Disney’s Magical Express: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?

Magical Express landscape
Magical Express landscape

Disney’s Magical Express: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?

There are so many things that could potentially make a trip stressful, transportation shouldn’t be one of them.  Disney’s Magical Express has you covered!  What exactly is it?  Disney’s magical express is the ground service transportation provided by Disney to and from Orlando International Airport.  Here is everything you need to know about the magical express.

It’s FREE!  There is nothing better than knowing that as soon as you land your magical vacation begins!  The complimentary transportation system will transport guests to and from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to any of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.  However, the magical express does not transport to hotels not owned and operated by Disney, such the Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green or the Disney Springs hotels.

Is Disney’s Magical Express automatically added to my plans?  No, it is not automatically added to your plans, but the good news is there are few different ways to add it to your reservation!

  1. When booking your Disney vacation on the Disney’s website you can add Disney’s Magical Express during the checkout process by clicking “add ground”. When adding ground transportation, you will need your flight information and flight number.
  2. Don’t have your flight information when making your reservations? Don’t worry!  Once your flight information is available, you can visit https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/dme/dmeform?fbclid=IwAR3fkBRfAnLAxApA_aNzyaHrYkEzdQaC22dYP3IhfKjIycLMavrrxGjdwPU
  3. Use your Travel Agent! Why even stress about it when your travel agent can enter all of the information for you and all you have to do is show up to the airport with the correct tags on your luggage!

My Reservation is made, now what?  Guests who are using Disney’s Magical Express will receive their special yellow tags as long as the reservation is made at least 3 weeks before their vacation.  If you want your luggage transferred from the airport directly to your resort these luggage tag makes the magic happen!  You place the tags on your luggage before you check your bags then Disney takes care of the rest!  Please be aware, this service can take any where from 3 to 5 hours for the luggage to be delivered to your room.  Guests are encouraged to pack necessities in their carry-on, do not put a yellow tag on your carry-on luggage.  Guests also must pack their magic bands in their carry-on luggage, these serve as your ticket to Disney’s Magical Express.

*Please note:  Guests who arrive at MCO between the hours of 10pm and 5 am cannot use the luggage service, however, you can still access Disney’s Magical Express.  In addition, international travelers must receive their own luggage and proceed to Customs and Border Protection before boarding Disney’s Magical Express with your bags.

Where is Disney’s Magical Express located?  The magical express is located on the B side of the terminal on level one below baggage claim.  When in doubt, follow the signs!  They are everywhere.  For a large airport, Orlando International Airport is very user friendly and flows nicely!  Be sure to stop and take a picture outside of the Disney Store located in the airport, it’s a tradition for my family!

Disney’s Magical Express: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?

I made it to the magical express, does my child need a car seat?  No car seat is needed on the magical express!  If you had to bring the seat with you, you can store it under the bus for the trip to your resort.

Is Disney’s Magical Express handicap accessible?  The magical express can accommodate any arrangements needed, however, these requests need to be made in advance.  Ask your TA to help!

Can I go to the parks right away?  Disney’s Magical Express only provides transportation to and from the resorts.  If you are wanting to go straight to the parks you can either ride your complimentary transportation to your resort, check-in and then catch the free transportation to the parks OR you can call an uber or lyft to pick you up at the airport.

Help, my party is not all arriving together.  How can we still use Disney’s Magical Express?  Disney is very accommodating!  When reserving the magical express you will need to provide your travel agent or the cast member helping your reserve your reservation.  Once all reservations are made each person can then board Disney’s Magical Express independently.

How do we board the tragical express back to the airport?  The day before you leave you will receive an envelope on or under your hotel door confirming your departure information.  Guests will board the bus outside the main entrance of the resort.  Guests MUST bring this paper to the bus as this is your ticket to board the magical express.  Domestic travelers will board Disney’s Magical Express approximately three hours before your departing flight time.  International travelers will board approximately four hours prior to their flight time.

Disney’s Magical Express: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?

Disney’s Magical Express is a great way to start off your vacation.  Disney goes above and beyond in its services and the magical express is no exception!  There is nothing better than getting off the plane, boarding a coach bus, sitting back and relaxing as we enjoy the on-board entertainment as we make our way to the most magical place on earth.

Ready to experience Disney?!  Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, Universal Resort and more, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey.  Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at Jessica.jones@keytotheworldtravel.com, follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote!


Disney’s Magical Express: What Is It and Why Do I Need It? 1

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