***New*** Disney's Magical Express*** - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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There are other changes as well.
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I think this new service sounds wonderful but I did discover upon phoning Disney to check that, at this point in time, guests who are DVC members and are staying on their points are not currently eligible for the express service. This is something that DVC member services is working on obtaining for the members but so far, it's not offered to DVC members. Our next trip isn't until late November/early December/2005 so I hope that by that point in time, they will have expanded the offer to include Disney Vacation Club members as well.
Sounds wonderful. How many hoops did they jump thru with the FAA? Gee, I don't see this lasting if any one of those bags gets a red lite. We shall see how successful this really is. I hope it works out. But with the propaganda USA I highly doubt it. IMO
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This will be awesome! This is the same great service offered to cruise line guests, and on our trip, we walked off the ship, claimed our luggage, it was loaded into a truck, we were handed boarding passes for all portions of our flight, and boarded our motorcoach. It was the most stress-free vacation ever! No lines, no hassles, no waiting!
Untill everything is working I wouldn't rush into any definite conclusion as to how well it will go, but, for now, that is what I think:
With what I've seen from Mears, TSA, and the luggage people behind the scenes at each airline, I do not see it working tip top beggining to end. There will be problems, and I do not think they will be just a few.
But again, it is free (for now) as many will think, so why not... Right?
Well, if you never minded waiting for a bus/motor coach to fill up (not vans as the regular Mears shuttle), having other people handling your luggage (and maybe taking a little longer than you to arrive at your resort), leaving earlier than necessary back to the airport (they might say it will save you time, but....),and, and, and, than this will be just a great new feature Disney has to offer you.
If you still want the one on one private service, a free grocery stop, your luggage by your side at all times, no lines to wait at both ends (THERE WILL BE LINES at the "courtesy/welcome" Disney desk as there has always been lines at the Mears shuttle desk - just imagine the volume Disney Express will create (it is free after all)), a luxury vehicle with your private chauffeur, than please stick with your favorite transportation company...
To be honest with all of you. I DO worry a lot with what Disney/Mears/Bags and etc are doing, not only for my sake, but for the sake of 1000's of people working in transportation in Orlando, all owner operators, all companies like ours, rental car companies, hotels outside the Disney area, Universal Studios, taxi cab companies, shuttle services, restaurants outside Disney and etc, etc, etc... It might be hard for anyone to realize it now, but with the Disney packages, free transportation and all, Disney wants to hold every Orlando traveler inside their doors, no way out untill the end of your vacation. That might sound what business is all about, but with Orlando's (and America's) economy just coming back to normal, we, the small business owners will get hurt with that "monopoly" game they are playing.
I do rely on Disney (not 100% but I do) for my business to flourish, but I also can not sit and relax with so much control they are having in the orlando area. I know, if it weren't for Disney, Orlando wouldn't exist (as they say). Well, maybe it is true, but that was over 30 years ago. Now our economy, and the families within, need to get back on their feet after such a long wait after Sept 11th 2001, and the hurricanes in 2004. 1 1/2 years of free shuttle will create a big, big mess in the Orlando area. A few month free trial would be fine by me, untill they get their act together, but 1 1/2 years, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
Again, I'm a Disney fan since before I even came to live in Orlando, and still am a fan. That has nothing to do with what I feel is an unfair business practice done by a huge group of powerful people (not only Disney, but Mears and etc...)
*SQUEE* My mom was just asking if there was transportation to and from Disney. Well, I told her no and that we used TTC. She loved the idea of TTC and might actually prefer that, but if it saves us money then she'll be happy to know there is that option. Same with my dad...when we do our possible spring trip..he'll love that idea(if the express thing is in the works then!)
I think this move, along with the extra hours at night, will make it impossible not to stay a disney hotel! I hate driving on vacation but sometimes waiting for the MEARS shuttle took forever! This is great!
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the list of Disney Resorts with this particular service.
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Where can I find that list?
Also, if I'm understanding this correctly, they do the luggage delivery from the airport to your resort no matter what airline. But to get the airline check-in with luggage from the resort, you have to have one of their partners. Otherwise, you have to take your luggage with you on their coach and then check-in with the airline at the airport.
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the list of Disney Resorts with this particular service.
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Where can I find that list?
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Included: All the Disney owned-and-operated resorts - All-Stars, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian, Pop Century, Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club. (Not currently available for DVC members staying on points.)
Excluded: Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, Hotel Plaza resorts (Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Guest Suites, Grosvenor, etc.)
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Also, if I'm understanding this correctly, they do the luggage delivery from the airport to your resort no matter what airline. But to get the airline check-in with luggage from the resort, you have to have one of their partners. Otherwise, you have to take your luggage with you on their coach and then check-in with the airline at the airport.
Can anyone confirm that?
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Confirmed.
Folks who sail on the Disney Cruise Line (and use DCL ground transfers) are already quite familiar with this service - it's exactly what DCL has done for years, including airline check-in at the port. While I expect there may be some kinks when it starts up for WDW guests due to the larger number of people involved, this entire operation is already a very well-oiled machine at DCL. Any "issues" with Transportation Security were ironed-out a long time ago.
Details on this program are still fairly thin. It was just announced on December 28, people could only begin booking the service two days ago, and it doesn't go into operation until May. We'll know more as time goes by.
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