Disney will continue cruise transportation

[brentm77]

As previously shared, Disney’s Magical Express will no longer be available as a transportation option between the Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning in January 2022.

As a result, private transfers will be the only option available to purchase through Disney Cruise Line for Guests who have added pre- and/or post-nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to their cruise reservation. If Guests are not interested in Private Transfers, information on alternative transportation options between the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and the Orlando International Airport can be found at https://orlandoairports.net/parking-transportation/.

Guests may continue to purchase ground transfers through Disney Cruise Line for travel between the Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral (Airport to Port, Port to Airport) and/or between a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Port Canaveral (Resort to Port, Port to Resort). As are reminder, Disney’s Magical Express service will continue to operate for arrivals through 2021, including for Guests visiting as part of Disney Land and Sea Packages.

Source: https://**************.net/2021/02/disney-cruise-line-transportation-rwb1/

 

[brentm77]

I have personally never used Disney for transportation. We have used both a private service and a rental car. But I am glad to see it will remain an option for those who love it.

 

[Iestyn5150]

Ok, so if I reading this correctly I can arrive from the UK to MCO and still get a Disney Coach from MCO to Port Canaveral and then from the Port to my resort after the cruise yes? Even after December 2021?

 

[brentm77]

Ok, so if I reading this correctly I can arrive from the UK to MCO and still get a Disney Coach from MCO to Port Canaveral and then from the Port to my resort after the cruise yes? Even after December 2021?

That is my understanding from the Disney release.

 

[Mommb]

Ok, so if I reading this correctly I can arrive from the UK to MCO and still get a Disney Coach from MCO to Port Canaveral and then from the Port to my resort after the cruise yes? Even after December 2021?

Yes. The Magical Express service that is being discontinued at the end of 2021 transports Disney Resort guests between the Orlando airport and Disney World resorts at no additional cost.

The Disney Cruise service that transports guests between Port Canaveral and the Orlando airport or the DIsney World resorts at an addition cost will still be available after Magic Express service ends.

 

[mevelandry]

Ok good.

 

[anricat]

I had to re-read that about 18 times to actually figure it out. Someone needs to do a better job of writing press releases. What a garbled mess that is!

 

[starvenger]

I have personally never used Disney for transportation. We have used both a private service and a rental car. But I am glad to see it will remain an option for those who love it.

Always better to have options when it comes to transport, especially considering that the distance from airport to port is not trivial.

 

[Snowwhyt]

1) Am I correct in remembering that parking was a problem at the resorts?
2) That parking spaces were going to be charged now per day?
3) And is the solution to not discontinue the Disney hotel shuttle but just charge for it?
4) Don’t most better hotels offer hotel shuttles to/from the airport?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

1) Am I correct in remembering that parking was a problem at the resorts?
2) That parking spaces were going to be charged now per day?
3) And is the solution to not discontinue the Disney hotel shuttle but just charge for it?
4) Don’t most better hotels offer hotel shuttles to/from the airport?

1) I've never noticed a particular problem parking at the resorts. But, then, I'm not adverse to walking a little, I don't have to park right in front of my door.
2) Yes
3) I believe they are stopping the Magic Express service. It was contracted through Mears. I don't know that there is any other bus service to WDW resorts available for purchase.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

1) Am I correct in remembering that parking was a problem at the resorts?
2) That parking spaces were going to be charged now per day?
3) And is the solution to not discontinue the Disney hotel shuttle but just charge for it?
4) Don’t most better hotels offer hotel shuttles to/from the airport?

4) Hotels located near the airport typically provide this service for no additional charge. Hotels located some distance from the airport may provide such a service, perhaps as a free service, more likely at some extra cost. It really depends on the market and alternative transport options in particular cities.

Before the Magical Express service between MCO and the WDW resorts, many guests used the paid shuttles from Mears. In fact, Mears both provided the DME buses under contract and also continued to serve other (non-Disney) hotels in the area with shuttles and buses, depending on demand.

 

[dclpluto]

39 dollars one way Disney will have to be pretty stupid to get rid of the transportation. So no it’s not going away.

 

[PoohBears#1fan]

We staying at WDW on our DVC points before and after our cruise, can we use ME to get to the port? Will we be able to leave our car at WDW while we're cruising (3 nights) or would you all recommend driving to Canaveral? Thanks

 

[Dug720]

We staying at WDW on our DVC points before and after our cruise, can we use ME to get to the port? Will we be able to leave our car at WDW while we're cruising (3 nights) or would you all recommend driving to Canaveral? Thanks

Magical Express NEVER went to Port Canaveral. The Disney Cruise Line Bus was always a paid service - as every cruise line offers from the closest airport as they have to have some way to get their passengers to the port.

I don't drive, so I can't answer those questions.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We staying at WDW on our DVC points before and after our cruise, can we use ME to get to the port? Will we be able to leave our car at WDW while we're cruising (3 nights) or would you all recommend driving to Canaveral? Thanks

As noted Magical Express was a free service between MCO and WDW resorts. Transportation between resorts and the port are a paid service.

AFAIK, you can leave your car at the resort, but there's a charge for parking in the resort lots now. It may be more cost effective to drive to the port and park there. You'd wind up paying for the parking at the resort as well as the cost of the transfers from resort to port and back.

 

[PoohBears#1fan]

As noted Magical Express was a free service between MCO and WDW resorts. Transportation between resorts and the port are a paid service.

Yes apologies, I meant the cruise line bus!

 

[lanejudy]

Will we be able to leave our car at WDW while we're cruising (3 nights) or would you all recommend driving to Canaveral?

Ability to leave a vehicle parked at a WDW resort has to be arranged with the resort directly, and usually cannot be planned for in advance. Staying on DVC points they won't charge for parking during your stay, but they may charge if you leave it during the cruise. I would just drive to the port and park there; bonus that if you pack right, you could probably leave a couple of bags in the car and not lug everything on/off the ship.