I was there over Mothers Day and only waited 10 minutes to check in then 5 to get assigned a bus. It was very efficient considering flights were delayed their landing due to storms over Orlando.
I’m sure they are canceling the service because they want MORE money. The Board should all be ashamed. The amount they charge to get in. And a few years ago started to charge to park. $30 for $2 pieces of chicken. And all these extra fee’s certainly don’t go to all the unhappy people working their. Greed at the expense of working families. People need to wake up and stop supporting them.
Yeah, and what year do they anticipate that to be completed!! And then you still have to get all your luggage, kids, family to your resort from Disney Springs
No it isn’t. Brightline (the company building tracks between Miami & Orlando) has until July 2021 to decide what route, if any, they will use from Orlando International to Disney Springs. Once they pick a route construction should begin around 2025 and possible be done around 2027-2028. So no the train is not replacing the Magical Express
But the Brightline service won’t technically be done until about 2023 or 2024, Hell 2025 at the latest with the fight going on between all the Orlando theme parks that also want to benefit from the train. Not to mention the fact that the train won’t even take you to your hotel; it’ll only take you to Disney Springs and you have to take a bus from there to your hotel.
The Brightline is not a ME replacement. It will not run as frequently as guest need, they would still need to get their luggage, haul it to a train station, then wait for a bus with their luggage at the Disney Springs station.
I was there on Thursday May 13. Prior to the pandemic we would arrive at MCO around 9 am go to the Magical Express and get our bus. Last Thursday there was a LONG LONG line. We waited 90 minutes. Our daughter came in to MCO around 11. We advised her to Uber. She checked the line first and realized it was even longer than when we were in line. Her Uber was $30! So long Magical Express! Why is Disney OK with this?
I totally agree!!
This service should stay the same.
It has been the only complementary thing left.
We were going a couple times a year. But without magical express, we are starting to look at Disney in a different way. We’re not heading that way anytime soon or if we ever go back.
James I’m sorry you’re disappointed with Disney. I know prices are high, but that’s pretty much any amusement park that you visit. Disney has given their employees substantial raises in the past few years and pretty soon the starting pay will be at $15.00 an hour and those that are topped out, well above that. I think it’s unfair to generalize cast members being unhappy at Disney…sure some are, but I think the majority of us are pleased with our job and value the work that we do here. Hope you have a magical day!
Has it been better for week day arrivals than weekend arrivals? Such a shame. There must be less fleet and drivers available as compared to pre-pandemic.
We arrived in the morning of Monday, May 3. Waited just under an hour to board the bus to Pop Century. However, when returning to the airport on Saturday, we waited over an hour just to leave our luggage at the resort to go to Disney Springs for a couple of hours.
I went the weekend after Mother’s Day and my wait was super short but it was due to a late night arrival. My sister had to wait an hour for the shuttle when she arrived at midday. The shuttle to the airport was kinda crazy and was full.
Until they’re 100% mask free, not even going to bother. I also don’t even think of going from late March to early November. Too hot, too crowded, too expensive. Feel sorry for the folks who rely on the Magical Express to get from airport to parks or DCL. Gonna have to reserve directly thru Mears at extra cost starting next year. ??
This is just absurd. I just can’t believe they are following through cancelling this service. This is one one the many perks to Disney and traveling with family. Lessening the stress of having to find transportation after a long travel. Totally disappointed.
That’s Bc they laid off some many people and don’t have any help bc people are making more money sitting home. So they don’t want to work and Disney doesn’t pay that much. . All of Disney is this way no help. So if you want to pay the price of coming down here. And getting less and waiting in line for hours for anything then go ahead. But not worth the money right now.
It’s hard to get employees right now. No matter who you are. We can’t find anyone to take calls and answer phones, the local recycling and trash pickup in our city are short about 20-30 drivers, ever store or restaurant has a help wanted sign up and aviation companies can’t find mechanics.
This isn’t just a Disney problem. And yes this service is run by Mears. And yes, they would be having the same issue.
Since the service is run by Mears – then they are the ones that need to figure out how to attract drivers if they are short. DIsney doesn’t pay the drivers.
People need to write and call Disney and complain LOUDLY. This is the only way this will change and if enough people are pissed then they may continue the service.
We would “just take an uber” but our twin 3 year olds need full carseats (not big enough for booster seats which many “travel carseats” actually are). Many traveling to Disney World have young children which complicates an Uber.
Rent a car slot easier. Taking a bus there is no carset and alot more dangerous having a kid not in a carseat plus you would have to pay for there seat anyways
You could try a livery service to take you to and from. Will be pricier than lyft or uber, but you can request a car seat. Some companies quote $80-100 each way (plus tip). But I haven’t taken one yet to be able to confirm if that’s the actual rate.
Yes i agree,just rent a car, but the rental companies are having a hard time also,when the pandemic hit they were stuck with alot of cars so they sold some off to make some money,now that its getting better they dint have the cars to rent and if u find 1 the price is crazy, i reserved mine in Feb.for our trip next month ( June).
I was there the week of Mother’s Day. We arrived at MCO around 11am that Saturday and I’d say we waited about an hour to check in. We were the first ones in line for the Poly bus, but we still had to wait at least another 15 minutes for the bus to arrive. The line kept getting longer as we waited. I saw several families just opt to rent cars instead of waiting.
We called Happy Limosine Service. They met us at the airport and for only $200 transported all 5 of us in a stretch limo. They also picked us up and took us back to the airport for $200. Great company.
That’s great but most people can’t afford $200 each way for this service after shelling out thousands for their Disney vacation. Sadly the perks you pay for when spending that money for your Disney trip are fading.
I arrived on a Wednesday. No luggage service so you wait for the bag, you haul them to ME on the bottom floor and there had to be 700 people. The adults kept trying to step ahead of me while their cheerleader teens complained they were not at the pool.
It was an hour in line to get into another for the bus that stopped at three locations before mine.
Worst experience ever. I think they want it that way to discourage us DVC veterans. I’ve been DVC since 1993 and their apathy is showing
Wow are you right about their apathy to DVC members. We continue to watch some of the reasons we joined disappear and we’re questioning continuing on. We pay very high monthly dues and we get far less for it.
I’m disappointed in the news of magical express cancellation coming in 2022… Absolutely was well worth it and now they’re dropping it!?!?? I’m starting to question the new CEO of Disney Corp..
Me too!! I think if we all wrote letters to the Disney Corp letting them know how discouraged/upset we are with the changes they have made and there upcoming changes. They might reconsider what they are doing.
We called Happy Limosine Service. They met us at the airport and for only $200 transported all 5 of us in a stretch limo. They also picked us up and took us back to the airport for $200. Great company.
On April 22nd, we waited at least 1-1/2 hours. We checked Uber and lyft and the were price gouging. $150+ for a trip one way to the Grand floridian! No promise our luggage would fit. So, we waited and waited along with every other group. No reason or excuse.
Trip back to airport was fine.
If you go on vacation with a shoestring budget, you are going to be miserable. Unfortunately, to get from the airport to WDW resorts costs money. I miss the days of Mears transportation. To and from. Great price and reliable trip back to the airport with a 48 hour notice.
I don’t have money to throw away. Believe me! But, My annual trips to Walt Disney World keep me going when I’ve had enough at work. I just start counting the days! A whole 14 days of pure bliss! I don’t mind waiting in lines. I don’t consider it a luxury. I consider it my reward!
The wait for my mom was ridiculous for St. Patrick’s Week! We were lucky on our emergency flight early to WDW on a late Thursday night, but the wait was there. I know they are running a slim crew, but it is what it is! Luckily, we didn’t have to pay, but the cost for the DCL line was a hard bite to swallow!
POLITICS AND COMPETITION need not to be involved. Its. FAMILY place not a dream bubble disappointment. WE NEED TO FEEL LIKE KIDS AND KIDS NEED TO DREAM BIG..
PLEASE ITS A HAPPY PLACE..
M I C See really Soon K E Y why be cause we love you. IT GONE. …??
It seems many don’t understand DME or how it works and the pieces to the puzzle that is Disney’s Magical Express.
DME is NOT a product owned by Disney. It’s owned by Mears Transportation using the Disney name, characters and images through a license agreement.
The contract between Disney and Mears expires at the end of this year, 2021.
There is a separate contract with BAGS Inc (between whom exactly I’m not sure) to move your luggage to and from the airport and your resort. BAGS Inc also handles airline check in at Disney resorts. BAGS Inc is quite a large company. They do luggage handling and airline check in at most major hotels in Orlando and around the country.
The airport has built a new intermodal transportation facility (ITF) at Orlando International (MCO) next to the new south terminal. This facility connects to the north terminals using a people mover type system. Eventually MCO wants nearly all ground transportation to use the ITF.
The new south terminal at MCO doesn’t have space for much ground transportation at the terminal. It’s all next door at the ITF. Jet Blue has signed a contract for gate space in the south terminal. There’s a reason the airport is building a new south terminal. They are running out of space in the two north terminals.
Disney cancelled DME? Are you sure? They never said ‘We’re cancelling DME after December 31, 2021.’ They said ‘DME is ending on December 31, 2021.’ They never said who cancelled it or why it was cancelled.
How does anyone know how Mears replacement will work? In the least, they have the DME fleet of buses and the buses don’t disappear like Cinderella’s coach at midnight. All Mears needs to do is repaint or reskin them with yellow and black.
There are 4 parts to the DME puzzle, Disney, Mears, BAGS Inc and MCO. Any or all of them could have a hand in the decision to end DME. MCO could have said to Mears, DME needs to move to the ITF and Mears didn’t like that and/or neither did Disney. BAGS Inc could have said “We need a much high price per piece to move the luggage” which ruled it out for Disney or Mears. Mears could have said “We’re finished with DME at the end of the contract.” Disney could have said “We have the train coming in 4 to 5 years, we don’t need DME at that point.” And Mears could have insisted on a new 10 or 15 year contract.
Does anyone really think any part of the DME puzzle is “FREE”? Disney charges everyone for it regardless of whether or not they use it. BAGS Inc gets paid for it. Mears gets paid for it. MCO gets paid for it. Any one of them could have said “Prices will double or triple starting in 2022.” Mears needs the space and permissions to drive on to the airport. BAGS Inc could have been told they need to pay more to the airport for luggage access. The airport could have said they need more money for the rent for the DME “terminal space” in the north terminal but they have less expensive space down at the ITF.
Everyone really should wait and see the long term effects before deciding what it will cost, how Mears will operate its new service, how Brightline will come into play or what the airport will do with either of the services.
I wonder if the people who actually wait 1 to 2 hours for a “free” shuttle bus never travel anywhere else other than WDW and have no idea how to plan transportation while on vacation. Is it possible that the people flummoxed as to how to manage car seats and their own luggage are the same people that also mange put together spreadsheets for their fast passes, park schedules, advanced dining reservations, snack times, nap times, pool times, show times, etc? Probably. In any case, ME was really nice when it worked right and you were the first resort to be dropped off. The good news is that Mears will continue to run a fee based shuttle along with the dozens of other shuttle and ride share services. Quite frankly Disney shed itself the colossal headache of people complaining about their luggage taking too long to arrive or needing a different ME pick up time.
My family has visited Disney World multiple times, and spent enough to buy a small car each time. To characterize the magical express service as free is simply laughable. To be able to hand our luggage to the airlines when we leave on vacation, and have it arrive in our room was an amazing service, especially with our large group. We have never waited more than 15-20 min to board our bus. Mears has done an outstanding job. I am saddened that the “new” group of Disney executives thinks Uber or being dumped at Disney springs will all your bags in tow is an acceptable alternative. Pandemic restrictions are temporary, and Disney needs to think long term. I ask myself, why should I spend $16K to stay at beach Club 2 bed villa if those perks that made it worth the extra are all evaporating? Universal is a far cheaper vacation for us, so perhaps we will have to go to Universal more often and Disney less often.
Comments for Magical Express Continues Drawing Crowds, Guests Wait Hours!
Donna
I was there over Mothers Day and only waited 10 minutes to check in then 5 to get assigned a bus. It was very efficient considering flights were delayed their landing due to storms over Orlando.
James
I’m sure they are canceling the service because they want MORE money. The Board should all be ashamed. The amount they charge to get in. And a few years ago started to charge to park. $30 for $2 pieces of chicken. And all these extra fee’s certainly don’t go to all the unhappy people working their. Greed at the expense of working families. People need to wake up and stop supporting them.
Rudy
It is being replaced by rail service from Brightline.
robert white
not this year…or next…
Patrick
Uber. Faster.
Danielle Nabozny
Yeah, and what year do they anticipate that to be completed!! And then you still have to get all your luggage, kids, family to your resort from Disney Springs
Lisa
Exactly
So hard with kids and luggage. Magical Express was one of the best things flying in.
Jeff
No it isn’t. Brightline (the company building tracks between Miami & Orlando) has until July 2021 to decide what route, if any, they will use from Orlando International to Disney Springs. Once they pick a route construction should begin around 2025 and possible be done around 2027-2028. So no the train is not replacing the Magical Express
Ethan
Construction already started…
Chuck
Not on the route to Disney. Miami to MCO only.
Nancy Wilder
Did you happen to notice that the rail service is nit going to be available for quite some time and you have to pay for it.
Naomi
But the Brightline service won’t technically be done until about 2023 or 2024, Hell 2025 at the latest with the fight going on between all the Orlando theme parks that also want to benefit from the train. Not to mention the fact that the train won’t even take you to your hotel; it’ll only take you to Disney Springs and you have to take a bus from there to your hotel.
Lisa
I’m sure that service is it complementary.
Disney should keep the Magical Express.
KenR
The Brightline is not a ME replacement. It will not run as frequently as guest need, they would still need to get their luggage, haul it to a train station, then wait for a bus with their luggage at the Disney Springs station.
adh
Not really. The line won’t be open fot at least another year. And the line stops DTD. Short geographically and logistically. ??
Scott
You know they are a business, right?
Michelle
You know they’re a business that treats their employees like crap, RIGHT???
Nancy Thorsby
Yeah an intensely greedy one!
Lisa
Mears transportation runs the Magical Express and the contract was up.
CAROLYN SMARON
I was there on Thursday May 13. Prior to the pandemic we would arrive at MCO around 9 am go to the Magical Express and get our bus. Last Thursday there was a LONG LONG line. We waited 90 minutes. Our daughter came in to MCO around 11. We advised her to Uber. She checked the line first and realized it was even longer than when we were in line. Her Uber was $30! So long Magical Express! Why is Disney OK with this?
Linda Terry
I heard Mears was taking over the buses and was keeping them running
Lisa Lockwood
I totally agree!!
This service should stay the same.
It has been the only complementary thing left.
We were going a couple times a year. But without magical express, we are starting to look at Disney in a different way. We’re not heading that way anytime soon or if we ever go back.
Steve
James I’m sorry you’re disappointed with Disney. I know prices are high, but that’s pretty much any amusement park that you visit. Disney has given their employees substantial raises in the past few years and pretty soon the starting pay will be at $15.00 an hour and those that are topped out, well above that. I think it’s unfair to generalize cast members being unhappy at Disney…sure some are, but I think the majority of us are pleased with our job and value the work that we do here. Hope you have a magical day!
Nicole
Has it been better for week day arrivals than weekend arrivals? Such a shame. There must be less fleet and drivers available as compared to pre-pandemic.
Diane Silva
Can you please tell me if Magical
Express will be back in service next year. Thank you
Kathy Markiewicz
No. It ends this coming January.
John Pendzich
No It’s January 1st of next year.
Tamara
I read that they are replacing it with some other transportation option.
DAVE GOLD
Disney isn’t replacing it at all. Mears is going to offer bus service for a fee. There will be no “complimentary” bus service from the airport to WDW.
Lisa
Supposedly Mears which now runs Magical Express is going to start running buses to Disneyworld (like they used to) but will charge.
Chemistry
We was there all last week and didn’t have to wait long at all for the bus! Going to resort and then coming back to the airport! It was great!
Christy
We was there all last week and didn’t have to wait long at all for the bus! Going to resort and then coming back to the airport! It was great!
Lisa
We arrived in the morning of Monday, May 3. Waited just under an hour to board the bus to Pop Century. However, when returning to the airport on Saturday, we waited over an hour just to leave our luggage at the resort to go to Disney Springs for a couple of hours.
Dee
I went the weekend after Mother’s Day and my wait was super short but it was due to a late night arrival. My sister had to wait an hour for the shuttle when she arrived at midday. The shuttle to the airport was kinda crazy and was full.
Lisadk
There are quite a few former cast members that are Uber drivers. Recognizable from their days there.
Michelle
Disney has list the Magic….
It’s all about the money and competition.
They should be happy that visitors are going back.
Mr. Disney would of been upset and embarrassed.
BRING THE MAGIC BACK.STOP WITH POLITICS AND MONEY HUNGRY.
MO
Until they’re 100% mask free, not even going to bother. I also don’t even think of going from late March to early November. Too hot, too crowded, too expensive. Feel sorry for the folks who rely on the Magical Express to get from airport to parks or DCL. Gonna have to reserve directly thru Mears at extra cost starting next year. ??
Tammy Orr
What I’m kinda missing is the WHY. WHY is this okay with Disney?
Bruce
Shortage of busses is on purpose to get guests to find other ways of transportation
Angela
This is just absurd. I just can’t believe they are following through cancelling this service. This is one one the many perks to Disney and traveling with family. Lessening the stress of having to find transportation after a long travel. Totally disappointed.
Sue
That’s Bc they laid off some many people and don’t have any help bc people are making more money sitting home. So they don’t want to work and Disney doesn’t pay that much. . All of Disney is this way no help. So if you want to pay the price of coming down here. And getting less and waiting in line for hours for anything then go ahead. But not worth the money right now.
Mee
The DME is run by another company, and not Disney workers.
Mike
So what you’re saying is Disney need to pay higher wages?
Mary Vrooman
It’s like trying to get on a ride ,in 8 hours maybe get on 3 rides between the lines and the refurbishing
Heather
We have busted twice since March. Both times waiting at least one to two hours to get in bus.
Robert
It’s hard to get employees right now. No matter who you are. We can’t find anyone to take calls and answer phones, the local recycling and trash pickup in our city are short about 20-30 drivers, ever store or restaurant has a help wanted sign up and aviation companies can’t find mechanics.
This isn’t just a Disney problem. And yes this service is run by Mears. And yes, they would be having the same issue.
Mike
So what you’re saying is Disney need to pay higher wages?
Ben
Exactly. The working class in the US is sick and tired of working for poverty wages.
Chuck
Since the service is run by Mears – then they are the ones that need to figure out how to attract drivers if they are short. DIsney doesn’t pay the drivers.
Ken
People need to write and call Disney and complain LOUDLY. This is the only way this will change and if enough people are pissed then they may continue the service.
Carlos
People are so complicated… just rent a car, or take an Uber for the 20 minute ride. There end of story.
Laura
We would “just take an uber” but our twin 3 year olds need full carseats (not big enough for booster seats which many “travel carseats” actually are). Many traveling to Disney World have young children which complicates an Uber.
Boobear
Rent a car slot easier. Taking a bus there is no carset and alot more dangerous having a kid not in a carseat plus you would have to pay for there seat anyways
Jason
You could try a livery service to take you to and from. Will be pricier than lyft or uber, but you can request a car seat. Some companies quote $80-100 each way (plus tip). But I haven’t taken one yet to be able to confirm if that’s the actual rate.
James
Yes i agree,just rent a car, but the rental companies are having a hard time also,when the pandemic hit they were stuck with alot of cars so they sold some off to make some money,now that its getting better they dint have the cars to rent and if u find 1 the price is crazy, i reserved mine in Feb.for our trip next month ( June).
Liz
If everyone just rented a car or took an Uber there would not be cars or Uber’s for everyone. The buses would bring many more people at a time.
Allyson
I was there the week of Mother’s Day. We arrived at MCO around 11am that Saturday and I’d say we waited about an hour to check in. We were the first ones in line for the Poly bus, but we still had to wait at least another 15 minutes for the bus to arrive. The line kept getting longer as we waited. I saw several families just opt to rent cars instead of waiting.
Sandy
We called Happy Limosine Service. They met us at the airport and for only $200 transported all 5 of us in a stretch limo. They also picked us up and took us back to the airport for $200. Great company.
Tara
That’s great but most people can’t afford $200 each way for this service after shelling out thousands for their Disney vacation. Sadly the perks you pay for when spending that money for your Disney trip are fading.
Joann A Merse
I paid $20 by Uber to get to resort.by myself. N 3 of us split $21 to from resort.
D.s.
Hey Disney, see the pissed people above.?. Happy now?
Rusty
I arrived on a Wednesday. No luggage service so you wait for the bag, you haul them to ME on the bottom floor and there had to be 700 people. The adults kept trying to step ahead of me while their cheerleader teens complained they were not at the pool.
It was an hour in line to get into another for the bus that stopped at three locations before mine.
Worst experience ever. I think they want it that way to discourage us DVC veterans. I’ve been DVC since 1993 and their apathy is showing
Don B
Wow are you right about their apathy to DVC members. We continue to watch some of the reasons we joined disappear and we’re questioning continuing on. We pay very high monthly dues and we get far less for it.
Kirk
I’m disappointed in the news of magical express cancellation coming in 2022… Absolutely was well worth it and now they’re dropping it!?!?? I’m starting to question the new CEO of Disney Corp..
Jenifer
Me too!! I think if we all wrote letters to the Disney Corp letting them know how discouraged/upset we are with the changes they have made and there upcoming changes. They might reconsider what they are doing.
Sandy
We called Happy Limosine Service. They met us at the airport and for only $200 transported all 5 of us in a stretch limo. They also picked us up and took us back to the airport for $200. Great company.
Judy
$200?!! That’s alot of money when the service was included with the Disney package. Uber will be the way to go from now on…to Universal!
janice milner
On April 22nd, we waited at least 1-1/2 hours. We checked Uber and lyft and the were price gouging. $150+ for a trip one way to the Grand floridian! No promise our luggage would fit. So, we waited and waited along with every other group. No reason or excuse.
Trip back to airport was fine.
Trish S-D
If you go on vacation with a shoestring budget, you are going to be miserable. Unfortunately, to get from the airport to WDW resorts costs money. I miss the days of Mears transportation. To and from. Great price and reliable trip back to the airport with a 48 hour notice.
Trish S
I don’t have money to throw away. Believe me! But, My annual trips to Walt Disney World keep me going when I’ve had enough at work. I just start counting the days! A whole 14 days of pure bliss! I don’t mind waiting in lines. I don’t consider it a luxury. I consider it my reward!
Alice
The wait for my mom was ridiculous for St. Patrick’s Week! We were lucky on our emergency flight early to WDW on a late Thursday night, but the wait was there. I know they are running a slim crew, but it is what it is! Luckily, we didn’t have to pay, but the cost for the DCL line was a hard bite to swallow!
Luisa Anderson
I agree with you! Enough with the political have to’s! Disney doesn’t need to or have to be politically everything! Damn! Enough politics!
Suzanne
We landed at 11:45 and waited 10 min to board and we were at our resort by 1:00. It was perfect!
Michelle
Disney has list the Magic….
It’s all about the money and competition.
They should be happy that visitors are going back.
Mr. Disney would of been upset and embarrassed.
BRING THE MAGIC BACK.STOP WITH POLITICS AND MONEY HUNGRY.
Luisa Anderson
I agree with you! Enough with the political have to’s! Disney doesn’t need to or have to be politically everything! Damn! Enough politics!
Michelle
SAVE THE DISNEY MAGIC. Mr. Disney dream is Gone..
POLITICS AND COMPETITION need not to be involved. Its. FAMILY place not a dream bubble disappointment. WE NEED TO FEEL LIKE KIDS AND KIDS NEED TO DREAM BIG..
PLEASE ITS A HAPPY PLACE..
M I C See really Soon K E Y why be cause we love you. IT GONE. …??
Danielle
It seems many don’t understand DME or how it works and the pieces to the puzzle that is Disney’s Magical Express.
DME is NOT a product owned by Disney. It’s owned by Mears Transportation using the Disney name, characters and images through a license agreement.
The contract between Disney and Mears expires at the end of this year, 2021.
There is a separate contract with BAGS Inc (between whom exactly I’m not sure) to move your luggage to and from the airport and your resort. BAGS Inc also handles airline check in at Disney resorts. BAGS Inc is quite a large company. They do luggage handling and airline check in at most major hotels in Orlando and around the country.
The airport has built a new intermodal transportation facility (ITF) at Orlando International (MCO) next to the new south terminal. This facility connects to the north terminals using a people mover type system. Eventually MCO wants nearly all ground transportation to use the ITF.
The new south terminal at MCO doesn’t have space for much ground transportation at the terminal. It’s all next door at the ITF. Jet Blue has signed a contract for gate space in the south terminal. There’s a reason the airport is building a new south terminal. They are running out of space in the two north terminals.
Disney cancelled DME? Are you sure? They never said ‘We’re cancelling DME after December 31, 2021.’ They said ‘DME is ending on December 31, 2021.’ They never said who cancelled it or why it was cancelled.
How does anyone know how Mears replacement will work? In the least, they have the DME fleet of buses and the buses don’t disappear like Cinderella’s coach at midnight. All Mears needs to do is repaint or reskin them with yellow and black.
There are 4 parts to the DME puzzle, Disney, Mears, BAGS Inc and MCO. Any or all of them could have a hand in the decision to end DME. MCO could have said to Mears, DME needs to move to the ITF and Mears didn’t like that and/or neither did Disney. BAGS Inc could have said “We need a much high price per piece to move the luggage” which ruled it out for Disney or Mears. Mears could have said “We’re finished with DME at the end of the contract.” Disney could have said “We have the train coming in 4 to 5 years, we don’t need DME at that point.” And Mears could have insisted on a new 10 or 15 year contract.
Does anyone really think any part of the DME puzzle is “FREE”? Disney charges everyone for it regardless of whether or not they use it. BAGS Inc gets paid for it. Mears gets paid for it. MCO gets paid for it. Any one of them could have said “Prices will double or triple starting in 2022.” Mears needs the space and permissions to drive on to the airport. BAGS Inc could have been told they need to pay more to the airport for luggage access. The airport could have said they need more money for the rent for the DME “terminal space” in the north terminal but they have less expensive space down at the ITF.
Everyone really should wait and see the long term effects before deciding what it will cost, how Mears will operate its new service, how Brightline will come into play or what the airport will do with either of the services.
KenR
I wonder if the people who actually wait 1 to 2 hours for a “free” shuttle bus never travel anywhere else other than WDW and have no idea how to plan transportation while on vacation. Is it possible that the people flummoxed as to how to manage car seats and their own luggage are the same people that also mange put together spreadsheets for their fast passes, park schedules, advanced dining reservations, snack times, nap times, pool times, show times, etc? Probably. In any case, ME was really nice when it worked right and you were the first resort to be dropped off. The good news is that Mears will continue to run a fee based shuttle along with the dozens of other shuttle and ride share services. Quite frankly Disney shed itself the colossal headache of people complaining about their luggage taking too long to arrive or needing a different ME pick up time.
PickeledPluto
My family has visited Disney World multiple times, and spent enough to buy a small car each time. To characterize the magical express service as free is simply laughable. To be able to hand our luggage to the airlines when we leave on vacation, and have it arrive in our room was an amazing service, especially with our large group. We have never waited more than 15-20 min to board our bus. Mears has done an outstanding job. I am saddened that the “new” group of Disney executives thinks Uber or being dumped at Disney springs will all your bags in tow is an acceptable alternative. Pandemic restrictions are temporary, and Disney needs to think long term. I ask myself, why should I spend $16K to stay at beach Club 2 bed villa if those perks that made it worth the extra are all evaporating? Universal is a far cheaper vacation for us, so perhaps we will have to go to Universal more often and Disney less often.
Sonya
May 15. Waited maybe 15 minutes total before the bus left. No issues.
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