Disney World Is Getting Rid of Their Biggest Free Perk Yet in 2022
2021 has been a BIG year in Disney World, with lots of major changes.
Magic Kingdom
In addition to changing Disney World Annual Passes, Disney has also discontinued or altered many previously “free” perks, like complimentary MagicBands for Disney World Resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders, as well as replacing Extra Magic Hours with the shorter Early Theme Park Entry and the more selective Extended Evening Hours. And now perhaps one of the BIGGEST free Disney World perks will be gone in a few short weeks, and here’s what you need to know.
Disney’s Magical Express
At the beginning of 2021, Disney announced their plans to discontinue the Magical Express shuttle service, a previously free transportation option for Disney World Resort hotel guests to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO). This service made it super easy to travel to Disney World, as guests (after registering before their trip) would drop off their luggage at their departure airport and Magical Express would not only transport them to their hotel, they’d also grab their bags from baggage claim and deliver them to their room.
Magical Express
Magical Express debuted in 2005 and has been a huge perk for Disney World hotel guests to avoid worrying about OR paying for airport transportation. Although Disney has changed the way Magical Express has operated over the past few years, many guests continued to use this complimentary service.
Get ready to say goodbye to these signs!
As of January 1st, 2022, the Magical Express will be officially discontinued and no longer an option for Disney World hotel guests. So what’s next? Guests will have to look into other airport transportation options, and they probably won’t be free.
Read more about Disney discontinuing Magical Express here.
Mears Connect
Mears, the company that operated Magical Express, will be launching Mears Connect in 2022 as a similar (but paid) transportation option for Disney World guests. You can already book your reservations, and the costs depend on a few different factors.
©Mears
Introductory rates began at $16 per adult for one way and $32 round trip, so your overall cost will depend on how many people are in your group. A round trip premium express service for up to four people will cost you $400.
©Mears Transportation
For some people, this could be a massive additional financial impact on a Disney World budget, so if you’re visiting in 2022 make sure you plan ahead for this new cost.
Important facts about Mears Connect that you need to know!
Other Transportation Options
Rideshare
Whether you choose to use services like Uber, Lyft, a taxi, a private car, or a shuttle, rideshare is an option to consider for airport transportation. When we’ve looked at prices in the past, for example, an Uber trip at the time would cost $51.77 for a ride from Orlando Airport to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Rideshare pick-up spots aren’t always marked, but look for signs.
Using rideshare services can help prevent you from paying for Disney World parking, which can quickly add up if your hotel also charges for parking!
How the cost of Mears Connect compares to an Uber in Disney World!
Car Rental
Car rental is, of course, another option, but keep in mind that you might end up paying for the car, gas, theme park, AND hotel parking. In the past, we’ve seen an Alamo car rental for up to four people priced at $365.75 for a 7 day Disney World visit. Combine that with $25 theme park parking and hotel parking and you’re looking at some costs that add up quickly.
You can rent a car
Still, if you prefer the freedom to travel around as you please, it might be an option worth considering as long as you build in all the extra costs into your budget.
Renting a car could cost more than Disney World tickets — here’s why!
Brightline
Although Brightline is not yet an option, in the future it will be a high-speed train providing service from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs! This train line is currently scheduled to be completed sometime in 2023, and there are also stops in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as other stops.
©Brightline
Right now, it’s been said that a one-way trip from Miami to the Orlando Airport could cost $100. This train could be a fast and convenient option for many guests who don’t want to worry about car rentals or rideshares!
The train to Disney World could have a dozen different stations!
So after December 31st, 2021, Magical Express will be officially gone, and you’ll need to plan for additional costs now that this complimentary service is discontinued. Make sure you plan ahead for these costs and choose which transportation service works best for you. And keep reading DFB for more Disney World planning tips!
The BEST ways to get to Disney World when the Magical Express is gone!
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