My thoughts on Magical Express

[ripleysmom]

I really liked using ME. My only complaint was that it took about 10 hours for my bag to arrive in my room which was much too long. In the future if I use it again I will probably just check my luggage normally, get it at the baggage claim and take it to the bus with me. It was definitely nice to not have to worry about schlepping my luggage around on the trip back.

Other than back and forth to the resort, I did miss having a car. I prefer to come and go as I like and WDW transportation just wasn't as prompt as I would have liked.

[cobbler]

I think it is a great concept. What better way to get your guests to spend more money with you by not giving them a chance to go offsite.

However our guide told us (and of course we all know things that are said aren't necessarily true) but he told us that it was only for the 50th celebration. There have been a lot of complaints from smaller taxi type places that say ME is putting them out of business because they made most of their money bringing guests to WDW. He said they are trying to be a good neighbor and may not have ME after the 50th or maybe do something that benefits both.

[PoohsPal]

I know they are taking a lot of flack, but I cannot imagine it would be discontinued althogether, as they purchased al lof the buses. We'll get to the bottom of this yet. :sherlock:

[jnrrt]

Did they actually purchase busses? I thought it was with Mears or something?

[PoohsPal]

I think it is MEars, but they got busses like DCL had. Painted Disney, tv's showing disney cartoons and such. I would think they had to give Mears a timeframe on contract, but who knows. :confused:

[Leftcoaster]

Just back from using Magical Express and they did a great job again. My plane landed at 3:50 pm. And by "landing at 3:50 pm", I mean whipping out the cell phone to see what time it was before we got to the gate. I was checking in to SSR at 4:55 pm.
My family used ME a couple of days later on the Friday and it took an hour and a half from the time they landed till they arrived at SSR. not bad at all.
Luggage seemed to be delivered in a relatively good time frame although we were not in the room.

On the return, everything worked smooth and easily.

However, not sure if I'll use it again. While the service was great, Disney busses continue to frustrate the heck out of me.

[tjkraz]

Did they actually purchase busses? I thought it was with Mears or something?

DME is some sort of cooperative venture between Disney and Mears. Disney purchased all of the busses new. But my understanding is that Mears provides the staffing and may be managing the program as well.

[matysgranma]

We used ME for our trip two weeks ago, and I must tell you that I was pleasantly surprised. #1 You just can't beat the price and #2 Our luggage was all there when we arrived back at our hotel after our day at the park. Returning back to the airport went without a hitch, too. I don't know if I would pay for the service. I think I'd rather have a towncar for the money, but the word FREE always leaves a pleasant taste in my mouth.

[jiggerj]

We have used ME twice and without any incident. The first time was the day they actually started it back in May. I picked up my own luggage myself and carried it to the bus myself. I just felt better knowing and seeing my luggage go on the bus with my own eyes. The only problem is that we flew Southwest and when we were dropped back at the airport they didnt have an actual drop for Southwest passengers. Soooo... we carried (dragged) our luggage to the gate. Believe me the luggage was ALOT heavier coming home! We are not using them this trip as we will need a grocery stop. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future for a shorter trip.

[Mike]

I know they are taking a lot of flack, but I cannot imagine it would be discontinued althogether, as they purchased al lof the buses. We'll get to the bottom of this yet. :sherlock:

I remember reading back when ME was first announced that the plan was that it would be free through the end of the 50th Celebration and then they would begin charging for it after that.

[tjkraz]

I've never read that Disney is 100% sure they will begin charging for DME. On the surface, one would have to question why they WOULDN'T charge for it. But if you think about their goal, leaving the service free certainly does have its benefits.

The purpose of DME is to keep people captive (my that sounds ominous) on Disney property. If you get free transportation, you don't need to rent a car. Without a rental car, you can't buy in-room snacks at a local grocery store or visit another Orlando theme park.

Certainly there are ways to still get around in Orlando even when using DME, but I imagine most people will just stay on Disney property and enjoy their stay. So, if the net result is in increase in guest spending which offsets the costs of running DME, it may well remain a free service.

Tim

[PoohsPal]

I had always heard that it will be free for the first year and then Disney will decide after that. My guess was that they wanted to see if it did make a difference. I'm guessig they will. However, charging for it may get the rest of the world off their back.

I am still trying to figure out how MCO can try to re-negotiate withthem now. They must have acontract with Disney for this.

[tjkraz]

I am still trying to figure out how MCO can try to re-negotiate withthem now. They must have acontract with Disney for this.

Perhaps. But if MCO violated laws or other agreements when they cut their deal with Disney, they have to "fix" the problem somehow. The airport and livery services both need each other. If business folk can't get a cab at MCO, they'll fly in elsewhere.

[Mike]

From Deb Wills' site:

"In December 2004, Disney announced a new service called Disney's Magical Express which offers free airport shuttle service, luggage delivery and airline check-in for Disney hotel guests. The service began May 2005 and will remain complimentary during the 50th Anniversary Celebration."

[PoohsPal]

From Deb Wills' site:

"In December 2004, Disney announced a new service called Disney's Magical Express which offers free airport shuttle service, luggage delivery and airline check-in for Disney hotel guests. The service began May 2005 and will remain complimentary during the 50th Anniversary Celebration."
I agree that during the annive. celebration it's most definitely free, it just doesn't say what will happen next. Anybody's guess.

It does sound like MCO violated other agreements. It just floors me that MCO could have screwed up that bad. I'd think they'd have a couple lawyers around there and I wouldn't want to be someone that renigs on DIsney. ;)