Magical Express is a complimentary service that Disney World provides to its guests that are staying on-site at a Disney hotel (except for the Swan, Dolphin and Shades of Green). To some, it’s just transportation to the resort from the airport. To me, it’s the first sign that I’m actually on my way to Disney World and of course fills me with happiness!
It’s funny how that same happiness can turn to sadness when I receive my notification of my Magical Express pickup time for the return trip to the airport. I heard a friend call it the Tragical Express when it’s heading back to the airport and I totally agree.
Here are the things you need to know when you’re heading to Disney World via Magical Express.
First things first, even though it’s a free service, you do need a reservation. So as soon as you know your flight times to and from Orlando, let me know and I’ll get you booked on Magical Express. Also, this only runs from Orlando International so if you fly into a different airport, you’ll need other transportation.
A couple of weeks before your trip, you’ll receive your luggage tags in the mail. You’ll get one tag per person but if you need more, just let me know. These tags are Magical in their own way - once you tag your luggage and drop off at your departure airport, you won’t see your bags again until they are in your room! No need to stop at baggage claim or drag them to the bus. If you happen to have an arrival time after 10pm, you’ll need to collect the bags yourself. But I’d call you crazy if you did that - go early and make the most of your day!
Don’t pack your MagicBands in your bags. You’ll use them to board the Magical Express, get into your room and even the parks if you head out before your room is ready.
Once you arrive at the airport, just follow the signs towards the Magical Express area. Trust me, you can’t miss it.
There are different lines for different resorts so just make sure you’re in the correct line. Wait time for the bus depends on when you arrived - we’ve waited as little as 5 minutes and as much as 30 minutes.
You'll then take around a 30 minute drive to the Disney World Resort area. The buses stop at several resorts each so there’s a chance you may be the last stop. In this case, plan on about an hour from the airport to your resort. But no worries - you’ll be entertained the entire way with videos playing information about your upcoming great times at Disney World.
Once you arrive at your resort, the driver will unload your bags if you didn’t take advantage of the luggage tags. If you did tag your bags then just hop off and start your fun!
The day before you leave, you’ll receive a notification under your room door giving you the time of your Tragical Express pickup. It’s usually around 3 hours before your flight. Don’t be late to the bus - it won’t wait for you! You can leave your bags with bell services if you have a later flight and want to enjoy the parks a bit more before heading out. Just leave enough time to retrieve them from bell services before your bus pickup time.
Some airlines allow you to do flight checkin and luggage check at your resort. I’ll check into that if you’d like once you know your flight information.
Some FAQs
Child car seat - If you brought a car seat, you can store it under the bus but it can’t be used on the bus.
One way trips are allowed.
There is a bathroom on the bus.