Magical "Not-So-Free" Express???

[DreamFinder2]

I just got off the phone with a Disney Travel Co. CM and while she was finalizing our reservation for March 2008, she mentioned that when I call back in a few weeks to confirm new hotel prices, I should also check to make sure the Magical Express service is still free?!?!?!?

Has anyone else heard that WDW is going to start charging for this?

[JPL]

It is in Disney's best interest to keep DME free. It keeps people on property since ore people are opting not to rent a car and use the service. They use raises in Room rates to off-set the costs of DME if anything they will raise the room prices a few dollars a night before charging for the service.

Now does this mean it will always be free that's to difficult to predict.

[AuntDJ]

I have to admit...I would pay a little for this service. I think the ease of getting my luggage delivered is worth quite a bit to me.

Obviously, I would not pay more than it would cost to rent a car, but I enjoy this service.

[JWDisneyFan]

Having used this service multiple times and having a great experience each time, I might pay a small fee for this service. But I think is a great perk for Disney to market and I hope it stays fee. DH and I have actually discussed what he would do if they chared a fee a while back. I know it stopped us from using a towncar and I know my husband would go right back to the towncar if he had to pay (not necessarily my opinion.)

[SallyfromDE]

I believe when they started the program, they had said it would be free the first year. I was surprised it continued this long.

[GrumpyFan]

They use raises in Room rates to off-set the costs of DME if anything they will raise the room prices a few dollars a night before charging for the service.

They also raised 1-2 day ticket prices quite a bit in the last year or so.

[Horizon93]

I agree that it is in the company's best interest to keep it free in order to keep more people on property for a larger portion of their stay. I typically use the good folks at Happy Limo, but I think a free ME is better for WDW.

[vizsla]

I think DME is great. We have used it several times and the experience has ben wonderful. I wouldn't mind having to pay a little extra for the service if they began to charge. I do recall about a year ago reading that Disney reached an agreement with MCO to continue the DME until 2011, so after that time I would expect to have to pay for the service unless they sign another contract with MCO.

[Crow]

used it for the first time in May and liked it. i wouldnt have a problem getting my luggage myself though. i dont rent a car, as i stay on disney and use the buses, so it saves me taxi etc.

[snifflesmcg]

I agree that it would be in Disney's best interest to keep the DME free. That is one of the draws for me to stay onsite. If I stay offsite and have to rent a car, I'd probably spend less time in Disney and spend a day or two at Universal or finding things to do on the strip in Kissimmee.

[adamsfam5]

We were told back in 9/06 that it would probably not be free in 2008. We were on a DVC tour and I asked if the Magical Express would still be good for DVC (stupid question, but I asked). The CM said that the Disney "good neighbor" policy is to work with other companies and make folks happy - and a lot of folks (limo services, rental car services, etc.) were very upset and x number had lost jobs, wages changed, etc., b/c of the Magical Express.

My hope would be that it continue. It's difficult to keep up with three young children and all our luggage! It's just one less headache for our family.

[DisneyDudet]

Well its not free, its just included in your room/package price as an increase. Even those of us who don't use it are paying for it, as the room rates are WAY higher than times before DME, and they don't discount in any way if you choose not to use it (we would use it if we didn't like to go off site and eat and shop).

[magicofdisney]

I personally would prefer they charge for it if it meant room rates would not increase annually. Wishful thinking?

[tarjaybuff]

After our first experience with Magical Express it will be our last. To and from were poor experiences. They did raise the room rates to cover the service. If you don't use it you shouldn't have to pay for it when you get a room.

Murray Hill Transportation. Roundtrip w/ grocery stop for $85. 5 star service, and well worth the money. No waiting at the airport for 45 minutes while the Magical Express bus fills up. Plus you can buy snacks/alcohl to save on food costs.

[JPL]

I have used Magical Express 3 times and have never had a problem. The average waiting time for a bus was about 20 minutes which is less time than it usually takes for me to retrieve my luggage at MCO. Don't know if I just had good timing but never had any problems. To me $85 is a bit expensive for a car service from the airport to WDW and the $85 will buy me plenty of snacks at WDW. And considering I am paying for DME if I use it or not I would rather take advantage of the service.

[ImagiAsh]

Like most people here, I wouldn't mind paying a little for this service--of course, not more than the fee for a rental car--but, I do enjoy the perk of it being free at the moment.

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I do recall about a year ago reading that Disney reached an agreement with MCO to continue the DME until 2011, so after that time I would expect to have to pay for the service unless they sign another contract with MCO . . .

1) The contract DOES NOT say free to customers.
2) The contract is
. . . for access to the airport
. . . for airport space
. . . for bus loading gates
. . . for bus unloading permission
. . . for specs regarding CM actions and locations
. . . for the link with BAGS, Inc.

NOTE: This is per an Orlando Sentinel article about DME.

[Beach Club Babe]

I have used this service several times and generally had good experiences. However, our return to the airport this past May, was absolutely horrendous! I will never "pay" for this service because of it. Even if it is a nominal fee they impose, I will gladly pay much more and return to towncar service!

[Raye3201]

I totally agree with Beach Club Babe - I would never pay for this service. If Disney makes it a fee for service, I'd opt for the private town car....faster, no lining up, assistance with luggage (who really wants to wait 5 hrs for luggage?) and a grocery stop if u wish. We've used the DME but still prefer the private town car due to the superior service and not having to go to two or three resorts prior to ours.

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

We have only had good experiences with ME and hope that it continues as is.

We are going to get our own luggage and bring it to the ME bus this year for the first time. We are going to be arriving at MCO after 5pm and I do not want to risk not having our luggage when it is time for baths and bed. I know my kids are going to crash early that night. We have always gotten our luggage within 1-2 hours when we arrive in the am but, knowing my luck it would be later this year. Hopefully it is smooth sailing as usual.

We think it is a great service.