As guest needs evolve and the world situations shifts, Walt Disney World Resort changes its services and policies as well. Today we learned about two significant changes coming for Disney guests.
Magical Express Service Ending
Beginning with vacations scheduled on January 1, 2022; guests arriving at the Orlando International Airport will no longer have the option to utilize Disney’s Magical Express transportation.
The Magical Express transports guests and their luggage from the airport to their Disney hotel. Without this option, guests will need to identify their own transportation to begin their vacation.
Disney’s Magical Express will remain in operation through the duration of 2021.
Resort Guest Early Entry
In light of the current pandemic and ensuing concerns, Disney has made the difficult decision to cancel Extra Magic Hours for all Resort guests. Extra Magic Hours were already suspended due to COVID-19, but now we know that they will not return.
Extra Magic Hours were special times before or after park closing when on-property guests could enjoy lighter crowds at specified theme parks.
HOWEVER in lieu of this special offering, guests staying on Disney property will now be able to enter ANY of the four theme parks a full 30 minutes before the regularly scheduled opening time – EVERY SINGLE DAY! This will spread the guest demand between the four parks, allowing for greater social distancing and safety protocols.
My Thoughts
While these Walt Disney World changes seem disappointing, there are silver linings in both. The cancellation of Disney’s Magical Express adds some significant complication to families planning Walt Disney World vacations. Airport transfers are one of the least exciting and (in my opinion) most stressful items to plan on a vacation. However, allowing guests to utilize other Orlando-based companies, rideshare drivers, etc will be a benefit to the local economy.
While it is disappointing to lose Extra Magic Hours, this will be a benefit to guests looking to make the most of their time on property. The extra thirty minutes will allow guests to either experience or secure their spot in line for more of the popular attractions without as much competition from other visitors. I only wonder what it will do to non-Resort guests looking to ride Rise of the Resistance.
