Disney's Magical Express Ruffles Feathers

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

17 Mar 2008 06:51 AM

Disney's Magical Express is a shuttle and check-in service that has been available at Orlando International Airport for nearly three years now. Apparently, it is so popular and luring the business of so many tourists that other companies are really getting their feathers ruffled. Rumblings of an antitrust lawsuit are even going around.

In 2007, Disney transported more than 2.1 million passengers from the airport to its resorts and cruise ships. That is a significant increase from 2006. Peak seasons see the Magical Express buses to Disney World and Port Canaveral carrying over 12,000 passengers per day. During September of 2007, one of every seven people who landed at Orlando International Airport took Disney's Magical Express to their destination.

From the point of view of a tourist planning to visit Walt Disney World, Disney's Magical Express is just that - magic! It is a free service provided to Walt Disney World resort guests so there is no additional charge for airport to hotel transportation plus you have somebody who will take care of your luggage for you. Hmm...Let's think about this. They're going to drive me to my hotel and handle my luggage for free? I don't have to wait at the baggage carousel; fight the crowds; rent a luggage cart; wait in line to rent a car; take a bus and my luggage to my rental car which is parked a mile away; and all the while trying to ride herd on my kids who are screaming "Are we there yet"?

That's a no-brainer!

As a side note, Disney also has a Magical Express return-flight check-in option. Guests can check in for their flights home and drop off their luggage before they even leave Disney property. Another no-brainer.

The only problem with all of this is that it is putting smaller companies out of business. Small operators with limos, buses and vans for hire that used to do a bustling business to Walt Disney World from the airport are now going out of business or leaving OIA because they simply cannot afford to compete with the Disney machine.

What do you think? Is it progress, convenience or monopoly?

Related Blogs:

Disney's Magical Express Service

Why Use Disney's Magical Express Service?

Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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Michele Cheplic (37349) 17 Mar 2008 11:31 AM

Might I suggest the drivers for the smaller businesses ask Disney for jobs? I'm only half-kidding given the huge numbers Disney is pulling in they have got to have a need for more drivers. It might be a humbling experience but at least you are still making an income.

Lisa P (24013) 17 Mar 2008 12:22 PM

True. True! And Disney isn't a bad company to work for - I should know!

Penny Steed (336) 18 Mar 2008 06:46 AM

They had something similar to this 11 years ago when I went there on my honeymoon. It was great. And yes, I went to Disney World for my honeymoon. We are planning on going back when the youngest is old enough to enjoy more of the park.

Lisa P (24013) 18 Mar 2008 07:40 AM

Disney World for a honeymoon is great! They do cool weddings too. Heather has written some great blogs about weddings and honeymoons at Disney.

We've planned to spend each of our children's 5th birthdays at Disney World. The first one will be in 2009 and my husband and I are getting pretty excited about it. Our next one will be in 2012 and that will be tricky since our second son was born on Christmas Day. :-)