Question for Canadians using Magical Express - Customs??

[hockeymom3]

So I see on other boards Americans are saying that they don't pick up their luggage at the caroussel and instead just head for the magical express and their luggage shows up a few hours later at the resort.

Since we are Canadians do we have to pick up our luggage when we arrive in Orlando (direct flight from Halifax) so that we can go through customs with it??

Also, this is a little off topic, but do any of you travellers know if there are separate customs likes for americans and then another for visitors? I ask becuase my husband is american and me and 3 kids are canadian - so just wondering if I'm going to be stuck doing customs with the three of them with him in another line all by himself.

 

[seashoreCM]

Most Canadians clear U.S. customs before crossing the border, either at their originating point or at a connecting point such as in Toronto.

If you have to clear or re-clear customs in Orlando, this happens before the carousel. After clearing customs you may either put your baggage on the other conveyor belt for automagical deliver to Disney (or delivery to the carousels) or you can* take it right out of the customs station and over to the airport tram and then to the Magical Express area yourself.

*Sometimes the agents don't let you do this one.

 

[glenpreece]

It just depends on your air carrier most commercial flights have you clear customs here but charters do customs at the destination. Just be patient and keep in mind Disney is just a short bus ride away.

 

[hockeymom3]

We're flying Canjet - I think they consider that a charter??

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We flew Sunwing in January (which I think they consider a charter) from Pearson International to Orlando. We cleared customs in Toronto, and left our bags to be collected by ME. No problem at all. Our luggage arrived at our resort a couple hours after we did.

So nice just walking up to the ME desk at the Orlando airport with just our carry-ons, and letting Disney do the lugging of all our stuff !!

 

[Karen9028]

I've used the Magical Express 4 times and have never picked my suitcases up, head right for the Magical Express pick up. Just remember to pack some shorts or whatever in your carry-on in case you want to change when you get there as it is usually a few hours before your suitcases show up at your room. Have a great trip

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I don't think you can pre-clear customs in Halifax. Which would mean that yes, you do have to pick up your luggage as you go through Customs when you land in Orlando. If your flight was not direct and you had a layover in Toronto, or even somewhere in the US, then yes, you would clear customs there, and then not have to pick up your luggage. Is this clear?

 

[hockeymom3]

Totally clear!!! So...hmmm now I have to find out if anybody has cleared customs in Halifax. It would be wonderful if you could because then I wouldn't have to deal with 5 people and 5 bags and a stroller.

Thanks so much guys!!

 

[hockeymom3]

ok, I checked Halifax Airports website and I think you can clear customs here - this is what their website says:

Non-stop U.S. bound passengers traveling from Halifax Stanfield International Airport now use the new U.S. Preclearance Facility. The new facility, located at the far end of the terminal building (see inset in FAQ below), will allow non-stop U.S. bound passengers to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to their departure.

· Passengers should make their way to the far end (north end) of the terminal building
· Ascend twin escalators to the second level
· Proceed to ticket counter and check baggage
· Go through pre-board security screening
· Proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection
· Once cleared, proceed to departure gates and arrive at their destination as a domestic passenger

Non-stop U.S. bound passengers should make their way to the north end of the terminal building - simply follow the U.S. Preclearance signs displaying the American flag, located throughout the terminal building.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

ok, I checked Halifax Airports website and I think you can clear customs here - this is what their website says:

Non-stop U.S. bound passengers traveling from Halifax Stanfield International Airport now use the new U.S. Preclearance Facility. The new facility, located at the far end of the terminal building (see inset in FAQ below), will allow non-stop U.S. bound passengers to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to their departure.

· Passengers should make their way to the far end (north end) of the terminal building
· Ascend twin escalators to the second level
· Proceed to ticket counter and check baggage
· Go through pre-board security screening
· Proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection
· Once cleared, proceed to departure gates and arrive at their destination as a domestic passenger

Non-stop U.S. bound passengers should make their way to the north end of the terminal building - simply follow the U.S. Preclearance signs displaying the American flag, located throughout the terminal building.

Wow! That's great news. So much easier to pre-clear customs and then not worry about our luggage.

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

I don't think you can pre-clear customs in Halifax. Which would mean that yes, you do have to pick up your luggage as you go through Customs when you land in Orlando. If your flight was not direct and you had a layover in Toronto, or even somewhere in the US, then yes, you would clear customs there, and then not have to pick up your luggage. Is this clear?

Our last flight to Orlando was direct from Halifax using Westjet. We cleared customs in Halifax. Our luggage arrived in our rooms later that day

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

You should pass through customs at your point of origin airport, so you shouldn't have to pick up your bags at the carousel as Magical express will pick the bags up and deliver to your resort a few hours later. Make sure you pack your swim gear in your carry on's if you're arriving early. if you're arriving later in the evening pack your sleep wear as it can be 3-4 hours after your flight before you get your suitcases.

Then the next time you pass through customs it will be at the Orlando airport when you leave to go back home again, and again at your home airport.