can use so DME has placed “greeters” (usually wearing those big, white, 4-fingered Mickey gloves) by the escalators. I asked one of them and was directed downstairs and “all the way to the end.”
Riki B. writes:
We have been to WDW twice since 2006. We joined DVC last year and plan on going at least once a year. Our first experience with DME was not great as on the return to the airport the bus driver forgot to load our luggage; when we were waiting for the luggage to be unloaded ours was not there. We had to wait for the next bus to arrive with our luggage, which it did, but we almost missed our flight.
Our second experience in December 2007 had problems also. I thought the DVC had reserved us on DME but when we got there they had no record of us. It took another 30 minutes to get us in the computer so we could get on a bus.
We went during the Pop Warner Football playoffs and were stuck on the bus from hell with all these rude, loud and obnoxious teenagers and their parents. It was a long ride to Saratoga Springs plus we had to wait about 30 minutes on the bus for it to depart.
On our return our bus was already full when it got to Saratoga Springs so we had to wait another hour for the next bus. The cast members said they would get a van to take us to the airport but that never happened. The line to check luggage was huge and they told us we could not check it because the line was too long.
So I think I have this figured out now:
1. Make sure you are reserved on the DME and do use the tags for luggage delivery to your room.
2. On return do use the luggage check in but go several hours before your assigned bus time to insure you have time to check your luggage.
3. Bring your iPod with noise canceling headphones and listen to happy Disney music on the ride to your hotel or to the airport.
4. Remember after all it’s free!
I’m sorry about that less-than-stellar experience but it sounds like you have it figured out now.
Pat writes:
We used DME in November when arriving in Orlando at almost midnight. It was great! At the resort, we asked that bell services hold our bags when they arrived (so that we wouldn’t be woken up), which they gladly did. When we woke in the morning, we called the front desk and bell services brought it to us within minutes. We had taken pajamas and bathroom necessities in our carryon. It worked fabulously; what a really a great service.
I’m glad you had a good experience with DME; it sounds like you prepared smartly with the essentials in a carry-on.
Jim H. writes:
Here’s a thumbs-up for Disney’s Magical Express. My family used it on our last trip when I did the Goofy marathon and a half in January 2007. Not only did we save $300 over the cost of a car rental, but the Disney bus service was really convenient as well: dropping my family off at the front gate to the parks instead of parking in the outer fringes and walking to the gate. They were thinking, “We could get used to this.”
It also saved me the hassle of trying to figure directions, driving around, etc. when I could focus on resting for the upcoming races. Not only that, but as we were getting ready to board the Magical Express bus back to the airport, we were selected as part of the Year of a Million Dreams contest and given a complimentary stretch limo ride to the airport. We were in our glory. The entire experience convinced me to always use Magical Express whenever we go back (Goofy in 2010?).
It sounds like you had a great Magical Express experience. I particularly like that Year of a Million Dreams—a limo back to the airport. I’m envious.
Joe C. writes:
The first time we visited WDW we decided to rent a car. After we got our bags, my two teenage sons, my wife and I in the car, we noticed it had no shocks and the car bottomed out trying to leave the rental car lot. Next the agent that brought us out our new car had turned on the headlights (11a.m.) and we didn’t notice. Needless to say when we went out that night to get groceries the battery was dead and the front desk sent a truck around to recharge the battery.
When we took it back after using it twice in 10 days, we were charged for a full tank of gas, even though it was over half full when we dropped it off (fine print); we were also charged the insurance we waived (more fine print) and had to wait almost 45 minutes to get a ride to the terminal.
The next two trips to WDW we used Magical Express from Buffalo NY. We were dropped at the curb by our shuttle, walked three feet to the JetBlue outdoor check in counter and never saw our bags again until after dinner at WDW. Both times we had about a 15-20 minute wait from the time we got to the terminal to the time we boarded the bus. Both times our driver talked the whole way to the resort, pointing out various places, animals and generally goofing around with the passengers. We could not have had a better time.
When we arrived at Pop Century, we checked in and then headed for the parks for a few hours before coming back for a swim and supper. I have recommended Magical Express to everyone I know that is going to WDW. Your time shouldn’t be spent finding your luggage, hauling it to the rental car, loading it, finding your way to WDW, finding the right resort, checking in, unloading the car, and hauling bags from parking lot to the room. This does not make for a relaxing, happy experience, believe me. I have done that and as long as Magical Express is running I will make full use of this wonderful service.
I’ve had a few similar experiences with rental cars and they’re certainly no way to start a vacation.
Rae writes:
Thanks for your excellent article about the Magical Express Option. I have to confess I have not taken advantage of it yet even though I go to WDW 2-4 times a year. I am one of those people who are too impatient to wait for the resort bus to take me to the parks. I like the flexibility of a rental car and I like to go to the Disney outlet at the Premium Outlet mall.
I will say however that being able to check baggage and receive a boarding pass at the resort is the best thing since sliced bread. It is a real time saver and so nice not to have to drag your luggage through the parking lot, up the escalator and hassle with check in. Way to go Disney! I am remotely considering using Magical Express for my September trip when I am there for the new Everest Run. By the way, you probably didn’t know hell froze over, because that was the only way I would ever pay $100 for a 5K event!
On your next trip, take a day to ride nothing but Disney transportation. Try to take yourself out of that “commando mode” and relax a bit. You might just be surprised. At any rate, good luck in the 5K.
Kim P. writes:
I just wanted to tell you how much I’m enjoying your column at MousePlanet. With regard to Magical Express, I think you missed one other point in its favor—the video entertainment. Our children (11 and 9) love the Magical Express video even though they’ve seen it several times. It seems that our Disney vacations truly start as soon as that video starts rolling, and we never really pay attention to how long it takes to get to our resort.
Oh, and we have used the Magical Express for arrivals as late as midnight or 1am. It actually was a relief to know that we didn’t have to go to baggage claim that late at night. At the resort, we used the “Do not disturb” sign on the door and Disney left a message on our phone the next morning letting us know that all we had to do was phone the bell hop and he’d bring our luggage to our room when we were ready. I called, hopped in the shower, and our bags were there before I finished with my shower. Of course, I always pack our nighttime essentials and a change of clothing in our carry-on, because you never know when luggage might go astray even without the Magical Express, so we were all set. Our family loves the Magical Express!
I appreciate your comments. I have not done the late-night arrival using DME so I appreciate learning of your experiences.
Diane H. writes:
We used the Magical Express this past Thanksgiving, but we arrived the Friday before to avoid the holiday crush. The only problem that we had was a delay in getting our luggage to our room. We arrived at the hotel at 8 pm. I figured we would wait the 2 hours before I called to see where our luggage was. At 10 p.m., I was told there was a backlog. At 11 p.m., I was told “shortly.” I said please bring them as soon as they get here. I put the girls to bed in extra shirts they had in their carry-ons and started to watch TV. Last time I looked at the clock it was 11:45, and when I woke up it was 1 am! I called downstairs and was told there was no deliveries after 11 p.m.! I said “that’s nice, bring it immediately.” Ten minutes later, the luggage was in the room with an explanation of “sorry, we really don’t deliver after 11 pm.” With people arriving at all times from all over the world, that was the worst excuse I ever heard. Checking out was no problem at all; a little more work, but definitely worth it.
I’m sorry you experienced some confusion. I believe their policy is not to deliver after 11:00 p.m. (they’ll hold the bags until morning so you can sleep) But… they should deliver if specifically asked to do so. It sounds like your directions to them got lost in the shuffle. Definitely try it again.
Pam M. writes:
I loved the Magical Express article! We used DME just to return to the airport last June and loved the convenience.
Another great option for people planning to visit other Orlando attractions is to rent a car at the airport upon arrival and use Magical Express to return to the airport like we did. We visited family in the Orlando area for a day before heading to Disney. Families wanting to go to SeaWorld or Universal or other places could do that first before Disney. We rented our car from Alamo right on the airport property, visited family, spent the night in Deltona and picked up our groceries for Disney and drove to our Disney resort and unloaded. Then we dropped the car off at the Alamo/National rental car site on Disney property. The shuttle at the on-site rental car place will then take you back to your resort – or wherever you need to go. It was perfect for our situation!
Thanks for writing. I’m glad you enjoyed the column. And thanks for the tip on using the rental car—I’ll keep that filed for future use.
