Is Magical Express ending?

[cmbjr123]

I just received an email that asked if The Disney Magical Express will cease next year! There is also a rumor that it will remain but there will be a fee. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Boy, it's a good thing there are resources like the DISBoards! No, Magical Express will continue at least well into 2011.

 

[cmbjr123]

Just curious, where did you get that info. I was told that it would end or be charged for next year by some people who are renting some DVC points from me. They were told that by someone who they asked about the DME

 

[tmt martins]

It was part of the last big NewYork press conference or during the Everest opening can't remember what one.

Now that doesn't mean they Can't start charging for it . I don't think they knocked out enough compition to start to charge yet.

Oh and we are all paying for it in resort fees and ticket increases.

 

[kaytieeldr]

How do I know? Aside from allearsnet.com and mousesavers.com? Well, from posts right here on the DISBoards!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=11914541&postcount=1
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=11924752&postcount=1
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=13292948&postcount=1

As for 'paying for it in resort fees and ticket increases', well, until the last few years Disney normally raised admission fees more than once a year. Quoting The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003 (because it's handy, and the current edition is in another room), "In fact, since the first edition of the Unofficial Guide in 1985, Walt Disney World admission prices have increased 160%!" My stock of guides doesn't go back that far, but
. . . calculations based on that increase indicate that in 1985 a one day one park pass was $21.15 (or so)
. . . in 1992 a one day one park pass was $36
. . . in 2003 a one day one park pass was $55
. . . in January 2006 a one day one park pass was $63
. . . as of July 2006 a one day one park pass costs $67

Also, according to the Unofficial Guide 2004, Pop Century (aka Value) rooms were priced between $80 and $100. In 2005, the least expensive of these rooms actually cost $77; in 2006, it's $79.

I don't agree that Guests are paying for Magical Express in increased room rates and ticket costs - I know this is going to be hard to believe, but some people go to Disney World and never enter a park! Anyway, even if that's true - it's the onsite Guests NOT using DME who lose out. We Magical Express Guests get more for our money. Works for me!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Disney's Magical Express (DME) is complimentary for guests of Disney resorts at WDW because it's good business for Disney.

Guests you use DME are essentially a captive audience. Their wallets belong to Disney. (Guests with rental cars tend to spend money at off-site restaurants, shops, and attractions.)

Guests perceive that DME provides a major additional benefit to stay in on-site resorts — which means higher occupancy, less discounting, the ability for Disney to nudge room rates upward, and more DVC memberships sold.

There's been speculation on the Internet ever since DME was launched that Disney will charge a fee for DME. Those people failed to understand that that Disney makes plenty of money from DME — just indirectly rather than directly.

The great thing for guests is that nobody is forced to use DME. You can still rent a car or use a taxi or livery service. But the alternatives all cost additional money, while DME doesn't.

 

[CarolA]

I know they are going to charge..
My dog told me that he heard it from the cat down the street who heard it from the dog the next block over who heard it from....


Here's my theory. Unless I hear it from Disney itself it is just an internet rumor which IMHO have a less then 50% accuracy rate.

And just by chance...

This article today on MousePlanet makes Horace's point very well.. (title All Your Dollars Are Belong to Us)

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mg061010mg


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[Edd]

Orlando International Airport is very happy with the arrangements between them and Disney. The passengers using the DME has taken a lot of stress off the heavy flow of passengers passing thru the airport.