Most Informative Disney’s Magical Express Review
There is nothing easy about navigating busy airports. On my most recent visit to Walt Disney World, I flew from Newark to Orlando International…probably the two busiest airports in the nation. Beginning my travel day frantically navigating the NYC mass transit system to make it to my flight spiked my stress levels.
Photo credit: WestJet.com
The unfathomably long security lines snaking through the crowded airport really put me on edge. And after finally passing through TSA screening and waiting at my gate, the abrupt and rudely rushed boarding process sent me through the roof!
The entire flight I dreaded arriving at MCO in Orlando because I knew I’d be met with just as many stressed-out travelers as I left behind in New Jersey…and I could not bear to think about the crowds and stress that I KNEW would come from finding, checking in for, and ultimately boarding Disney’s Magical Express.
Your Vacation Begins at the Airport
The signage was clear and concise. Once I left my gate, Disney led the way. For how often I visit Walt Disney World, it may come as a shock to hear that I had never taken Magical Express before this trip!
I called ahead to ensure that my spot would be booked on the bus…and stopped my research right there. I purposely didn’t follow up on research because I wanted to see for myself just how good the airport’s signs were to the Magical Express with no prior knowledge.
Credit: Maria Salerno
Multiple very prominent signs bearing the Disney’s Magical Express logo are located throughout the airport as you exit. If you miss the first, don’t worry, you can catch the second…or third, or fourth, or fifth…you get the picture! The point is, no matter where you’re flying from, I can guarantee that you will have no problems finding the Magical Express when you arrive!
The Journey
Credit: Maria Salerno
The check-in took all of about 2 minutes. To expedite the process of check-in, simply have a MagicBand or your Resort confirmation number on hand, and your Cast Member will direct you to the bus that is traveling to your Resort Hotel! I waited a mere 10 minutes before the wheels were rolling to Walt Disney World Resort after checking in!
Credit: Maria Salerno
I’m not sure if it was the fantastic trivia/behind-the-scenes video reel that was playing overhead, my hilarious drivers’ intercom hype-talks with his passengers, or the fact that the bus was a buzz with excited guests on their way to Walt Disney World, but that 20 minute ride flew by in the blink of an eye!
The Return
The least favorite part of my Walt Disney World stay this go-around was my Magical Tragical Express packet delivery. Ok, ok, no one likes to reach the end of their vacation. Putting all thoughts of going home aside, paying attention to the packet delivery is an important part of the Magical Express service.
Photo Credit: DVDRentalStore.com
Inside your packet, you’ll find the following information: what time your departing Magical Express leaves, luggage tags, and (if you flew on a participating airline), your printed boarding passes. All of this information is very important.
Being that you need to provide your driver with the letter that is enclosed in your packet, it is imperative that you pay close attention to each paper that’s enclosed. It’s even more important that you arrive early for your Magical Express departure.
Credit: Maria Salerno
When you provided your departing flight information to your Resort, you were automatically assigned a departing Magical Express time that CANNOT be changed. Trust me, it really can’t be changed. I tried.
In order to ensure that you won’t miss your flight, Disney allows a much larger window of time than necessary. Point blank: my returning Magical Express left way too early for my liking…but I I didn’t miss my flight!
Credit: Maria Salerno
The return journey saw the same great film reel as my arriving bus, but the ambiance was notably different. Understandably, not one soul aboard that bus was singing and cheering like they were on the journey to the Resort. The ride was quick and ultimately, the service as a whole is a fantastic complimentary amenity that makes deciding to stay at a Walt Disney Resort hotel a no-brainer! That’s our Magical Express review!
Are you Ready to Experience Magical Express for Yourself
Are you planning to book a Disney vacation for you and your family? I’d love to help! I am a proud MickeyTravels Authorized Vacation Planner (Platinum Level) specializing in all Disney destinations. From hotel to FastPass+ reservations, I will help with each and every aspect of your trip. And the best part about my services is that they are completely FREE!
You can find me over on Facebook, or contact me directly at msalerno@mickeytravels.com, or 800-308-6257. I can’t wait to start planning your dream Disney vacation!
