Disney's Magical Express transfers

[Cinderella]

New benefit exclusive for Disney hotel guests

Disney's Magical Express Delivers 'Hassle-Free Travel'
for Disney Hotel Guests

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004) -- Walt Disney World announced an innovative new service today called "Disney's Magical Express" which offers complimentary airport shuttle, luggage delivery and airline check in for Disney hotel guests.

Beginning May 5, 2005, guests of Disney hotels* using Disney's Magical Express service can check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (OIA) and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to the Walt Disney World Resort - as their bags "magically" appear in their room upon check in. The round-trip service, which is available and complimentary during Disney's Happiest Celebration on Earth event (which also begins May 5, 2005), is designed to give Disney hotel guests the stress-free vacation they want.

With Disney's Magical Express service, a family of four can save more than $80 (based on round trip shuttle or taxi transportation, plus tip, for two adults and two children).

"We are extremely excited to add Disney's Magical Express to the extensive list of ways we make Disney guests' vacations easier and more enjoyable," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "In essence, this benefit provides a hassle-free experience for our guests from the airport to our hotel room door and back again."

"Disney's Magical Express service will set new standards for convenience, value and comfort for guests traveling between the airport and Walt Disney World Resort," Weiss added. "Orlando International Airport is one of the premiere airports in the world. We believe Disney's Magical Express will not only transform the airport experience for Disney hotel guests, but will further enhance the world-class status of OIA and drive additional visitation to Central Florida."

* Disney's Magical Express service will not be available to guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, the Shades of Green and the seven hotels near Hotel Plaza Boulevard.


How Disney's Magical Express service works:

Disney's Magical Express must be booked at least 10 days prior to arrival through disneyworld.com, Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-W-DISNEY or a travel agent beginning Jan. 2, 2005. The service commences May 5, 2005.
Guests check their specially-tagged luggage at their departure airport.
Upon arrival in Orlando, guests bypass airport baggage claim and go directly to the Disney Airport Welcome Center.
Guests board state-of-the-art motor coaches that take them to their Disney hotel.
A team of Disney representatives at the airport will pick up guests' luggage and transport it to their hotel room.
Disney's Magical Express service makes guests' return to OIA hassle-free as well. This convenient system lets guests flying with participating airlines avoid airport check-in lines by enabling passengers on domestic flights to check their luggage and receive a boarding pass before ever departing their Disney hotel. As an added benefit, guests with flight departures later in the day no longer have to worry about their luggage after they check out of their hotel. They can simply check their luggage at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk and then enjoy the last day of their stay.
In addition to partners at Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World developed this innovative service in conjunction with private and public sector leaders including: the Mears Transportation Group, the largest provider of ground transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort; BAGS Inc., the provider and innovator in off-airport passenger check-in services for the hotel, convention, cruise and airline industries; ARINC Incorporated, a leading global provider of technology systems for airports and airlines; the Transportation Security Administration; and airline partners including: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Song, United Airlines and Ted. Walt Disney World hopes to add other air carriers to the resort airline check-in service in the near future.

Congressman John L. Mica (FL-7), Chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation, called Disney's announcement "welcome news."

"Not only does resort airline check-in provide a convenience for the traveler, it also helps to expedite and improve security checks by reducing congestion during the busiest times," Mica said. "By combining Walt Disney World Resort's destination volume and operational expertise with BAGS' innovative processes and exclusive technology, a new industry model will be established."

Disney's Magic Your Way

Disney's Magical Express is the newest addition to Disney's Magic Your Way program, an exciting new plan, which allows Walt Disney World guests to create their own tickets and vacation packages for a customized vacation. Starting Jan. 2, Walt Disney World Resort guests will be able to purchase tickets to the various theme parks, attractions and other entertainment offerings that are tailored to the length of their vacation and the interests of their group - and allow them to save more per day based on their length of stay. Under Magic Your Way, a family of four will be able to enjoy a six-night/seven-day Walt Disney World vacation - including a stay at a Disney Value hotel, with theme park tickets - for as little as $1,500.

Disney's Magical Express is also added to the long list of premier benefits that are afforded to guests staying at Disney hotels. This includes the recently-announced Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of our theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park closing for guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. **

"Disney's Magical Express adds even more value to a Walt Disney World vacation," Weiss said. "And with the myriad of new attractions and shows premiering this spring in conjunction with the Happiest Celebration on Earth - our global celebration marking 50 years of Disney theme park magic - the timing couldn't be more perfect."

Booking Disney's Magical Express

Walt Disney World guests can book Disney's Magical Express starting Jan. 2 along with the new Disney's Magic Your Way tickets and packages. Guests can log onto the new disneyworld.com, call the Disney Reservations Center at 407-W-DISNEY or contact their travel agent.




What People Are Saying About "Disney's Magical Express"
"At Orlando International Airport, we pride ourselves on delivering the best passenger experience possible. Recently, we were ranked by J.D. Power and Associates as the second best airport in the world for customer service. This new initiative is the wave of the future for our business and will further strengthen our leadership position as one of the world's top airports."
-- Bill Jennings, Executive Director, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority


"We are witnessing a revolution in the airline industry. As always, Walt Disney World is taking the lead in providing their guests an unparalleled vacation experience. The future of passenger services is landing squarely in the lobby of each Disney hotel."
-- Craig Mateer, President, BAGS Inc.


"Mears has been providing transportation for the Walt Disney World guest for more than 30 years. During that time, we have had the opportunity to participate with Disney in several innovative guest transportation services. This new service is further evidence of Disney's commitment to exceed its guests' expectations in all aspects of their vacation experiences."
-- Chuck Carns, Chief Executive Officer, Mears Destination Services


"ARINC has been championing the benefits of off-airport check-in technology for some time. We are delighted to be part of Disney's efforts to introduce this new level of convenience for travelers."
-- Mike Picco, Vice President of Airport Systems, ARINC Incorporated


"We are delighted to participate in Disney's Magical Express. This program reinforces American Airlines' commitment to giving our passengers what they value in a practical and fast service that offers a high level of comfort and convenience."
-- Marilyn DeVoe, Vice President of Customer Service Planning, American Airlines


"Delta's Disney customers can now enjoy more convenient flight and baggage check in right from their resort. As the largest air carrier of passengers into Orlando International Airport, working with BAGS and Disney to make this service available to customers is right in line with Delta's focus on making travel simple, convenient and reliable."
-- Josh Weiss, Baggage Strategy, Delta Airlines


"United is continuously exploring new and innovative ways to serve our customers and bring even more convenience and ease to their check-in experience. United has had a long and excellent relationship with Disney, and both United and Ted are pleased to be able to partner with the Walt Disney World Resort hotels to provide this great service."
-- Larry D. De Shon, Senior Vice President - Airport Operations, United Airlines

[uscwest]

WOW is all I can say. This is FABULOUS

[kazzaqld]

WOW is all I can say. This is FABULOUS Agreed - this will be so good - depending on what flights I can get we may be arriving before 5 May but even if we get it in one direction it will be great! :wiggle:

[Tinker]

:iagree: this is FANTASTIC NEWS !!! I enjoyed flying Delta Song , since they are part of Delta , will this airline be included .

[SorcererMickey]

New luggage delivery service offered by Disney

The Associated Press
Posted December 28 2004, 5:59 PM EST

ORLANDO -- Walt Disney World is eliminating waits at the airport luggage carousel for its theme park visitors arriving in Orlando.

Starting in May, the resort will begin offering a service that lets visitors on domestic flights, staying at Disney hotels, check their luggage at their hometown airports and bypass waiting at the luggage carousel at Orlando International Airport, company officials said Tuesday.

Visitors should find their luggage in their Disney hotel rooms at check-in after arriving at the resort by motor coaches provided by Disney World.

The service will be complimentary during the 18 months of Disney's ``Happiest Celebration on Earth,'' which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland, the company's first theme park. Details, such as cost, haven't been worked out for the service beyond the celebration.

``We want to make it easier to get to the property and this is the way to do that,'' said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney World has provided a similar service for guests who sail out of Port Canaveral on its two cruise ships. But the service for the theme park resort will be on a much larger scale, handling tens of thousands of pieces of luggage daily since Disney World has almost 20 resorts.

Visitors need to make a reservation for the Disney's Magical Express service 10 days before their arrival so they can receive specially-marked baggage tags. The airlines participating in the service include American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Song, United Airlines and Ted.

Visitors will be able to use the service in reverse when leaving by obtaining their flight boarding pass and checking their luggage at the Disney hotel.

Source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-1228disneyluggage,0,782286.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

[BUTTERHEAD1]

This sounds great! With the new ticket options and now this,it sounds like Disney is getting back to catering to its public.If this complimentary shuttle and luggage service is true I probably wouldnt rent a car again.We usually rent a car because after paying for a taxi or shuttle both ways it only cost a few more dollars to have a car for the week.
I got to say I like what Disney is doing,if they would only bring back the Magic Kingdom Club. :whistle:

[miraclemoments]

That rocks!

[PaulaK]

It's a great idea. the going home part sounds like our Virgin downtown check-in which is worth it's weight in gold!

I wonder if us Brits can use the inbound service? :unsure:

[american idol]

i wouldn't have thought we can because of customs!

[PaulaK]

The only problem I see is the food issue where you're supposed to be able to answer what the doggy found in your bag. They could have a Disney express line at immigration though and a carousel for separating luggage again. It would save having to collect it that second time.

[american idol]

The only problem I see is the food issue where you're supposed to be able to answer what the doggy found in your bag. They could have a Disney express line at immigration though and a carousel for separating luggage again. It would save having to collect it that second time.


yeah spose they could- it would certainly make it a lot easier for people! do we know if there's a minimum stay to qualify for this?

the other thing that it would be good for is so that people can pick up their hire car the next day when they are better rested

[kazzaqld]

i wouldn't have thought we can because of customs!
I'll be clearing customs at LAX so it works for me! :lol: Any idea what one does at LAX for 7 hours? http://www.wdisneyw.com/ubb/eek.gif

[american idol]

well you never actually get off teh plane the time they say you will so drop 1hour, 1 hour for clearing customs and immigration. another hour to check in and drop your luggage off to be scanned. So that' s now down to 4 hours! dinner- 1 hour, looking round shops 1 hour! go to the bar for an hour before you go to the gate an hour before and voila- only 1 hour waiting to board!! :rotfl:

[kazzaqld]

well you never actually get off teh plane the time they say you will so drop 1hour, 1 hour for clearing customs and immigration. another hour to check in and drop your luggage off to be scanned. So that' s now down to 4 hours! dinner- 1 hour, looking round shops 1 hour! go to the bar for an hour before you go to the gate an hour before and voila- only 1 hour waiting to board!! :rotfl:
Hee hee - I like it - you're probably right, it will probably go exactly like that! :lol:

[Keith]

yeah no chance of it being for overseas people :/ and a lot less business for the towncar companies I suppose

[OKWTink]

Wow. Let's hope they can pull it off! I've often wondered why Disney doesn't make it easier to get to them. You think they'd have a free shuttle just waiting to scoop people up and bring them to their resorts! :D

I wonder what their backup plan will be for folks who forget to use the special luggage tags.

[luvalab]

This sounds so nice. But we usually need to stop at the store.

[Cinderella]

I wonder if us Brits can use the inbound service? :unsure:

Yes you can,

Here is how that will work

Do international Guests have to claim luggage?
If Orlando is the Guest's first port of entry into the United States then the Guest claims their luggage after debarking the plane (luggage is not transferred to Baggage Claim at this point). The Guest proceeds through the Customs process with their luggage. When complete the luggage is given back to the airport to be transferred to Baggage Claim and Disney’s Magical Express service pulls the luggage on behalf of the Guest.

If Orlando is not the Guest's first port of entry into the United States then the Guest has already completed the Customs process and does not have to claim luggage

[Cinderella]

yeah spose they could- it would certainly make it a lot easier for people! do we know if there's a minimum stay to qualify for this?

the other thing that it would be good for is so that people can pick up their hire car the next day when they are better rested

No minimum stay required

[PaulaK]

:clap: Thanks for the info!

[Vikki]

SO does that mean we can use it? (Sometimes it all confuses me:D)

[Cinderella]

Yes international visitors can use the transfers

[PaulaK]

So if my Mum wanted to use this in October, do they just send us the luggage tags in the mail? It will be great for them because they don't like driving as soon as they arrive. :)

[Cinderella]

Paula
once the flight information is entered into the system they will send the luggage tags to you. They may actually come to me first and then I will forward them. This can be booked starting Jan 2 for any arrivals May 5 or later.

I would suggest, to everyone, adding the flight information on the reservation as soon as you have your flights so that there is plenty of time to receive them. The flight information can be added as late as 10 days prior but I wouldn't wait that long if at all possible.

[PaulaK]

Great thanks Jo! I'll check what she wants to do about the car then. :)

[Vikki]

Do you know if they will do it one way? The reason I ask is that we're doing 2 centre, a week on I-Drive, then the next 10 days as ASMo

[Keith]

wow have to admit I'm REALLY surprised but pleasantly for once :)... that second wait for luggage at orlando is such a pain so if it gets rid of that it can only be a great thing :)

Have to get it added to our December ones :thumbs:

[Cinderella]

Vikki - yes they will offer it one way. When you book it, just let them know you need it one way

[Quicksilver]

I posted this in the Transportation Forum, but since it was closed to give more view to this one, here it goes again (please, this is just my opinion...):

Untill everything is working I wouldn't rush into any definite conclusion as to how well it will go, but, for now, that is what I think:

With what I've seen from Mears, TSA, and the luggage people behind the scenes at each airline, I do not see it working tip top beggining to end. There will be problems, and I do not think they will be just a few.
But again, it is free (for now) as many will think, so why not... Right?
Well, if you never minded waiting for a bus/motor coach to fill up (not vans as the regular Mears shuttle), having other people handling your luggage (and maybe taking a little longer than you to arrive at your resort), leaving earlier than necessary back to the airport (they might say it will save you time, but....),and, and, and, than this will be just a great new feature Disney has to offer you.

If you still want the one on one private service, a free grocery stop, your luggage by your side at all times, no lines to wait at both ends (THERE WILL BE LINES at the "courtesy/welcome" Disney desk as there has always been lines at the Mears shuttle desk - just imagine the volume Disney Express will create (it is free after all)), a luxury vehicle with your private chauffeur, than please stick with Quicksilver... :D :wink: :D

To be honest with all of you. I DO worry a lot with what Disney/Mears/Bags and etc are doing, not only for my sake, but for the sake of 1000's of people working in transportation in Orlando, all owner operators, all companies like ours, rental car companies, hotels outside the Disney area, Universal Studios, taxi cab companies, shuttle services, restaurants outside Disney and etc, etc, etc... It might be hard for anyone to realize it now, but with the Disney packages, free transportation and all, Disney wants to hold every Orlando traveler inside their doors, no way out untill the end of your vacation. That might sound what business is all about, but with Orlando's (and America's) economy just coming back to normal, we, the small business owners will get hurt with that "monopoly" game they are playing.

I do rely on Disney (not 100% but I do) for my business to flourish, but I also can not sit and relax with so much control they are having in the orlando area. I know, if it weren't for Disney, Orlando wouldn't exist (as they say). Well, maybe it is true, but that was over 30 years ago. Now our economy, and the families within, need to get back on their feet after such a long wait after Sept 11th 2001, and the hurricanes in 2004. 1 1/2 years of free shuttle will create a big, big mess in the Orlando area. A few month free trial would be fine by me, untill they get their act together, but 1 1/2 years, GIVE ME A BREAK!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Again, I'm a Disney fan since before I even came to live in Orlando, and still am a fan. That has nothing to do with what I feel is an unfair business practice done by a huge group of powerful people (not only Disney, but Mears and etc...)

Regards,

Gregory Nicolas.

[Quicksilver]

Hi Cinderella,

Just wanted to answer what you wrote me in that other thread.

You wrote:"Gregory - I agree that it may not go off without a hitch at the beginning but one thing to keep in mind is that Disney has been doing this for years for cruise guests that book their transfers with Disney.
__________________
Jo"

I do agree with you in every way, but remember, my point was not only to point out there may be hitches (I sincerely believe they would work them out with time).
Keep in mind, the volume is many times greater comparing with the Disney Cruise, which is not an everyday event, every time a flight lands with guests. Magical Express will be an almost 24/7 job done by many different people.

I want also to point out that I'm glad Disney is doing something nice for its guests, but they did not need to do it for so long (there has been already many talks about some companies that will inevitably go bankrupt :( )

[tajainaz]

While the new Disney transportation service will be convenient for many guests, particularly those on a tight budget, I have a feeling that those who prefer personal service will continue to use the services of Quicksilver and other town car services.

It's nice that Disney is doing something positive for its resort guests. Compared to other holiday destinations, it tends to be quite expensive for Americans.

[Quicksilver]

While the new Disney transportation service will be convenient for many guests, particularly those on a tight budget, I have a feeling that those who prefer personal service will continue to use the services of Quicksilver and other town car services.

It's nice that Disney is doing something positive for its resort guests. Compared to other holiday destinations, it tends to be quite expensive for Americans.


My feeling exactly. And remember, it's free now, not forever... :D

[Cinderella]

I hear you gregory. Personally I will still use towncars or rental cars just because I don't like that multi stopping at the resorts

[Keith]

Good points Greg! I remember waiting ages for the mears shuttle, then being packed in and taken to who knows how many hotels before the one we wanted. The worst was the way they treated the luggage.. I watched it being thrown around outside, in and out of the coach and so on.

My best wishes for the continued success of your business.. I know how much work you've put into it.

[pluto]

I wonder for us Brits if we will be able to use after when transfering. Lets take for example United's network. I doubt you will be able to use it between say London and Chicago as you have to go through immigration. I do however see no reason why when you then collect your bags and then send them on there way again to Orlando why if they are marked with the correct labels why the service cannot be available from here onwards and be delivered to your resort like any other domestic traveller. As that basically is what you are once you have cleared customs yuor just catching a domestic flight like any other American.

[PaulaK]

Yes, it will be the same as coming in on a domestic flight. Your bags will already have the appropriate tags for recognition and you will have given your flight number for them to be collected. :thumbs:

[foreverducky]

I still plan to use a towncar service in July. I like the one on one personal service. I mean, it's my vacation, I want to be catered to. Plus, I like to know where my bags are, at all times. On top of that, I like the grocery stop.
:)