The Disney fandom is losing its collective mind over news announced yesterday. Disney’s Magical Express is being discontinued. The complimentary airport shuttle that runs from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World resort hotels, will be discontinued as of January 1, 2022. I’ve given this news some thought, and although I’ll certainly miss using the Magical Express, I refuse to see it as a catastrophe. If there is one thing I have learned as a Vacation Specialist and frequent guest at the resort, it’s that everything changes at Disney. Everything. We can either embrace the change or make ourselves miserable over it. There are quite a few reasons why I’m not upset about the loss of Disney’s Magical Express.

Get to your hotel faster

When Disney guests get off a plane at Orlando International Airport, they typically head downstairs in the terminal, following signs for Disney’s Magical Express. There, they check in with a Disney Cast Member and join a line of other guests heading to the same destination. Sometimes you get lucky, and the bus is boarding right away. Other times, you might wait 20 minutes or so until the bus arrives and boards. Once on board, there is often a wait for additional guests to arrive and board the bus. Beginning next year, this wait time will be virtually eliminated. Guests can head directly to the ground transportation method of their choice, going directly to the resort much faster.

Less crowding

In an era when public health is of utmost concern, the prospect of sitting on a bus with multiple families for up to an hour or more is considered less than desirable. Transitioning to private transportation options means enhanced safety for guests. Guest safety is always taken seriously by Disney.

More control over personal items

While Disney’s Magical Express luggage delivery service is a handy perk for some families, guests will have greater control their personal items. Hotel guests won’t have to wait for suitcases to be delivered to their hotel room. 

Operating hours for Disney’s Magical Express not a factor

Guests arriving after 10 pm were not able to use Disney’s Magical Express, anyway. So it’s no loss for late night travellers. 

Greater flexibility

 Disney suggested in its announcement yesterday,

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.

It’s worth noting that Disney has reassured guests, “We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021.”

A future alternative to Disney’s Magical Express

In late 2020, Brightline announced that its high-speed trains will travel from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs, making this a possible option for guests coming to Walt Disney World in the second half of 2023. Disney always has a plan, and I do believe we’ll see some more developments in this story. A Brightline station at Disney Springs could mean it becomes a new hub for transportation from Disney Springs to the resort hotels. This new train stop will be especially convenient for guests of Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

When this news broke yesterday, I visited Twitter to see how people were responding. Disney fans often have a hard time with any major change, and the comments I read yesterday reflect this. However, I’ve decided to look at both sides of the coin, seeking the positive rather than dwelling on my disappointment. Sitting here in Ontario, Canada, I realize that it’s possible I’ve taken my final ride on Disney’s Magical Express. Until the next announcement, I’ll keep the faith, keep an open mind and continue to take care of my clients.