How much does Magical Express factor in to your decision

[Masonmj84]

to stay on-site?

For, us I'd say it's not the biggest reason (location, immersion, theming, FP+ at 60 days, 180+10 for ADRs are at least as big), but it's nonetheless an important factor.

We love being engulfed in the Disney bubble even before leaving the airport. We also love not having to go to baggage claim, not having to rent a car, not having to bring a car seat, and not have to worry about driving or parking. In addition, we love being able to check our bags at our resort prior to going home.

Every time I go on any other type of vacation, I find myself missing Magical Express. For example, last spring, we went to Disneyland, which does not have an equivalent service. We ended up taking the Gray Line Disneyland Resort Express bus from LAX, but between still having to go to baggage claim and standing outside for 30 minutes amidst traffic and cigarette smoke, it just wasn't the same (next time, I think we'll Uber from SNA but this will still require going to baggage claim and brining a car seat).

Most recently, we took a trip to the Pacific Northwest where it took over 90 minutes at the Seattle airport just to get our bags and rental car. As we loaded bags (and car seat) onto the rental car shuttle (and later waited in the rental car line), I couldn't help but think about how much I miss Magical Express.

Magical Express is truly one of the greatest marketing gimmicks of all time. Not only does it lock guests on property but it also makes them long for (on-property) WDW vacations versus other vacation destinations.

 

[minnie mum]

It doesn't factor in at all, since we drive. We still prefer to stay on site. If we were flying, it would still not be much of a factor, although I would be happy to take it and forgo the expense of a rental car.

 

[ANforever1030]

I don't consider it a deciding factor, but I do think that all the perks you initially mentioned -- plus DME -- does influence our decision to stay on site.

 

[Disneychick75]

ME figures in zero. We used it once and will use it again in Sept. to return to the airport. Usually we either rent a car or use a car service to go both to and from MCO. This time, we're using FL Tours to get from MCO to BCV. While at WDW, we'll use taxis.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

For me, equal factor to theming and the many other resort perks. I am not interested in driving when I'm on vacation and don't know where I am going. I'm directionaly challenged. If I had to I can figure it out but why have to. However because we go off site on Sunday for Mass we do get a car for one day to pick up a few things to leave in the fridge and attend Mass. But other wise, DH and I prefer to come and go on resort transportation. And this gives us flexibility to do our own thing if we should choose to do that.

Honestly I've never stayed at the real close off site hotels either so I don't know what that feels like.
I just saw a special for a $69 a night off site and was doing hmmmm.
It just works for me. Especially when I did a solo trip.

 

[donnaf516]

Not much at all. We usually rent a car and DH & kiddies take the ME with the luggage but we'd just do it ourselves if it wasn't available.

 

[krc99080]

For my "Girls Trip" where just a friend and I went the Magical Express was a huge benefit so neither of us have to drive and find our way around property. In addition it saved us the cost of a rental car.

Due to the time of year we travel and where we are coming from we still get our own luggage at the airport. We fly from weather that might need sweaters/sweatshirts/gloves/hats to what is most likely short sleeved weather. We want to be able to change into park clothing as soon as possible.

 

[Disfan1968]

We really enjoy using it, for those reasons mentioned. That being said, as my kids approach an age that will make Universal part of the equation, we will likely start driving down (from NY) and splitting our stay on/off site.

 

[addiln]

It is a zero factor. It is a service we use and enjoy. It would not be a deal breaker either way though.

 

[mickeynut1]

DME doesn't figure in at all for us. We never use it as we either rent a car or use a car service. It doesn't bother us having to check luggage or go to baggage claim to retrieve it. I actually prefer taking care of my own luggage. I know you can get your own luggage and take it on the bus, but I still prefer to use other transportation.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not at all. If I have a late flight in I don't use it. And I haven't used it for the trip back to the airport for a couple of years.

 

[waffocopter]

I've never stayed on-site but I will in October. DME is a very strong factor, along with being able to plan and reserve FP+ and ADRS ahead of the rest, and experiencing the "Disney bubble". Our group is all over 21 and we want to be able to do whatever without dealing with a DD so we opted out of renting a car. The less we need to use a taxi, the better.

I was in an airport two weeks ago and, now that I know about DME and Magic Bands, I was able to spot families at Orlando terminals with the bands on their hand.

 

[Aerinha]

I avoid it after two bad experiences. I stay on site for extra magic hours, transportation to parks and making adrs.

 

[rainboots]

As a group of 9 or 10, it is a great benefit! Renting cars/picking up luggage would be a giant hassle. I can't say it is a total deal breaker, but it is a certain bonus!

 

[Kevin355]

Not a factor, but a great perk/benefit. Saves me $$ on a rental and you get dropped off at the gates.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

It doesn't factor into our decision at all. I agree, it is a great perk.

 

[TeamSy]

I guess we're the minority. It's 90% of why we stay onsite. If we wanted to rent a car, we'd stay offsite. Magical express is the #1 reason we stay onsite (to/from the airport, parks), and then the other 10% is the ability to walk/monorail to the park, depending on where we stay. If Magical Express suddenly stopped, we'd 100% stay offsite every time.

 

[LemonNeko]

Sometimes it has more influence than others. I'm not using it for my trip in October but in January I'm going to Universal and I ended up adding a day at Disney so I have a ride back to the airport.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

A lot. We don't rent a car as we don't see it necessary since we never leave Disney. It's already paid for so might as well use it. After this last trip, we probably made it back to our resort just as quickly as we would have if we drove ourselves.

 

[MissionMouse]

ME does not factor into our decision process to stay on site. Its not magical and is one of slowest ways to get to your resort if staying at a deluxe.