Our options for getting to Disney World are going to look a little different next year.
Disney’s Magical Express Sign
We just reported that Disney’s Magical Express will be discontinued in 2022, but that doesn’t mean that a similar option won’t be available. Mears, the company that operates Magical Express, has released a statement on the announcement.
Mears spokesperson Roger Chapin told Spectrum News, “Walt Disney made us aware of their decision. While we are disappointed Disney will no longer offer this service, we intend to continue offering transportation services between the airport and all area theme parks and hotels to meet the demand of our visitors now and in the future.”
Disney’s Magical Express
We also reached out to Mears and an employee said that “this service was here before the Disney Magical Express and we will be continuing to cover the whole Orlando area. So for sure, for sure, for sure we will continue to cover that service after the next 11 months when Disney discontinues the Magical Express. For sure that service will be around in 2022 and beyond.”
So, it seems that even if we CAN’T ride on the Magical Express come next year, other Mears services will be an option.
Disney World
Do keep in mind that a Brightline Train is also in Disney’s future. Disney has previously shared that the,“Brightline’s expansion from West Palm Beach to OIA is on track to be completed in 2022.” And in Brightline’s November monthly ridership report, they revealed that the goal is to start revenue service on the Disney World connection during the second half of 2023.
©Brightline
According to theme park reporter Carlye Wisel, Mears found out about the Magical Express decision the morning that the announcement was made.
EXCLUSIVE: Mears Transportation, who operates Disney's Magical Express, did not find out about the decision until *this morning*.
According to a spokesperson, the notice coincides with the expiration of their current contract.
— carlye wisel 🍭 hosts Very Amusing! 🍓✨🙃 (@carlyewisel) January 11, 2021
We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates so stay tuned to DFB for all of the latest!
Click here to read about the discontinuation of Magical Express!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of this change? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
It is so sad that Disney has devolved into a greedy, money grabbing institution. What has happened to “the happiest place on Earth”? How did it come to this… 2020 has been so difficult on American families. Why isn’t Disney embracing us and making us feel welcome and valued? Instead of taking away the things we love and look forward to, they should be making it easier and even more magical. And to top it all off, now we are hearing about paying for Fast Passes. Why Disney, why? Please rethink your Magical Express decision: charge us if you must, but don’t leave us stranded at the airport!
Using the Brightline train from the Orlando Airport to Disney Springs, and then scheduling Disney Transportation to one Disney Resort or Hotel will take four hours at minimum on your arrival day to get to your resort or hotel. Traveling back to the airport could take considerably longer. Also, Disney will no longer handle a family’s luggage or handle airline check in on your return to the airport. Disney is changing and not for the good, and at some point vacationers will stop going to WDW.