Today, the Disney Parks Blog has made the official announcement that the Magical Express at Disney World is coming to an end. Reservations starting in 2022 will no longer offer this free transportation service from the airport to the Disney Resorts. With the end of the Magical Express, many may be wondering what other transportation options are available for getting to the Disney Resorts.
Disney’s Official Announcement
“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.
While we are retiring this option, we’re introducing some new ways for guests to enjoy their visits, while reimagining others.”
What we can expect:
With this major change coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, we can expect a similar situation to the Disneyland Resort when it comes to transportation. Over in California, the Disneyland Resort never offered an official shuttle from the airport to their onsite hotels. This led guests to find their own transportation to start their vacation. Options such as ride shares or renting their own vehicles seems to be the most popular. Renting your own vehicle does have the downfall of paying for nightly parking at your resort unfortunately.
Other Transportation Options
As Disney mentioned in their announcement, ride sharing services have become extremely popular and accessible. Companies like Uber, Lyft and others have made booking a vehicle extremely easy with mobile apps. However, there are situations in which large families may want to book a more professional ride service to start, or end, their Disney Vacation.
For a professional, seamless transportation option from the airport to Walt Disney World Resort, we recommend hiring a private car service. This is a very efficient service to have a timely and safe private car pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Additionally, you get the luxury of having your family be the only ones on this transportation system unlike the shared bus service the Magical Express offered.
When booking your reservation with DVC Shop Rentals, you can add our recommended private car service to your booking. When you arrive you’ll easily be able to spot your driver at Baggage Claim with a sign waiting for you.
Some benefits of booking through our private car service is that you will have assistance with your luggage and even additional stops are permitted during your ride. For example, at a non additional charge you can stop anywhere along your trip for 30 minutes. This is a great time to make purchases such as groceries and other essentials to have in your room for your vacation. Another great benefit for large families or those with extra baggage, mobility issues, etc., is the option to book a Minivan or Full-size van which can sometimes be difficult to find through the rideshare services.
Car Service Fees
Rates are as follows ($10 additional for pickups before 6 am):
| Vehicle Type | Orlando International | Sanford Airport |
| Town car | Minivan | Full van |
| $135 | $150 | $160 |
| $230 | $246 | $280 |
While many of us loved starting the Disney magic as soon as we walked out of the airport doors, thankfully there are many other transportation options available for getting to Disney World. Whether you choose to book our private car service, use a rideshare app, or rent a car, be sure to keep transportation in mind when booking your future vacations at Disney World as Disney’s Magical Express comes to an end in 2022.
Bobby Asen
DVC Shop Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy Michael Gray, flickr.com
