One of the best perks of staying at a Disney World resort is that you get complimentary transportation. This transport includes the trips to and from the airport with Disney’s Magical Express. Disney has made this process so simple that you can start your vacation mode early and forget about your worries and your strife. Even so, there are a few things you should know if you haven’t used Disney’s Magical Express before.
5 Things You Need to Know About Disney’s Magical Express
Disney Takes Your Luggage For You
The first remarkable thing is that you don’t need to bother with the baggage claim. Disney will send you tags to put on your luggage, and they have cast members who make sure to take that luggage to your resort for you. The card breaks it down to resort area and finally what hotel. This delivery takes a few hours, however. Don’t expect it to be there when you get there, especially if you check-in early. If you have anything of importance, pack it in your carry on luggage or backpack, so you don’t have to wait for it.
It’s a Hike
It is a long way to go to get to the bus terminal for Magical Express. Disney sends a map and instructions to help make it easy on you, so don’t ignore it. If you get lost, you can always ask for directions from airport personnel. Once you get down to the transportation floor, there is a long walk ahead, so keep that in mind when you are distributing bags to carry among your family.
Check-In Is Easy
Checking in is very simple. Just show them your Magical Express letter, and they will direct you to the line you need to stand in. Before long, your reservation will be checked, and they will send you to an assigned motorcoach. You will need to leave your bags with the driver to store under the bus. There will likely be a few different resorts that the Disney’s Magical Express motorcoach has on its route. But there is plenty of entertainment to keep you happy until you get to your destination.
Your Driver Takes Tips
While most Disney Cast Members cannot accept Tips, there are some tipped positions where it is customary to pay a gratuity. One of those positions is the motorcoach driver for Disney’s Magical Express. No one will shame you if you don’t tip, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for the driver and for anyone else who handles your bags throughout your vacation.
Checking Out
The night before you check out is an excellent time to settle up if you have gift cards you want to use toward your bill. Otherwise, you will be charged, and they will have to reverse the charge to your card to apply for the gift cards. If you don’t have gift cards, you should still go to the registration desk to confirm your Disney’s Magical Express pick up time for your return to the airport. They like to push the time a little later than you might be comfortable with overall. If this is the case, you can request a change.
There you have five ways to make your vacation more manageable by using Disney’s Magical Express.
**Please note that Magical Express is NOT available to guests of the Swan and Dolphin hotels, the seven Disney Springs resort area hotels, the Four Seasons Orlando and Shades of Green.
Dara says
We have never used the Magical Express. We usually stay at the Swan / Dolphin and they don’t have it included there!
Janine says
Dara, I just totally learned something new and added a sub-note to my article, because of your comment. So, thank you for sharing this information with me as I have only stayed in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot resort areas.
Meredith Spidel says
This is such a cool service Disney offers! Thanks for the break-down. I always find things like this confusing when I’ve never used them (which I haven’t!). Super helpful!
Janine says
Aw, glad to help and honestly this service is FREE so I totally recommend as we have taken numerous times to and from the Disney resorts and MCO Airport. So, definitely worth it IMO!!
William D Holland says
What I like about these tips is that they are practical. They are about things which surely most people would want to know going to Disney….so well done, Janine!
Wishing you a brilliant Thursday, my friend.
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Bill and like I said to Meredith below, I have used this service countless time and truly couldn’t recommend it more as it is FREE. Wishing you a brilliant Thursday right back at you now 🙂
Grace Liang says
This is all such helpful information! Thank you for giving us the inside scoop. 🙂
https://colorandgrace.com/
Janine says
Totally my pleasure and always happy to share my Disney knowledge here with all 🙂
Jen says
Oh my gosh I had no idea about the transportation. I wonder if it is the same at Disney Land? We are goign there very soon 🙂
Janine says
I am not sure about Disneyland, to be honest. But if you find out, please let me know 🙂
Christine Carter says
These tips are so helpful, Janine! It sounds like the motor express is THE way to go if you plan a trip to Disney! Gosh, it all sounds so easy and convenient!
Janine says
Aw, definitely is the way to go and my pleasure sharing all about the Magical Express with you, too Chris!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
You’re like the total Disney Guru. Next time we go, please tell me you’ll help me because, like I’ve mentioned before, we’ve done some dumb things (like going at 10am and having to leave by 7pm… and more). Or, better yet, just can I sneak in your suitcase next time to take notes? Super appreciate these posts, Janine, and always copy the link to my vaca folder, for future “UGH WHAT WAS IT AGAIN” moments. xo
Janine says
Omg, you know you can ask me anything, anytime Disney related or not. Seriously, I am here and just a message away. Hugs and always happy to help you, my friend <3
Tamara says
And not to mention that the buses are so fetching looking! We are always curious about them so I’m glad you wrote about this!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more as seriously the Magical Express buses are decorated absolutely perfect and happy to share more about them here with you too 😉