Orlando - Article on growth of Disney's Magical Express service

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bizmagical21022108feb21,0,4038110.story

Limousine companies are trying to sue them on antitrust grounds.

Good luck with that.

Newsstand? Yes. OMNI? Sure. Chicago forum? :confused:.

;)

Newsstand? Yes. OMNI? Sure. Chicago forum? :confused:.

;)

Sorry, I thought I was posting in the Orlando forum. Need more coffee.

Mods, please move, or delete.

Done. :)

Gary
aka gleff
Senior moderator

Disney's Magical Express has been a great thing for my family. I've used it several times and have found it to be efficient (occasionally efficient to the point of being mechanical ;)), fast, comfortable and convenient.

I've probably saved close to $1000 on not having to rent cars in MCO anymore.

The big advantage, for Disney, is that now I (and many others) are hesitant to consider staying off-property because we'd lose the 'free ride'.

Disneys Magical Express was nice enough to even return me and my family to MCO after a stay when we weren't even catching a flight out...I was picking up a car at Avis and driving down to Miami to catch a cruise.

I've also used their baggage check in and found it works great.

Only drawback I've seen so far is that Disney tends to book you waaaay too early back to MCO (like a 1230p bus for a 5p flight), but they are very accommodating and will let you choose a later time for your convenience.

I think this was a brilliant idea by Disney.

I've never used it, but know it's extremely popular. I just like having a car at my disposal so I can wander around at will and go off property if I feel like.

However, many people go to Disney and never actually leave the property, and this service is great for them.

I can't imagine an anti-trust lawsuit would work.

I think this was a brilliant idea by Disney.

Agreed. This service, along with the dining plan (though not the deal it used to be) really encourages the guest to stay on Disney property.

I've never used it, but know it's extremely popular. I just like having a car at my disposal so I can wander around at will and go off property if I feel like.

However, many people go to Disney and never actually leave the property, and this service is great for them.


Occasionally, I've wanted a car for one day as well. You can reserve with National and Disney will transport you to the on-site rental location at the Car Care Center just outside the Magic Kingdom.

I thought about that, but I'm spoiled and like to get around on my own.

If I were staying at the Poly, I would be more inclined to use DME. Anywhere else, I like the car. Particluarly if it's only a long weekend with lots on my to-do list :D

As a matter of fact, when I did the all you can do-all you can eat package last year I was at the Poly and still used the car to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

But, the article did make me realize that when I'm staying onsite, I'm paying for the service anyway :eek: :eek:

I thought about that, but I'm spoiled and like to get around on my own.

If I were staying at the Poly, I would be more inclined to use DME. Anywhere else, I like the car. Particluarly if it's only a long weekend with lots on my to-do list :D

As a matter of fact, when I did the all you can do-all you can eat package last year I was at the Poly and still used the car to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

But, the article did make me realize that when I'm staying onsite, I'm paying for the service anyway :eek: :eek:

At least as of a couple years ago (and I think it's unofficially allowed today) you can use DME for luggage only which is a great hassle and time saver even if you are renting a car.

I'll keep that in mind.

But quite honestly, at this point in our "go to WDW" lives, we are not staying on site very much at all any longer. While there are many benefits, it's also become outrageously expensive. You can usually find me at the Hyatt.

Last year's Poly trip on the deluxe plan was a special occassion, and I had to pry my wallet open to pay for it.

The general rule is that we stay where it's most convenient to us for what we plan on doing that particular trip. The time of year also factors in.

But we go so much and have been there so many times, I wouldn't dare suggest anyone else should do it the way I do. :D

I appreciate that bit of advise though. It may come in handy one day.