There have been a couple of significant changes to Disney’s Magical Express ahead of Walt Disney World reopening. Beginning July 16, 2020, Disney’s Magical Express will not provide luggage delivery service for guests arriving or departing from the airport. In addition, the very popular and convenient resort check-in service will not be available.
The new policies were announced by Disney within their notices about altered and modified experiences at Walt Disney World. The full section on the changes to Disney’s Magical Express can be viewed below.
Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport is continuing to operate during this period, with some modifications. Beginning July 16, 2020 Disney’s Magical Express service will not be providing luggage delivery service for those arriving to and departing from the airport.
Guests who choose to use Disney’s Magical Express service will be responsible for picking up any of their checked luggage from the airport’s baggage claim area, so that it can be loaded onto the motorcoach to their Disney Resort hotel. Please know that your luggage will travel with you to your Disney Resort hotel.
Luggage assistance will be available at the front of your Disney Resort hotel, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room.
Upon your departure, please ensure your luggage is with you and is loaded onto the motorcoach, so you can check it in with your airline once you reach the airport. The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.
Disney did not provide an explanation for the changes nor did it directly state if these perks would return in the future. However, we believe these are temporary changes that should return when things begin to return to normal.
What’s behind these changes? It’s possible Disney wants to limit how many people are touching a guest’s luggage. At the same time, it’s also likely airport staffing and procedure changes have forced these decisions at Walt Disney World. Resort airline check-in stations are staffed by TSA agents working directly with the airport. It may not make sense to maintain these employees in these locations due to the reduced operating capacity.
While we prefer to bring our luggage with us when boarding Disney’s Magical Express after arriving at Orlando International Airport (the delivery can take a huge amount of time), we will sorely miss the resort check-in service. The convenience of checking in for your flight at your hotel and checking your bags long before you arrive at the airport makes the departure experience a breeze.
Hopefully these perks return to Disney’s Magical Express in the near future.
