What To Do in 2022 After the End of Disney Magical Express
This post is all about alternatives to Disney Magical Express
Disney Magical Express will be retiring at the end of 2021, leaving many guests wondering what are the alternatives to Disney Magical Express for their next trip.
This article will take you through all of the options that are available to you and their pro’s and con’s so that you can make the best decision for your next Walt Disney World trip.
What is Disney Magical Express?
Disney Magical Express is a shuttle service providing transportation from the Orlando International Airport directly to on property Disney resorts. This service was first introduced in 2005 and has continued to run for the last 16 years. This service is completely complementary and is considered one of the biggest perks of staying on site at Walt Disney World.
Guests are able to simply provide their flight information before their trip and then simply walk onto an awaiting coach bus that delivers them to their on site hotel. Until 2020 the service also included luggage transportation so that guest’s bags were automatically collected and delivered to their resort.
The service also provides a hassle free return to the airport. Guests receive a letter under their door 1 day prior to their departure stating the time of their resort pick up. Guests then meet their return bus at the assigned area at their resort and are transported back to Orland International Airport.
Why Do I Need an Alternative to Disney Magical Express for 2022?
Disney has announced that beginning January 1st 2022 they will cease operating the Magical Express service. This has left many visitors who rely solely on this transportation to find other options for airport transportation.
1. Rental Car
Probably the most common mode of transportation for people on vacation is rental cars.
Pros
Nothing is going to give you the amount of flexibility as a rental car. You can come and go as you please. Also if you are looking to go off property, or travel back and forth between Walt Disney World and other theme parks, this is a great option.
Also, if you are staying at an on site Disney Hotel, parking at the theme parks is complementary.
Cons
The price can vary widely. This year I have noticed that the prices are some of the highest I have ever seen them. What’s worse is that at high demand times there may not even be vehicles available. It is really important that if you are looking at renting a car you do this as early as possible in your trip planning process.
While parking may be free for on site guests at the theme parks, there is a cost for hotel parking. You will be looking at a nightly fee which varies depending on which hotel you choose.
- Value Resorts: $15 per night
- Moderate Resorts: $20 per night
- Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas: $25 per night
These costs can really add up so make sure to do the math before your vacation so that you can budget accordingly.
2. Ride Sharing Service
Rise sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for individuals on vacation. These have also become great alternatives to Disney Magical Express.
Pros
Ride sharing services are great for people who want to get from point to point as fast as possible without driving themselves. As far as airport transportation goes, it can be even faster than renting a car since their is no wait at the counter. You simply walk right to the car and then you are on your way.
Cons
The price of a ride share vehicle can vary greatly due to surge pricing. This makes it hard to judge the amount you will be spending ahead of time.
Rides share services can also be a difficult choice for families. While there are ride shares with car seats, it is usually just one seat, and although you can request larger vehicles, sometimes what you actually receive may be a ight squeeze for 5 or more plus luggage.
3. Private Car Service
An option that has been popular for years for travelers who are not interested in using Magical Express is a private car service.
Pros
Similar to ride sharing, using a private car service can provide a quick way to get from the airport to your resort. There is no waiting for a rental vehicle, you can grab your bags and be on your way. What gives them a slight edge to ride sharing is that you know that you will have a vehicle that will suit your needs. Private cars we have used in the past allow you to request the amount and style of each car seat that you will need, and they will be installed and ready to go upon your arrival. You also know that you will be receiving a professional driver, which makes me feel a little more comfortable when traveling with my kids.
*Also some services will include a short stop during your ride to the resort. This is a great way to grab any necessities you will need during your trip without having to travel off property during your vacation.
Cons
The biggest con is going to be the price. Even with surge pricing the cost of a ride share will always be lower than a private car.
4. Mears Shuttle
A brand new alternative to Disney’s Magical Express for 2022 will be the Mears Shuttle. This is the company that previously operated that Magical Express. This is expected to be a very similar option, but without the Disney theming, and of course now an additional cost.
Pros
We are just now learning information about the Mears shuttle, but I think it will be great for 2 groups of people.
The first is those who want to recreate the experience of Disney’s Magical Express. This will be the most similar option, which is great for people who just want the tradition and ease of going with what they know.
The second group is solo travelers. At $16 each way the price beats any other option.
Cons
While the price can be a pro for just one or two travelers, it can really add up for larger groups. The current listed price is $16 per adult and$ 13.50 per child each way. For my own family of 5 that totals to $72.50 each way and $145 for a round trip. This is close to the price for a ride share and not too far away from the price of a private car. Both of which offer direct service as opposed to stops at other resorts along the route.
This is also a new service, so as of now not too much is known about it and there are now reviews to reference. Once the new year starts and reports start coming in, it will be interesting to see how this option ranks.
How to Decide Which Alternative to Disney Magical Express is Right For You?
With all the options available for alternatives to Disney Magical Express, it may seem hard to determine which is right for you. Like many decisions when it comes to Disney you have to weigh time, money, and ease. Decide where you fall in these categories and you will be able to quickly narrow down your options.
If you want to know how I’ll be getting around without Magical Express make sure to follow me on Instagram @magicforfive. I already have a trip planned for January 2022 and can’t wait to report back!
Let me know below which alternative you will be using on your next trip.
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