Magical Express end?

[dcal]

I just bought Birnbaum's 2006 WDW Guide. It states that ME runs through the end of Disney's "Happiest Celebration on Earth" promotion (ending November 2006). Birnbaums implies that ME is finished with the Happiest Celebration Promo.

Will this be the permanent end of ME? I hope not! This is a great perk.

 

[bicker]

It probably won't be the end of ME, but there is no indication yet, one way or the other, as to whether there will eventually be a fee for ME.

 

[goofy4tink]

It could very likely be the end of 'complimentary' DME. I think that Disney will re-evaluate the whole system this fall and see how it all shakes out. We might very well see them start charging for this service. If that's the case, then hopefully it will still be relatively inexpensive. I think most people will pay a small amount but if it starts hitting the $25-30 pp rate, then most will book a towncar if their party is larger than 3.

 

[lat]

I was told by Member Services last week that Magic Express will no longer be free starting in September.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was told by Member Services last week that Magic Express will no longer be free starting in September.

See, this is what I mean....I was told by a CM that is would be up and running as a complimentary service until the end of the Greatest Celebration..that would be until late Nov at the very least. It was supposed to be for 18 months. I really wish that we would all get the same info. There are so many different 'versions' out there that it is hard to plan accordingly.
I am going back in late Oct with another mom and her dd to celebrate our two dd's 13th b-days. There is no way this other mom is going to pay to ride on a shuttle bus. Yes, I love DME but she isn't going to be happy. So, if it goes to being a pay for service plan, then it looks like I'm going to have to book a car service. There will be four of us going, so if they charged $25 pp, it would be cheaper to get a towncar for us.
I'll be interested to see how it all shakes out this fall. I guess we will have to wait for a definative word from Disney at that point.

 

[DrTomorrow]

It could very likely be the end of 'complimentary' DME. I think that Disney will re-evaluate the whole system this fall and see how it all shakes out. We might very well see them start charging for this service. If that's the case, then hopefully it will still be relatively inexpensive. I think most people will pay a small amount but if it starts hitting the $25-30 pp rate, then most will book a towncar if their party is larger than 3.

I don't know about that last part. Yes, "most" DISers would likely book towncars, but for the great masses, the convenience of doing it all as part of a package/room ressie will - IMHO - win out.

 

[anabelle]

I for one will be happy to rent a car again. My DH would never let me rent when ME is free. I really missed not being able to run to Walmart or the outlet mall on a free day. I felt like a prisoner. (Well my wallet was a prisoner, I was having fun)

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I think some of the ambiguity about when this service will end may very well have to do with the airport contract & disgruntled limo/taxi/shuttle services.

I also agree that nothing free lasts forever & honesltly was very surprised when it was offered in the first place.

 

[officer tigger]

Rumor last week was that it will stop being free in April 2006.
This was from one of the CM's at the VWL.

 

[InstImpres]

Though they are officially not announcing any end date (I checked with Travel Agent help desk), I was told if you know you want it book it. Once booked, even if they institute a fee, they will grandfather it as part of a reservation.

 

[westjones]

Though they are officially not announcing any end date (I checked with Travel Agent help desk), I was told if you know you want it book it. Once booked, even if they institute a fee, they will grandfather it as part of a reservation.

That's good to hear. I just booked itfor our trip in June, and was told it was free.
DJ

 

[loriandave]

So does anyone know if you need your airline reservations to book Magical Express or do I just have to say I want to book it for my arrival and departure days?

Thanks

 

[westjones]

So does anyone know if you need your airline reservations to book Magical Express or do I just have to say I want to book it for my arrival and departure days?

Thanks

I really don't know if you can do it without your flight information. When I called today they asked for my airline and flight numbers, so we had that information. I would suppose it is possible for people to change their information later, so you could always look up the flight you think you will be taking if you are watching for a better rate and book that....if it isn't what you end up with, call and change your flight information.

DJ

 

[bicker]

Once booked, even if they institute a fee, they will grandfather it as part of a reservation.

Either get that in writing, or don't rely on it.

 

[Mickmse2002]

We never used the service when it was free so am not too concerned about what happens in 2006 with it. Having said that, based upon it's popularity and the capital investment made I would think the program will continue at a cost.