Disney Guests Complain After Magical Express Service Leaves Them Stranded

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Magical Express lines

Credit: ITM

With Disney’s Magical Express coming to an end this year, it seems that there are some hiccups that Guests are experiencing.

Magical Express empty
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.

Related: Magical Express Crowds Disappear as Service Comes to an End

In case you did not know, Disney’s Magical Express is a bus service that transports Guests to and from Orlando International Airport from their Disney Resort at Walt Disney World. The service brings Guests on a Disney-themed bus that plays Disney shorts, has trivia, and shows off what Guests can expect to see on their vacation.

Magical express check-in empty
Credit: Inside the Magic

The Magical Express was a massive perk for many Guests, but earlier this year, it was announced that the service would go away. With just a few weeks left of the Magical Express, some Guests are starting to complain that the service is not running as smoothly as they would have hoped.

Disney Magical Express bus
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: Another Costly Service Available to Replace Disney’s Magical Express

Two Dog Adventures posted their experience on Reddit, which notes that multiple parties were left stranded without a ride back to the airport for almost an hour. In the end, Disney ensured that they would have transport and ordered a Mears taxi; however, it seemed to have caused those Guests a large amount of stress.

We just wrapped up a fantastic 15 day megatrip to Disney, our first trip as DVC owners and our first trip during the holiday season!!

We went to depart this evening and we’re told to be ready for the Magical Express at 6:10. We dutifully waited outside with two other families for nearly 40 minutes and no bus ever showed. In fact another family joined us waiting on the ME bus 30 minutes after ours which also never showed. The front desk and bell services were wildly accommodating and called us a mears taxi at Disney expense. Bell service cast member mentioned that Mears is pretty much mailing it in re:ME these days.

I just wanted to let everyone know in case you are traveling through the end of the year. 🙁

Also, we got super lucky we decided to travel with one car seat (just to keep him in the bleeping seat on the airplane) for our 2 year old, bc otherwise we would have been screwed on that front as well. Taxis rarely have car seats and only have one per taxi.

PSA: Magical Express is *Extra* Nightmarish now!!!
by u/twodogadventures in WaltDisneyWorld

From my own experience, I have only had prompt service with the Magical Express. However, being local in Orlando now, I no longer need to use the service. Although the Magical Express will be coming to an end, Mears, who operates the Disney-owned service, will continue to transport Guests to and from their Disney Resorts.

People boarding Magical Express
Credit: Disney

Related: Fans Beg Disney World to Fix “Disney Bubble” and Reintroduce Magical Express

The transit will no longer be complimentary, and Guests will have to sign up for their transit beforehand, but it is good to know that the service will continue in a newly reimagined way. Guests should also consider using a ride-share program such as Uber when transmitting to their Disney Resort. Uber tends to cost between $30.00 – $40.00 each way, which will be your best value if you are traveling with anyone else, as the Mears shuttle will charge per person.

What do you think of this complaint? Have you ever encountered any issues with Disney’s Magical Express?

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