Transportation is an important part of any Disney World trip, and that includes getting to and from the airport. For some time, Disney World Resort guests have used the Magical Express to travel to and from the airport. The Magical Express picks up guests from the airport and brings them directly to their chosen resort. Their luggage arrives later and in their room. The same is true for the trip back to the airport. Soon, this option will no longer be available. Disney announced the discontinuation of the Magical Express next year as we get ready for the debut of a high speed train coming to Disney the following year. Now, we’re taking a look at what it means for your vacation!
What We Know
Starting January 1, 2022, Disney World will be discontinuing the Magical Express airport transportation service. Currently, this shuttle serves as transportation between Orlando International Airport and Disney World. A new Brightline train is set to connect the Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs within the next few years. According to Disney, “Brightline’s expansion from West Palm Beach to MCO is on track to be completed in 2022″. Brightline revealed in their November report that the goal is to start revenue service on the Disney World connection during the second half of 2023. The train would provide transportation to Disney World in place of the Magical Express. Disney’s agreement with Brightline is contingent on, “Brightline’s satisfaction of certain obligations including obtaining all necessary government approvals,” according to the Disney statement.
We recently saw a reduction in services offered by the Magical Express. With the reopening of the Disney World theme parks, the Magical Express discontinued luggage delivery for both arrivals and departures. It should also be noted that the Lyft-based ride share offering at Disney World, the Minnie Vans, have been unavailable since the park reopening. Disney noted that at this time, “Minnie Vans will remain temporarily unavailable but they hope to bring the offering back in the future”. All of this leads us to the Brightline train and when it will be available.
What is the train to Disney World?
The Brightline railway company is actively constructing a new high speed rail line to bring passengers from the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach stops that already exist on its Florida line to Orlando. This will eventually include a stop in Disney Springs. According to announcements from Disney and Brightline, service connecting South Florida to Central Florida is expected to open in 2022 with the Disney Springs station set to begin revenue service in 2023. For Disney visitors, this will mean a rail connection to many South Florida cities and the Orlando International Airport (MCO), a necessary travel tool with the discontinuation of the Magical Express.
Brightline announced an agreement with Walt Disney World to build a station at Disney Springs as part of expansion plans from South Florida to Central Florida. The station would link the Disney shopping, dining and entertainment complex with Orlando International Airport, potentially by 2022. Brightline stated that, “The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform. The proposed location would be in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels”.
What will the train between Disney World and the airport cost?
We have no definite confirmation of cost at this time. We can take a look at some of the Brightline ticket prices for existing rail lines and how that translates to the shorter trip. For the one-hour train ride between Miami and West Palm Beach (with a stop at Fort Lauderdale at the 30-minute mark), a ticket will cost you between $17 and $28. This depends on your origin point and final destination. At the upper end, the $28 is the price for the approximately 75-mile trip. A trip from Miami to Orlando Airport will take around 3 hours and will cost around $100 per ticket. The price does seem to scale appropriately based on mileage considering Miami to MCO is about three times the mileage of Miami to West Palm Beach and will cost approximately three times as much.
Based on that math, we get an idea of what the base price for the train might be. It is about 18 miles from MCO to Disney Springs. Based on the $28 per 75 miles price, we’re looking at less than $7 per ticket. The Magical Express was a free perk for guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels. That was a huge deal for many guests, especially those with families not wanting to rent a car. Disney hasn’t said anything concerning if they could strike a deal with Brightline to transport guests to and from Walt Disney World, but it’s certainly possible. If Disney were to negotiate a deal, Brightline service could be free for those with a confirmed reservation as an added resort perk. It could also go in the other direction due to demand and cost guests a premium.
What will the Brightline train experience be like?
According to the Company’s website, they will be the first fully ADA-accessible train in the country with easy access from their stations to their trains. The seats on the train will be large, hand-stitched leather seats which recline for comfort, and are located alongside full windows. There will reportedly be two ways to ride, Smart and Select. Smart is a business-class option with a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase. Select is a first-class experience with all-inclusive amenities. Some items will be available for both classes, like complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and power USB outlets at each seat. Other features are only available for Select passengers, or are included in Select passengers’ fare. These features will be available for an additional cost for Smart passengers.
Brightline’s website also indicates that their trains will be pet friendly and will have space for bike and carry-on storage. Brightline will also provide guests with the ability to check their luggage before they board. There will be beverages on board, and state-of-the-art restrooms with an “innovative hands-free experience”. In terms of your experience at the Brightline stations, you’ll be able to book rides online and within the Brightline app, there will be smart turnstiles, Wi-Fi available, and a “variety of provisions to complement your travels”.
How will guests get to the resorts with their luggage?
Right now we know that guests and their luggage need to be transported from Disney Springs to their respective resorts. Will they take a resort bus to their Disney World Resort from Disney Springs after disembarking from the Brightline train? Disney’s policy note states “No luggage or alcohol of any type is permitted on Walt Disney World Resort buses”. So, Disney would likely have to change their rules to make this possible. Even so, Disney buses are not equipped to carry lots of luggage. Disney has yet to address this concern.
We can only assume a few possible solutions. Disney could create a bus coach service from Disney Springs to individual Disney World hotels. This could be a paid service, or could replace Magical Express as a free service. Disney could also reinstate Minnie Vans, their branded rideshare service, with a dedicated fleet to take train passengers to hotels. Disney could do nothing and assume guests will take rideshare services or drag their suitcases onto Disney transport. That is assuming Disney changes the policy and ultimately allows the luggage on their buses. Regardless, this is going to be a problem, and Disney will have to deal with it soon.
Hopefully being the creative geniuses they are, Disney has already devised a plan to replace the Magical Express and are waiting to announce it once they know more. No matter what, it is doubtful Disney will be able to offer anything as wonderful as the Magical Express. Stay tuned to make sure that you’re up to date on the latest news with this project. We’ll let you know as we hear more about the date, cost, and how guests will get to their resorts. Did you like the Magical Express? What do you think Disney will do to replace this fan favorite? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or leave a comment below. You can also email us on the “contact us” page.