Walt Disney World to Discontinue Disney’s Magic Express in 2022

Earlier today Walt Disney World announced that it plans on discontinuing Disney’s Magical Express airport transportation service in 2022.

In a statement, Disney said:

Vacationers have more options to choose from than ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want. In light of this shift, when Disney Resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals Jan. 1, 2022. We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. Additionally, complimentary transportation options – such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner – will continue to be available within Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Resort hotel guests, including to and from all four theme parks.

After the theme parks re-opened this past July, Disney’s Magical Express service did return from the COVID-19 shutdown, but they didn’t resume luggage service.

Mears has issued a statement regarding this –

Walt Disney [World] made us aware of their decision. While we are disappointed Disney will no longer offer this service, we intend to continue offering transportation services between the airport and all area theme parks and hotels to meet the demand of our visitors now and in the future.

UPDATE – Commentary:

I have no data to support this…but Disney wouldn’t be doing this if they felt that the current business model was sustainable.  I have a belief that Disney had noticed a decline in DME usage well before the park closures in March 2019. There were just too many options that got you to your resort with your luggage available.  There were Uber, Lyft, car services, shuttles, and car rental to name a few.  On top of this, the Brightline trains is scheduled to be coming in 2022.

Also…this isn’t happening now.  It’s going to be 11+ months until this happens.  Some company or start up will fill the gap and take advantage of this.

Author: Ray

I am a lifelong fan of everything Disney. My first trip to a a Disney park was to Disneyland as a child in 1970, but didn't make to Walt Disney World until I went with my wife and first child in 1990. A year doesn't go by with out at least one trip to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. My wife and I are Disney Vacation Club members and also Charter Members of D23. View all posts by Ray