It’s official–Walt Disney World is no longer offering its free Magical Express service from Orlando International Airport. Now, guests have to find their own means of transportation to the resort from the airport.

Walt Disney World announced last year it would no longer be offering its shuttle service from Orlando International Airport at the beginning of 2022. Well, it is now the beginning of 2022 and the company no longer has Disney’s Magical Express offered to guests looking for a quick and easy route from the major airport to the travel destination.


In the official announcement from Disney Parks Blog, the company wrote:

“Vacationers have more options to choose from than ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want. In light of this shift, when Disney Resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals Jan. 1, 2022.”

The cut of the service was initiated due to the financial losses the resort suffered in 2020 on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all know, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World had to close its resort hotels and parks for several months throughout the year of 2020, which reportedly resulted in millions lost for the company.

This isn’t the only change that came about to the Walt Disney World Resort due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is also responsible for the integration of the theme park reservation system, which requires park guests to book their visit to any of the four Disney Parks prior to the day of their visit. This new system later came to the Disneyland Resort theme parks upon their reopening following the pandemic.

Beginning January 1, Mears has since taken over for Disney with continuing to operate a similar version of the service called Mears Connect. However, this version will come at a cost for families. Specifically $16 per adult and $13.50 per child for a one-way trip. A round trip costs $32 per adult and $27 per child. Express service is $250, which is for up to four passengers. Additional passengers are $55 each.

What are your thoughts on Disney officially letting go of Disney’s Magical Express? Let us know in the comments! 

Sean Sposato
The Main Street Mouse