WDW Trekker

A few years ago, Disney created a new airport pickup and drop off service called Disney’s Magical Express. This service is totally FREE, one of the very few things which Disney offers complimentary to guests. The bus picks you up at the airport and whisks you away to your awaiting resort. You don’t have to worry about the roads or tolls. Just sit back in the seat, relax and begin to enjoy the Magic of Disney.

Now how does it work….That’s the REAL Magic! Depending on who made your resort arrangements, your flight information was provided to Disney. This information is entered into their system which then generates a tracking number and confirmation voucher. This voucher will be mailed to you at your home. In the envelop you will find the following:

• Vouchers for each person in your traveling party
• Baggage tags

The vouchers are needed when you get to the attendant at the Disney’s Magical Express location at the airport and when you board the specific bus. The same voucher works for both segments of the trip (from the airport and to the airport), so don’t loose them or throw them out.

The baggage tags are part of a neat little perk that Disney has included with the service. If you are traveling with checked luggage, a tag is to be placed on each bag. When the flight arrives Orlando, bags tagged with Magical Express are intercepted and loaded onto a truck rather than sent to the baggage claim. All you need to do is get off the plane and get to the bus. Your bags will magically appear in your guest room at the resort. How’s that for Disney Magic! At the end of your trip, baggage tags are placed on your bags by the airline check-in cast members (Disney Speak for employees) and sent off to the airport relieving you of having to lug your  bags. Unfortunately, the magic ends upon your arrival at your home airport.

Note that if you’re arriving into Orlando International Airport (OIA) late at night, it is advised that you DON’T use your tags and pick your bags up at the baggage claim and bring them to the motor coach yourself. Otherwise, it may be a few hours before you see your bags again.

I’ve taken this great service several times when I’ve opted not to rent a car due to very short stays.  The process is very streamlined and departure from the resorts is on time. I recommend this service to just about anyone as it alleviates the anxiety of getting from the airport to the resort (especially late at night). They even provide a short film to watch while going to the resorts from the airport and vise versa.