Magical Express Ending Service

[MamaBelle4]

well Shanghai Disneyland is about the size of Animal Kingdom minus the safari. Walking distance is relevant hard to compare due to planning.
But someone brought up the mention of flying/transport of a stoller.

That's kind of my point. I've not travelled to one of the overseas parks, so I don't know - but how often does a person go there 4 or more times, park open to park close? It is just one park, right? Unlike WDW where you have 4, very sizeable parks, that people often visit at least once (some 2x) in one trip. Makes a child overwhelmingly exhausted. Especially if they live somewhere that isn't conducive to walking - no sidewalks.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

That's kind of my point. I've not travelled to one of the overseas parks, so I don't know - but how often does a person go there 4 or more times, park open to park close? It is just one park, right? Unlike WDW where you have 4, very sizeable parks, that people often visit at least once (some 2x) in one trip. Makes a child overwhelmingly exhausted. Especially if they live somewhere that isn't conducive to walking - no sidewalks.

I think it would make the parents exhausted too with not having a stroller at the parks. LOL

 

[Fanofthegame]

Just about every posting is perfect. I think we get it and Disney should consider listening more before making a drastic change. Disney also needs to consider the residents of orlando and what impact it has on them with increased car rentals on the roads from people who have no business driving on Interstate 4. Lol ask people who drive on the beltway... that's another story.

 

[Orion Nebula]

I assume Mears or similar service will step in to fill the void with van and bus shuttle service.

Ya they put out a statement that said they planned on running WDW bus services now and into the future. I guess after 2021 they will just start charging everyone. I mean it's something I guess, maybe it will help get people by until the Brightline in 2023. But Mears is supposed to be pretty expensive, and well who knows when the Brightline will actually be completed and the type of hassle it's going to bring with it.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

Just about every posting is perfect. I think we get it and Disney should consider listening more before making a drastic change. Disney also needs to consider the residents of orlando and what impact it has on them with increased car rentals on the roads from people who have no business driving on Interstate 4. Lol ask people who drive on the beltway... that's another story.

Orlando has been a car rental mecca for 25 years or more, even with the shuttle service. There are about 2.5 million residents of the greater Orlando area. The theme park traffic has been a mess forever in the general 192 / 1-4 / Beachline Expressway zone. Even before the I-4 Ultimate project, Orlando was known for having drivers make the 4 lane cross highway move to hit an exit. This kind of decision will have virtually no impact on the local area other than not seeing the Disney themed buses on SR 417. Though to your point, Local leaders (Orange County, City of Orlando, Kissimmee, Expressway Authority, FDOT, Regional Planning Council, etc) do have a solid working relationship and often partner on things. Mears has been an institution here for decades, and built its business well before partnering with Disney. Many other businesses have complained that Mears has had a monopoly on the local market and especially the airport.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You can have money and still be frugal. Some developed their wealth being this way. Just because you can afford to buy something (or a service) doesn't mean you should.

Except WDW prices go up more than that year over year. Anyone who doesn't like annual price increases already wasn't going to WDW.

I remember paying $125 to stay at AKL, and $99 to stay at the Swan, and the $99 rate was year round! AKL is currently closed, but a studio at Kidani currently goes for over $550/night, and the Swan is currently $200 (last year it was over $350/night Easter week).

With tax, at AKL (,111 to 622 w/tax) that works out to $36/day or $255/week extra cost every year.

Swan's 2020 rates (111 to 394 w/tax) works out to an increase of $20.21 per day or $141.50 per week rate increase per year.

And that's just rooms. I can't even compare tickets, because old tickets were non-dated and never expired. In 2010, a 7day base adult =$231 w/tax.
In 2011, a 1 week base adult runs up to $604.50, = a $34 price increase per person, every year.

 

[RoseGold]

I understand needing the stroller and wheel chairs. What’s wild when you go to a Disney Park over seas, you don’t see them. It’s a novelty not a necessity.

I'm baffled by this ignorance. Accessibility isn't a novelty.

It's something that the disabled deal with every single day. For many disabled people, WDW was a rare respite where everything was accessible and it was just all done, and that was magic. There are plenty of people who can't rent cars and can't get in Ubers. They can't even get out of the airport to get on a vacation. This isn't a novelty discussion.

Maybe Disney doesn't want to be as accessible as it was, I guess that's a choice. But Disney's previous choices were pretty amazing for the disabled, and it's sad to see this ending.

Sure, I can throw my carseats and strollers in a Uber and pay some more money. Maybe I'd rather do that in Italy if I'm already going to this much hassle on my very expensive vacation. But I recognize this is a privileged statement.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Anyone else hear Pete's rant on DisUnplugged? It was awesome. I felt like he was speaking for me.

 

[ckelly14]

I'm surprised by the ME service ending. I always thought this was Disney's way to keep people on property.

 

[revdon64]

Not all that long ago (three years maybe?) DW and I seriously considered DVC. With everything that's been taken away, delayed, or scrapped in the last three years.... we made a wise investment keeping our money in our pockets.

 

[hp_lovecraft]

Drop off your luggage and then return the car to the Dolphin or Car Care Center (they bring you back to your resort) and you literally rent the car for less than 4 hours.

we did this a few times, maybe so we can pick up groceries , or swing by relatives, etc

we found it easier to drop off/pick up at Disney springs, so we didn’t have to rely on the rental shuttle

but since grocery delivery had become very good, we had not bothered to rent the last few yesrs

 

[mickeyluv'r]

What's the size comparison between the 4 main parks at WDW and any of the overseas parks? Same walking distance? Same set up?

Here strollers are a necessity for many, many families. I could take my kids to Hershey Park (30 minutes from me), even 2 days in a row, and not need a stroller because the kids, even the 3 year old, could handle it. WDW is incredibly different and massive.

And I'm not sure what relevance comparing WDW to any of the overseas parks, since, to my knowledge, the announcement cancelling EMH and ME applies directly to services offered at WDW.

Paris is only 2 parks, but otherwise it is comparable to MK and HS. The parks are closer together, but I don't think they are connected by any kind of transportation, and Paris version of DS (called Disneyland Village) is right there. It is basically the same as the Universal Orlando/Citywalk set up.

While WDW is bigger, it is possible to reduce my walking if I simply choose to do less walking.

In Paris, getting back to your hotel usually takes longer, because Disneyland is off in a suburb of Paris. Most folks commute from Paris via the RER train, which is about 1-2.5 hours each way, depending on where in Paris/number of stops. There are also some hotels out by Disneyland, but then you have to take the RER to get to Paris/airport. Usually with parking restrictions, tolls, aggressive speed cameras, cost of gas, and whatnot getting around via train is easier and more affordable.

 

[DisneyTarheel]

Ya they put out a statement that said they planned on running WDW bus services now and into the future. I guess after 2021 they will just start charging everyone. I mean it's something I guess, maybe it will help get people by until the Brightline in 2023. But Mears is supposed to be pretty expensive, and well who knows when the Brightline will actually be completed and the type of hassle it's going to bring with it.

Unless WDW intends to provide special buses with luggage storage from Disney Springs to the resorts, taking the train from the airport to WDW will likely not be a great option for larger families. Will be interesting to see how that will work. Maybe they will make a Minnie Van type service available to shuttle that group from DS -- for a fee, of course.

 

[silver236]

Do they not realize that by not offering the Magical Express, those of us that are forced to now rent a car will spend our $$$ in other dining locations and/or buying groceries offsite as well as visiting other attractions in the area? for my last 2 Disney trips, I never stepped foot outside the Disney bubble. Nor did I ever consider splitting my stay between Disney and Universal. That's about to change for my family.

This is absolutely true. On our September trip we rented a car for the first time because of COVID concerns. With the added freedom, did we pay for $8 beers at the hotel bar? Nope. Drove to the liquor store and stocked the fridge. Did we pay for breakfast at Captain Cooks? Once (Had to get Tonga toast), but the rest we made in the room or hopped over to McDonalds. Did we eat all our dinners at Disney table service. Nope not this time. Found some local restaurants outside the bubble and saved a ton of dough. Did we pay $18 a pop for two lapu lapus on our last night at the Poly? Of course we did. We're not barbarians.

 

[desertbloom]

I was really disappointed to see this news. It feels like all the perks of being a resort guest have slowly been taken away and now I am not so sure the inflated price is worth it to us. Unfortunately, unless people actually stop staying there, which we all know won't happen, these type of things are going to continue to erode the perks of staying on site. People always love to complain but few are willing to put their money where their mouth is and make a stand by staying elsewhere. The parks and resorts, pre covid, were busier than ever despite park admission increases, resort price increases, and taking away free parking.

 

[holden]

I'm curious to see if these recent changes impact crowds. Will more people want to squeeze in a trip this summer before DME goes away? Will less people visit summer 2022 because of no DME/EMH? Will the changes have little to no impact on number of visitors?

 

[zebrastreyepz]

Well you may laugh all you want, look at their stock price. Also look at the price you pay per day vs a regional theme park (Cedar Fair/Six Flags). Then look what they charge for their room rates. After all of that, look at what you spend on merchandise and food. They are a premium product.

yes You can get entertained for less, you can vacation for less. Believe it or not, Disney sets the standard. So that makes Disney a Premium Product. Even if you say not anymore, some one else still pays the premium.

look some people only drink true Champagne, and some people can only afford California Sparking / Prosecco. Yeah the last two taste fine, but champagne is a premium because of the name.

If it costs more it equals a "premium" product? That was actually the founder of Wendy's business model. He charged more so people would think it was a better burger. Wendy's now has a dollar menu just like everyone else.

And why would I look at their stock price? It incorporates a lot of things like, oh, The Mandalorian/Disney+ which IS a premium product. I'm not going to look at Disney stock prices to judge the entire company. That's foolish.

I'm aware of the prices in local theme parks, as well. Season passes to Silver Dollar City are going to cost me $250 for me AND DH. I get 8 passes for friends and family and free parking to start with. Frontier City is $490 for a Diamond Elite season pass on sale right now for 50% off.

WDW was going to be over $1000 for SIX days in March. I can get season passes to both Frontier City AND Silver Dollar City for that price.

And Disney DID set the standard...too bad they're not living up to their past examples.

If people want to pay premium for the nostalgia that's their choice. Doesn't change the fact that you don't get what you used to.

Your champagne analogy? What Disney is doing is pouring California Sparkling/Prosecco in a "true Champagne" bottle and some folks are thinking it tastes the same because they rely on the labeling.

 

[Fanofthegame]

Orlando has been a car rental mecca for 25 years or more, even with the shuttle service. There are about 2.5 million residents of the greater Orlando area. The theme park traffic has been a mess forever in the general 192 / 1-4 / Beachline Expressway zone. Even before the I-4 Ultimate project, Orlando was known for having drivers make the 4 lane cross highway move to hit an exit. This kind of decision will have virtually no impact on the local area other than not seeing the Disney themed buses on SR 417. Though to your point, Local leaders (Orange County, City of Orlando, Kissimmee, Expressway Authority, FDOT, Regional Planning Council, etc) do have a solid working relationship and often partner on things. Mears has been an institution here for decades, and built its business well before partnering with Disney. Many other businesses have complained that Mears has had a monopoly on the local market and especially the airport.

Interesting take. From what I gather from your post that this change will have little impact at all. Wow. To your other point all monopolies aren't bad. Having one provided makes it easier.

Orlando has been a car rental mecca for 25 years or more, even with the shuttle service. There are about 2.5 million residents of the greater Orlando area. The theme park traffic has been a mess forever in the general 192 / 1-4 / Beachline Expressway zone. Even before the I-4 Ultimate project, Orlando was known for having drivers make the 4 lane cross highway move to hit an exit. This kind of decision will have virtually no impact on the local area other than not seeing the Disney themed buses on SR 417. Though to your point, Local leaders (Orange County, City of Orlando, Kissimmee, Expressway Authority, FDOT, Regional Planning Council, etc) do have a solid working relationship and often partner on things. Mears has been an institution here for decades, and built its business well before partnering with Disney. Many other businesses have complained that Mears has had a monopoly on the local market and especially the airport.

Just curious do you know how many magical Express busses are on the road at any given time?

I cant begin to think how you move so many visitors without a reliable transport system.

 

[ppony]

I

Ya they put out a statement that said they planned on running WDW bus services now and into the future. I guess after 2021 they will just start charging everyone. I mean it's something I guess, maybe it will help get people by until the Brightline in 2023. But Mears is supposed to be pretty expensive, and well who knows when the Brightline will actually be completed and the type of hassle it's going to bring with it.

I certainly don't mind paying too much for a bus service like DME. I mean, within reason. To get from LAX to DLR without a car we took a bus. For the 4 of us it was $100RT total. Of course that's farther (I think) than from MCO to WDW. But I hope SOMEONE steps in in a similar capacity. I wish Disney had at least offered it for a small fee for those traveling to their resorts rather than cutting it off wholesale.

 

[ktlm]

G

Many of us seem to be willing to pay for DL's Maxpass at WDW, and even seem excited by the prospect of that coming to WDW. I've paid for the FPs in Shanghai, yet to try Maxpass (haven't to DL since 2012). But I guess I don't understand why we'd rather pay extra for something that was free (included) in FP. It wasn't perfect, but I guess I'm too cheap.

Maxpass is fantastic! We've done it multiple times. It is so much better than FP+ in our opinion. as it gives you much more flexibility. You do not book any FP in advance and you are not locked in for the day. Because people are not booking in advance, there is full availability every morning, and because everyone is still only allowed one at a time, the availability stays much greater throughout the day. It is so much easier to get a FP for any ride you want at DLR with Maxpass instead of FP+

At DLR the old FP system still exists and you can use it for free and go from ride to ride to book at the machines if you want. That would be an issue with WDW-since they got rid of that. I don't know what WDW would still offer for free if they switched to Maxpass. What you are paying for at DLR is basically 1) the ability to book on your phone as opposed to running to the machines; 2) once you have scanned in to one park being able to book FPs in either park (hoppers needed); 3) having the ability to see what is available for all the rides at once without standing at the ride and 4) you can pick up sooner FP times on Max Pass usually. It runs like the original FP system Once you scan in the gate you can book your first FP in either park. Then once you use that FP or wait 2 hours (or maybe it is 1 1/2 hours) you can book your next FP. The minute you scan into the line with your FP, you can book the next FP. One morning at DL, DD and I grabbed our first FP which kicked in immediately and decided every time we scanned and got in line, we would immediately book the next available fast pass that popped up for ANY ride that was fairly close. We had a blast just going wherever Maxpass took us and skipping lines. I think we used at least 6 FPs in not much more than an hour. We knew we were hopping to CA for lunch, so we kept an eye on RSR and when it got to a time we wanted right before lunch, we went ahead and booked that. I was skeptical before we tried it too, but It is one of those that once you spend the money and try it, it is hard to go without it.

Kind of like ME--- I would like it better if it was free, but I would be willing to pay for it if they would just keep it around.