Disney Express Airport Pick-up

[GrannyEv]

Has anyone used the new Disney Express pickup at the Orlando airport.
Although my trip isn't until September (we may be flying now instead of driving) when I was on the disney site they were offering it. Sounds great, the grandkids will love to be picked up at the airport by Disney. Saves a bit of money too.

Hope you are all keeping warm. Calling for more snow here today in London,Ont.

hugs
GrannyEv

 

[my3princesses]

We will be using ground transfers when we are in florida at the end of february. This was arranged through the Cruise line as we start at WDW and then go on to the cruise (land/sea).

This is our first time using this however it sounds nice as they will pick up our luggage for us at the airport and ensure it gets to our resort. I thought it would be better than renting a car as we are not planning on leaving WDW the entire time. If that is your plan than it may sound like the way to go.

I have heard that they have videos and the bus ride is supposed to be fun. Looking forward to it.

 

[ChisJo]

I have heard that they only do this on domestic flights using only specific airlines. Don't know which airlines though (thinking American, Delta, etc.)

 

[pumpkinboy]

Disney's Magical Express does not start up until 5/5/05. It is only for certain airlines so far including Delta, American, Continental and United, but I am not sure if it is restricted to domestic flights. However, unless you're flying from TO, most Canadians will have to change planes somewhere in the US anyway, so I expect many will be able to use it (e.g. Delta from the Maritimes and Continental or United from Alberta). I imagine that since you would clear customs and immigration in Canada, that you would be OK to check bags straight thru anyway. It will be similar to what happens on cruises: you pre-tag your bags ahead of time, check them in at the originating airport, then you skip baggage claim in Orlando, meet the Mears motorcoach which whisks you off to your Disney resort, and once you check in to your room, bell services magically appears with your checked luggage.

For the full FAQ, check out this link.

I am looking forward to using this, and skipping the baggage carousel in Orlando. The fact that the airport transfers are free is a big plus. Even if we have to stop off at another resort or two on our way, it's such a big savings, and huge convenience that I think the trade-offs will make it worth it.

 

[riu girl]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it is my understanding that if you are flying on ANY US domestic flight, you can use this service. THe only difference is that the airlines that are mentioned (Delta etc) will have a special desk at each WDW resort. At the end of your trip you can check your bags right there and pick up your boarding pass. THe airlines not mentioned can still use Magical Express.

PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong.

Suzy V

 

[Debbie]

No, you are right, Suzy. Anyone will be able to use the Magical Express.

While the inbound domestic airlines are not restricted, as of now the outbound pre-flight check in at the resort is limited to guests flying on American, Delta, Song, Continental, United or Ted. Guests using these airlines can check their bags and receive their boarding passes between 6:00am and 2:00pm at the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located in or near the lobby of their Disney resort.

It looks like it is the pre-flight check in that is restricted to those airlines.

IF I were going , AND I were flying, I would use the transportation service, no problem. I used Mears early this month BTW, and was onboard within 5 minutes, out of the airport within 20, and at WL in 1 hour. I didn't mind that at all. No stress on my part.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Here's more info from the FAQ for Travel Agents:

The inbound portion of the service (into Orlando International Airport) is available for all Disney resort guests, regardless of the airline they’ve selected – domestic and international flights.

The outbound portion of Disney’s Magical Express (from a Disney Resort to Orlando International Airport) offers Resort Guests complimentary return transportation from their hotel to Orlando International Airport. For those flying domestically on the following airlines -- American, Delta (including Song), Continental, and United (including Ted), Disney’s Magical Express also offers resort airline check-in that allows these Guests to check their luggage and receive their airline boarding passes at their Walt Disney World Resort. With this service, Guests with late flight departures no longer have to worry about their luggage after they check-out of their Resort; they can simply check their luggage at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk and then enjoy the last day of their stay.

This service is complimentary to Disney Resort guests throughout the Happiest Celebration on Earth, beginning May 5, 2005 and extending throughout the year 2006.

Highlights:
An Airport Transportation Booklet containing general information and luggage tags - to be attached prior to leaving home - will be mailed to the guest or travel agent/wholesaler approximately 21 days prior to arrival.
Guests are met by a costumed Disney representative upon arrival at the airport and directed to our Disney Welcome Center located on Level One A side of the airport.
Guests will board a themed motor coach to their Resort and experience an “edutainment” video.
The tagged luggage is retrieved behind the scenes and delivered separately to their Resort room.
For the resort departure, Guests will be notified of their motor coach pick up time the day prior to check-out.
The motor coach pick up time is approximately 2 ¾ hours prior to their flight departure.
Guests will experience another video presentation from their Resort to the airport.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, the seven hotels on or near Hotel Plaza Boulevard, and Shades of Green are not included.

So International flights too, at least for the inbound leg. It looks like the key is getting the special tags from Disney and putting them on your luggage. So once you're signed up and have your tags on your bags, you simply fly into Orlando, meet the Disney greeter who sends you to your bus, then go to your resort, check-in, then your bags appear magically. Pretty cool.

Yet another reason to stay on site.

 

[riu girl]

Magical Express looks great. We can't wait to be able to use this service for our next WDW holiday. What a great way to start your holiday. Especially for us, We are not very fond of driving and last WDW trip we rented a car at MCO and drove to WDW. It worked out fine but it was quite a sight. Me with 3 different maps on my lap trying to get from MCO to WDW and DH asking "Is this the right lane?, how long till the next toll booth?, what exit # again? etc etc.

Suzy V.