Magical Express

[gibone55]

I know it starts in May, but how long is the Magical Express running for?

 

[shatzjsl]

I haven't heard if it is a perm or temp thing. I know it will run for the full year of the celebration at the least.

 

[Montana Minnies]

I know it starts in May, but how long is the Magical Express running for?

I was wondering the same thing and asked the question on a different website, if I find out I will let you know.

Enid

 

[riu girl]

I have read that it will be complimentary until 12/31/2006 and then who knows after that. But with Mears buying all the new busses, I'm sure it will be around much longer.

 

[Lewisc]

The main question is if it will still be free.

 

[Montana Minnies]

I know it starts in May, but how long is the Magical Express running for?

This what I found out from the other website I posted on and I was asking because we are planning on going in Dec. of 2006. What Rui Girl says corresponds to what I found out.


While Disney hasn't really elaborated on that point, the speculation is that the Magical Express will be free during the 50th celebration, and after that, there will be a charge similar to the current Mears transfers. I wouldn't be surprised if they extended it to the end of 2006, so keep watching.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I know it starts in May, but how long is the Magical Express running for? 3

Officially, Magical Express is complimentary during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, which starts on May 5, 2005, and will last for 18 months. But it could remain complimentary longer than that.

From the FAQ:
<blockquote>Will Disney’s Magical Express continue on a complimentary basis after the “Happiest Celebration On Earth” has concluded?
While no determination has been made, our focus right now is the successful launch of Disney’s Magical Express as a great new benefit for our guests. </blockquote>
If Magical Express meets Disney's business goals during the Celebration, then I believe Magical Express will continue to be complimentary in 2007 and beyond. Disney just isn't making any promises right now. So let's hope that Magical Express increases resort occupancy, keeps guests spending money on-site, and makes more money for Disney than it costs to operate the service. Then, this promising free service should be around for many years -- for free.

 

[gibone55]

Thank you for all the replys. These help out alot.

 

[Lewisc]

I'd rather they charge a small fee NOW if that's what it takes for Disney to be able to process the baggage for non-participating airlines like SW.

I agree with Horace, if Disney thinks Magical Express is reducing the number of car rentals and towncar grocery stops it'll either be free or cheap. If too many people use it for free luggage transfers, either skipping the bus or having some family members take the bus, Disney will be more likely to charge the full cost of the service.

I can certainly see this easing pressure in getting rooms ready. People can check out early and get rid of their luggage. People checking in may go right to a park and not wait for an immediate room. All Disney would have to do is make sure they have enough lockers in the parks that are large enough to handle guests carry on bags.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I'd rather they charge a small fee NOW if that's what it takes for Disney to be able to process the baggage for non-participating airlines like SW.

I agree with Horace, if Disney thinks Magical Express is reducing the number of car rentals and towncar grocery stops it'll either be free or cheap. If too many people use it for free luggage transfers, either skipping the bus or having some family members take the bus, Disney will be more likely to charge the full cost of the service.

Disney has already promised that Magical Express will be free for the entire 18-month Happiest Celebration, so I don't see how they could "charge a small fee NOW," even for non-participating airlines. However, I do think that Disney will try to get more airlines to particiapte.

In another thread, Lewisc and I had an interesting discussion about people who will try to use the free luggage transfers without riding the coaches. Officially, Disney does not allow this. Lewisc made a good point that there's nothing to prevent someone from booking the Magical Express coach and luggage service, tagging their bags with Magical Express tags at their home airport, and then renting a car or taking a towncar at Orlando Airport anyway. My response was that Disney will figure out something to discourage this practice, but I don't what that will be. See "Magic Express AND car rental" at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=740999