Magical Express to end in 2022

[AvidDisReader]

A very similar service will still be offered by Mears. There are also a lot of car services that will shuttle people from the airport to property, there will probably be more by that point to accommodate the increased demand. I expect Disney will announce some kind of pseudo-replacement in early summer which will likely be at an added cost similar to what they offer for Disneyland. Rideshare won't be the only option, but it will be a widely used option. The advent of ride share and the ease of getting off property probably dulled the impact that DME had at one point with keeping people on property.

It stinks that this will cost extra money for people since it was included before.

I agree Mears will offer something, but just the the cost will not be the only issue. How often will there be pickups and will there be many more drop offs, so the overall time from MCO to your resort will in all likely hood increase tremendously (those with small children will not have an enjoyable arrival day). Plus, the customers will most likely have to worry about picking of luggage. With the cost, for a family of four it will be cheaper just to rent a car. As I have mentioned, not really upset for me personally as instead of renting half the time will just go to renting all the time. For a great many, this is a total game changer.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Almost sounds like Disney has been working with Mears to make DME so bad that "no one uses it anymore" and then they'll be correct in cancelling the contract because of that reason.

It's called attrition. Not saying it's the case here but isn't uncommon in the world of business or government.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Do not misunderstand me. I fully recognize that there are those who regularly use ride share, have friends in the City who do not even own a car and public transportation and ride share is all they use. There is a good Many who Do NOT (I have not way to prove it but my guess is a majority do not use ride share), and Disney is abandoning those guests. Once you realize this the sooner you will understand why so many people on these forums are upset. I have used DME many times, but also rented a car on probably half my visits. Again, for Disney to just make a statement the there are all these other options that many do not and will not use is disingenuous.

I totally understand that point. There are obviously people who utilized DME on every trip. And yes, those people are upset and have every right to be. However, I do not think it is "disingenuous" for Disney to cite that ride shares are an alternative form of transportation. Disney is the one absorbing all the cost/risk for airport transfers via DME, yet those using DME can now easily go offsite for dinner or entertainment via Uber or Lyft. Before ride sharing services, there was a benefit for Disney to provide DME because all those guests would then be "in the bubble". Now Disney pays for the DME but those guests can easily travel offsite. How does that make sense for Disney? And I can tell you that I personally know people who utilize DME for the "free" airport transfer and also take an Uber offsite for dinner during their WDW vacation. So while you may not do that or know anyone who does, it is occurring.

On that note, Disney is pretty much able to track everything you and every other guest spends. Disney can track the spending for everyone who used DME, it's all linked to each reservation. So Disney can see firsthand that the number of meals and park tickets has dropped for those using the DME (as well as other guests), which can be attributed to ride sharing. I'm sure it's info like that which caused the decision to terminate DME. One of my co-workers used to be a cast member and said the amount of information Disney has access to is mind blowing. Disney knows exactly what each service is bringing them in terms of ROI. The DME obviously doesn't offer the same benefits to Disney anymore.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

I agree Mears will offer something, but just the the cost will not be the only issue. How often will there be pickups and will there be many more drop offs, so the overall time from MCO to your resort will in all likely hood increase tremendously (those with small children will not have an enjoyable arrival day). Plus, the customers will most likely have to worry about picking of luggage. With the cost, for a family of four it will be cheaper just to rent a car. As I have mentioned, not really upset for me personally as instead of renting half the time will just go to renting all the time. For a great many, this is a total game changer.

I have never rented a car while at WDW, so I don't know how much it costs. But we do have a private van take us roundtrip from/to MCO. The cost is $140 round trip and can accommodate I believe up to 8 people. We have six in our group, so that comes to less than $25 per person round trip. That is pretty darn good. The driver meets you at baggage claim and escorts your party (after you get your bags) to the van that is waiting...no waiting for a bus among a crowd of people. Then you are off to your resort...no stopping at several resorts before they finally get to yours. And the driver will stop at a grocery store for a maximum of 30 minutes on the way to your resort, if you would like. The point is that there will continue to be many different levels of service ranging from cheap (Mears bus service), to medium priced (Uber/Lyft or a private van service), to expensive (limo, etc). I think people will see there are many good options out there once the shock of the DME being cancelled wears off.

 

[New Mouse]

I totally understand that point. There are obviously people who utilized DME on every trip. And yes, those people are upset and have every right to be. However, I do not think it is "disingenuous" for Disney to cite that ride shares are an alternative form of transportation. Disney is the one absorbing all the cost/risk for airport transfers via DME, yet those using DME can now easily go offsite for dinner or entertainment via Uber or Lyft. Before ride sharing services, there was a benefit for Disney to provide DME because all those guests would then be "in the bubble". Now Disney pays for the DME but those guests can easily travel offsite. How does that make sense for Disney? And I can tell you that I personally know people who utilize DME for the "free" airport transfer and also take an Uber offsite for dinner during their WDW vacation. So while you may not do that or know anyone who does, it is occurring.

On that note, Disney is pretty much able to track everything you and every other guest spends. Disney can track the spending for everyone who used DME, it's all linked to each reservation. So Disney can see firsthand that the number of meals and park tickets has dropped for those using the DME (as well as other guests), which can be attributed to ride sharing. I'm sure it's info like that which caused the decision to terminate DME. One of my co-workers used to be a cast member and said the amount of information Disney has access to is mind blowing. Disney knows exactly what each service is bringing them in terms of ROI. The DME obviously doesn't offer the same benefits to Disney anymore.

Disney isnt absorbing the cost for anything. The guests...every single resort guest... pays for magical express and will continue to do so thrpugh 2022 and beyond even when they are no longer getting the service.

 

[vacationer1954]

I agree Mears will offer something, but just the the cost will not be the only issue. How often will there be pickups and will there be many more drop offs, so the overall time from MCO to your resort will in all likely hood increase tremendously (those with small children will not have an enjoyable arrival day).

Mears already said they will be offering something. The things you pointed out are actually the failings of Magical Express, its inefficiency. Those failings were only counterbalanced by how much extra money people using Magical Express gave to Disney because they were captives, and that's gone. The only way to make a bus service make sense now is to run it like a bus service. I think a lot of people look at things like VRBO, Airbnb, Lyft and Uber as modern marvels, but the truth is that they are all, very deliberately, disruptors. They compromised what used to be strong and reliable businesses (motels and taxis). In return, we have the opportunity to save a lot of money but lose something in the transition.

 

[AvidDisReader]

So everyone has good points, there are alternatives. That is not going to help those that have only used DME the last 10 plus years. As was pointed out above, Disney is not really paying but the guest is paying with the incredibly high resort cost (which will not go down but just be extra profit). As for the statement that people are already using ride share to eat off property, most likely because it is darn near impossible to get a reservation at even the worst rated dining venue within one week of arriving at WDW. Listen, I love going to WDW, this is my happy place. But I am not an apologist and I see what is an obvious money grab. I have even posted I understand the money grab due to the Billions lost due to the pandemic. Just be honest and call a spade a spade. I have said my piece, so I am not going to comment any more. Do not want to get in any disagreement with anyone as I like all the posters and have loved the diverse opinion on these forums.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Disney isnt absorbing the cost for anything. The guests...every single resort guest... pays for magical express and will continue to do so thrpugh 2022 and beyond even when they are no longer getting the service.

So, why are they going to be charging for the DME in 2022? IMO, that is purely conspiracy theory. DVC actually can't do that per the contract...they can't charge for things they aren't providing and they are audited by an independent auditor each year to verify the budget versus the actual spend. Did you see some information stating that Disney will continue to charge for DME in 2022?

 

[New Mouse]

So everyone has good points, there are alternatives. That is not going to help those that have only used DME the last 10 plus years. As was pointed out above, Disney is not really paying but the guest is paying with the incredibly high resort cost (which will not go down but just be extra profit). As for the statement that people are already using ride share to eat off property, most likely because it is darn near impossible to get a reservation at even the worst rated dining venue within one week of arriving at WDW. Listen, I love going to WDW, this is my happy place. But I am not an apologist and I see what is an obvious money grab. I have even posted I understand the money grab due to the Billions lost due to the pandemic. Just be honest and call a spade a spade. I have said my piece, so I am not going to comment any more. Do not want to get in any disagreement with anyone as I like all the posters and have loved the diverse opinion on these forums.

The point on dining availability here is a good one. Disney thought they would be capturing the audience with their dining policy decisions, but at the end of the day they have nowhere near the capacity to serve their guests if they were all to remain on property. The value proposition...when its cheaper and more convenient to take an uber and eat off property, that says a lot.

 

[vacationer1954]

Except without Uber and Lyft, that value proposition wouldn't have been -- WASN'T -- there. Things changed. Disney adapted to the reality.

And don't doubt that Disney had the capacity to serve their guests if all those using Magical Express were to remain on property. They did. It actually happened.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

So everyone has good points, there are alternatives. That is not going to help those that have only used DME the last 10 plus years. As was pointed out above, Disney is not really paying but the guest is paying with the incredibly high resort cost (which will not go down but just be extra profit). As for the statement that people are already using ride share to eat off property, most likely because it is darn near impossible to get a reservation at even the worst rated dining venue within one week of arriving at WDW. Listen, I love going to WDW, this is my happy place. But I am not an apologist and I see what is an obvious money grab. I have even posted I understand the money grab due to the Billions lost due to the pandemic. Just be honest and call a spade a spade. I have said my piece, so I am not going to comment any more. Do not want to get in any disagreement with anyone as I like all the posters and have loved the diverse opinion on these forums.

Thanks for your comments. Like you said, people can and will disagree on many issues. That's what is great about freedom of choice. It offers many diverse opinions. I do feel bad for those that are truly disheartened at DME going away in 2022. Just know there are other options out there...and I am not saying that as an attempt to diminish or invalidate those who are upset. I only say it to try and quell the angst over this decision by Disney. Some people may be upset because they don't know about alternatives because they have simply always relied on DME. Good luck on your future WDW visits!

 

[DVCSunDevil]

The point on dining availability here is a good one. Disney thought they would be capturing the audience with their dining policy decisions, but at the end of the day they have nowhere near the capacity to serve their guests if they were all to remain on property. The value proposition...when its cheaper and more convenient to take an uber and eat off property, that says a lot.

Not sure if I completely buy this, sorry. We have never had issues with dining on property. Granted, we make reservations ahead of time but we have also been able to eat without reservations. And that is at busy times of year like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter break. The most popular restaurants will not have availability if you don't make a reservation, but to say every restaurant has no availability isn't true based on my experience.

And even if it was true, that still doesn't explain why Disney should be providing all the airport transfers via DME when that "value proposition" isn't there anymore due to the popularity of ride share services. People leaving the bubble because restaurants are full doesn't change the fact they are leaving, so why would Disney provide the DME when the value to Disney for doing so is to keep people in the bubble?

Again, I understand why those who loved DME are upset. But it was a business decision by Disney and, even though I would prefer for "perks" not to be cut, I understand it.

 

[vacationer1954]

Mears already said they will be offering something. The things you pointed out are actually the failings of Magical Express, its inefficiency.

Someone on Facebook posted a photo of the Magical Express bus they took this morning. I think it shows clearly the kind of thing that Mears, being a responsibly run business, wouldn't do.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Someone on Facebook posted a photo of the Magical Express bus they took this morning. I think it shows clearly the kind of thing that Mears, being a responsibly run business, wouldn't do.

View attachment 555084

This is why I would love to know how Disney pays Mears. Is it a flat fee for the year...is it per trip...or is it per person? For example, if Disney is paying Mears a flat fee or per bus trip then the sort of situation depicted in the image is crushing to Disney. They would be paying Mears for this bus trip with only one group on the bus. Even if Disney is transferring 100% of what they pay Mears on to guests, those costs that Disney owes Mears are only being covered if there are actual guests visiting. The resorts are dead and/or closed right now so the majority of what Disney pays Mears is coming out of Disney's pockets...meaning the resort fees that guests pay only cover the DME expense if there are actual guests to pay those fees. I could see this as major determining factor, combined with the rise in ride share services, as to why Disney cancelled DME. Especially if Mears was not willing to work with Disney over COVID to reduce what they are having to pay Mears.

 

[karen4546]

Someone on Facebook posted a photo of the Magical Express bus they took this morning. I think it shows clearly the kind of thing that Mears, being a responsibly run business, wouldn't do.

View attachment 555084

That photo can be misleading. It is obviously still at the airport and the photographer could be the first guests on. In September, there were 10 groups on our bus, in November-a few more seats were filled than in September. But, on the way back in November, the DME had almost every seat filled with only one row separating parties.

We have only been to WDW 25 or so times since 2012. We have used DME every trip but two-we drove from Louisiana the first trip and this past December. My husband likes the DME and thinks that his vacation starts as soon as he gets on the bus. BUT- we usually are the last drop offs and that can eat into your vacation time. I miss them delivering our bags to the resort, but it was not a big deal getting them. If they would just bring back the Airline check in and take my bags TO THE AIRPORT so that I don't have to do that then I would be fine with that.

I can certainly understand those who bring small children really relying on DME. I saw one woman with 3 children under 10 on our last trip. She needed help with her bags-DH helped but she still had a backpack on her back, one on her stomach and a large suitcase-AND 3 excited children

 

[jpeterson]

That photo can be misleading. It is obviously still at the airport and the photographer could be the first guests on. In September, there were 10 groups on our bus, in November-a few more seats were filled than in September. But, on the way back in November, the DME had almost every seat filled with only one row separating parties.

We have only been to WDW 25 or so times since 2012. We have used DME every trip but two-we drove from Louisiana the first trip and this past December. My husband likes the DME and thinks that his vacation starts as soon as he gets on the bus. BUT- we usually are the last drop offs and that can eat into your vacation time. I miss them delivering our bags to the resort, but it was not a big deal getting them. If they would just bring back the Airline check in and take my bags TO THE AIRPORT so that I don't have to do that then I would be fine with that.

I can certainly understand those who bring small children really relying on DME. I saw one woman with 3 children under 10 on our last trip. She needed help with her bags-DH helped but she still had a backpack on her back, one on her stomach and a large suitcase-AND 3 excited children

I know that when I travelled with just myself and my 2 children, DME was a huge help. No luggage to deal with (pre-COVID), just get the kids on the bus!

 

[BorderTenny]

That photo can be misleading. It is obviously still at the airport and the photographer could be the first guests on.

Um, no. Look at the angle of the other bus in the window. This bus is clearly out of its parking spot and on its way.

 

[Eric Smith]

This is why I would love to know how Disney pays Mears. Is it a flat fee for the year...is it per trip...or is it per person? For example, if Disney is paying Mears a flat fee or per bus trip then the sort of situation depicted in the image is crushing to Disney. They would be paying Mears for this bus trip with only one per on on the bus. Even if Disney is transferring 100% of the Mears fee on to guests, those fees are only being covered if there are actual guests visiting. The resorts are dead and/or closed right now so the majority of what Disney pays Mears is coming out of Disney's pockets...the resort fees only cover the DME if there are actual guests to pay those fees. I could see this as major determining factor, combined with the rise in ride share services, as to why Disney cancelled DME. Especially if Mears was not willing to work with Disney over COVID to reduce what they are having to pay Mears.

Some people said in the main COVID rumors and news thread that Disney was paying Mears a flat fee and that is a big part of why they're discontinuing DME. The same poster said that ridership had steadily declined over the last decade and then fell off a cliff with COVID (for obvious reasons). If this is correct, it makes a lot of sense for Disney to get rid of a service that is being used less and less.

 

[karen4546]

Um, no. Look at the angle of the other bus in the window. This bus is clearly out of its parking spot and on its way.

Um, okay. I said it "could" be misleading. Maybe it was very early-either way a total waste of money. If Disney Corp. is looking ways to save money then how can we not agree that this would be one of the most logical in their eyes-- I will not stop going to WDW just because this service will be discontinued by Disney. I will just have to find another way to get to my resort.

I will add that when we took our Disney Cruise, we paid $40 per person each way to ride the same bus from the airport to PC-same DME but not included in the Cruise price.

Just because Disney is removing this service at this time, it does not mean they will not bring something back in the future.

 

[New Mouse]

Not sure if I completely buy this, sorry. We have never had issues with dining on property. Granted, we make reservations ahead of time but we have also been able to eat without reservations. And that is at busy times of year like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter break. The most popular restaurants will not have availability if you don't make a reservation, but to say every restaurant has no availability isn't true based on my experience.

And even if it was true, that still doesn't explain why Disney should be providing all the airport transfers via DME when that "value proposition" isn't there anymore due to the popularity of ride share services. People leaving the bubble because restaurants are full doesn't change the fact they are leaving, so why would Disney provide the DME when the value to Disney for doing so is to keep people in the bubble?

Again, I understand why those who loved DME are upset. But it was a business decision by Disney and, even though I would prefer for "perks" not to be cut, I understand it.

You keep missing this... I dont think anyone feels they are required to provide the service, just that prices should be adjusted for the services no longer provided.

Yeah, I can go eat at Tonys on main street any time to get less than olive garden quality, or I can take an uber and get a gourmet italian meal for the same price. Its not just about the $, theres a reason why that restaurant typically has availability.