Some "new" Magical Express info....

[antkim]

O.K.......don't shoot the messenger BUT this is what I was just told by a Manager in WDTC "air help" department (I am a Disney TA and needed some clarification which is why I called air help!)

As of right now the only airlines that have a "signed contract" with Disney to participate in ME are American, Song and Delta!! By May 5th they are hoping that United and Continental will be signed on as well but Northwest is definitely NOT participating.

I thought this might be important and I am only going on what I just confimed with air help.

Kim

 

[Lewisc]

Not surprised. The rumor is the airlines have to share in the cost. With SW and JetBlue not participating the pressure on the other airlines to ante up is reduced.

 

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

Is there *any* chance of SW joining?

 

[Pinnie]

I was at the BCVs this past week and there is a desk set up in the lobby area with a sign in place for check in for SONG, DELTA AMERICAN and TED. I am willing to bet that SWA will NOT participate in this. SWA is NO frills and they won't take on any additional expenses.

pinnie

 

[jcemom]

Personally, I'd rather keep the low SW fares and check my own luggage on the return trip. I'd LOVE it if all airlines participated, but not if it means *I* have to pay higher prices!

 

[localdriver]

Personally, I'd rather keep the low SW fares and check my own luggage on the return trip. I'd LOVE it if all airlines participated, but not if it means *I* have to pay higher prices!

The important point, if this is a fact, is it only affects the return to the airport.

Not incoming flghts.

 

[jcemom]

Yep! I can live with that, after all, I'm used to schlepping my luggage both ways, lol. So if someone else wants to take care of it in one direction, I'm happy with that!

 

[Pinnie]

While this is advertised right now as a "FREE" service. I have a feeling that it is going to show up somewhere in increased fees for rooms or airfare. The price to run those busses isn't cheap and last time I looked, they weren't filling the tanks up with air!

pinnie

 

[firetaz]

As of right now the only airlines that have a "signed contract" with Disney to participate in ME are American, Song and Delta!! By May 5th they are hoping that United and Continental will be signed on as well but Northwest is definitely NOT participating.

I thought this might be important and I am only going on what I just confimed with air help.

Kim

I just confirmed my Airtran flight info to the CM regarding the Disney Magical Express, she says that ALL FLIGHTS into Orlando International Airport will be able to take advantage of the Disney Magical Express. Just thought I'd add to the LIVELY discussion regarding this subject.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm sure Disney is "paying" for ME assuming no rental care and no grocery stop = more money spent for food on Disney property. Also helps Disney compete with offsite, and even non-Disney onsite properties, other than just price.

The program might be better when it stops being free. Airlines like SW are more likely to participate if the customer and not the airline is paying the cost to check luggage at the resort.

 

[CarolA]

While this is advertised right now as a "FREE" service. I have a feeling that it is going to show up somewhere in increased fees for rooms or airfare. The price to run those busses isn't cheap and last time I looked, they weren't filling the tanks up with air!

pinnie

Disney is thinking they are going to make it back by keeping you on their property and off of Universal's and Sea Worlds. That is why it is only free for a year. If it doesn't pay off.....

(Plus maybe this is why the room discounts are down)

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I know Disney has something going on with Continental, whether it means they have 'signed' a contract with them or not, I don't know... but the majority of Continental reservations employees, spend half their shifts "being" CMs for WDTC/CRO/WDW-DINE.

 

[antkim]

I'm sorry...I should have been more clear. ME can, in fact, be used by anyone...no matter which airline they are flying. What I was trying to say is that on the "return" portion the only airlines that have a "signed" contract with Disney are American, Delta and Song....meaning you can take advantage of the luggage/airline check in right at the resort on your departure date.

Any clearer? Sorry...this has been discussed so much that I just assumed we were all on the same page....my mistake.

Kim

 

[debster812]

Any clearer? Sorry...this has been discussed so much that I just assumed we were all on the same page....my mistake.

Kim

That's OK Kim--we'll forgive you, this time!

I personally can't wait to start hearing some first hand experiences of this service.

 

[antkim]

Oh, thank you "your debster812"

 

[firetaz]

That was the impression I got from the CM but she wouldn't come out and say it. Yes I agree, it will be real interesting to see how this works.