What Magical Express Means For Canadians

[Hippychickali]

I have searched for information on this board about Disney's new Magical Express and only found this thread. I have a slew of questions about it. We are going on our trip in July so it would be up and running by then but I read somewhere that it is for domestic flights only. Is there some way that Canadians can take advantage of this service in one way or another? Supposing we didn't get the luggage tranfer perks, I still like the sounds of a complimentary shuttle. Can someone tell me more?

Ali

 

[Hippychickali]

*bump*

 

[mejaie]

There is another post saying any airline going down you can sign up. The restriction is that when you are leaving, if you are on certain airlines you can do a check in at the Disney Resort, but you can still use the service both ways.

 

[Tabetha]

The service doesn't start till May, so you're really only going to get speculation.

It is listed as a feature of staying at a Disney resort when you check the Disneyworld.CA site, so I'm assuming it'll be offered - but not the hands off luggage transfer part of it...

 

[Hippychickali]

Well that's good to hear. Can't complain about free transportation. Maybe they'll come out with a Magical Air Express next. Yeah right.

Ali

 

[Abba98]

Another wondering Nova Scotian here,hoping to be able to use the service on our next trip to OKW......Hopefully they'll have it all worked out by time we go otherwise we've always been happy with the Mears shuttle!
Enjoy the snow!
Kirsten in the Valley!

 

[SaraMc]

From what I understand from what I read, Mears is actually going to be doing the shuttles for them. We leave in less than two weeks, we booked Mears to take us into ASMusic. For my DH and I its $58 round trip.. Its a good idea, that would have been 58 I would have spent on Souvies..

Oh well I cant complain Im going to go and get out of the snow.


Sara

 

[Hippychickali]

Oh well I cant complain Im going to go and get out of the snow.

Why don't you rub it in Sara?

Ali

 

[pumpkinboy]

It will work for Canadians too - no prob. I read the various FAQ here on DIS, and it will be available to all inbound passengers, but only select airlines (Delta, United, Continetal and American) for the return. The only qualfication is that you must be staying on-site, ie Disney hotels only.

Here's more info from the FAQ for Travel Agents:

The inbound portion of the service (into Orlando International Airport) is available for all Disney resort guests, regardless of the airline they’ve selected – domestic and international flights.

The outbound portion of Disney’s Magical Express (from a Disney Resort to Orlando International Airport) offers Resort Guests complimentary return transportation from their hotel to Orlando International Airport. For those flying domestically on the following airlines -- American, Delta (including Song), Continental, and United (including Ted), Disney’s Magical Express also offers resort airline check-in that allows these Guests to check their luggage and receive their airline boarding passes at their Walt Disney World Resort. With this service, Guests with late flight departures no longer have to worry about their luggage after they check-out of their Resort; they can simply check their luggage at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk and then enjoy the last day of their stay.

This service is complimentary to Disney Resort guests throughout the Happiest Celebration on Earth, beginning May 5, 2005 and extending throughout the year 2006.

Highlights:
An Airport Transportation Booklet containing general information and luggage tags - to be attached prior to leaving home - will be mailed to the guest or travel agent/wholesaler approximately 21 days prior to arrival.
Guests are met by a costumed Disney representative upon arrival at the airport and directed to our Disney Welcome Center located on Level One A side of the airport.
Guests will board a themed motor coach to their Resort and experience an “edutainment” video.
The tagged luggage is retrieved behind the scenes and delivered separately to their Resort room.
For the resort departure, Guests will be notified of their motor coach pick up time the day prior to check-out.
The motor coach pick up time is approximately 2 ¾ hours prior to their flight departure.
Guests will experience another video presentation from their Resort to the airport.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, the seven hotels on or near Hotel Plaza Boulevard, and Shades of Green are not included.

So International flights too, at least for the inbound leg. It looks like the key is getting the special tags from Disney and putting them on your luggage. So once you're signed up and have your tags on your bags, you simply fly into Orlando, meet the Disney greeter who sends you to your bus, then go to your resort, check-in, then your bags appear magically. Pretty cool, eh?

Yet another reason to stay on site.

 

[Hippychickali]

This is very good news indeed! Thanks so much Pumpkin Boy.

Ali

 

[riu girl]

I can't wait to use this service. Has anyone heard any rumors (I haven't) about other airlines (such as southwest)being included on the outbound portion? That would be wonderful.
Suzy V.

 

[Aevalin]

What airlines are all of you Haligonians using?

I'm using Delta in July and because it's one of the Magic Express airlines, I'm assuming it's all fine and dandy. I'm clearing customs in Newark anyway so it shouldn't be an issue.

Maybe they'll have preclearing in place by then too - that would be nice.

 

[Hippychickali]

I am flying Air Canada and I clear customs in Toronto so it probably won't work for me.

Ali

 

[riu girl]

It will be interesting to see how Magical Express works out for everyone. I am looking forward to reading posts from people who use the service this spring.

Next WDW vacation, we will fly with either Independence or Southwest out of Buffalo so I assume I will be able to use the service. But I do wonder if WDW will mail the special luggage tags to a Canadian address, or does it have to be US only. Hopefully they will mail them to Canada.

Any thoughts???
Suzy V.

 

[Hippychickali]

Do you think I should phone now and let them know that we will be using this service in July? Does anyone know what number I would dial? I booked my resort/tickets on the internet in August.

Ali

 

[AndyMcV]

Does anyone know if the Magical Express goes to the Swan / Dolphin?? We want to feel the magic too!!

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

Hi AndyMcV,

According to the FAQ, it doesn't go to Swan/Dolphin:

Which Resorts are included?
All Walt Disney World Resort hotels other than the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel, the hotels on or near Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Shades of Green. The Disney Vacation Club Resorts at Vero Beach and Hilton Head are also excluded. If a Guest moves to an off-property resort, they are on their own for transportation back to the airport.