The Latest Changes at Walt Disney World®

Change is in the air at Walt Disney World® in Orlando!  If you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a first-time visitor, here are the latest changes at Walt Disney World®.

Magical Express Service

Beginning January 1, 2022, Disney will end its Magical Express Service to and from Orlando International airport.  The service “magically” whisks people, bags, strollers, etc. to their resort property room with no stress or hassle. It’s one of the big perks of staying on property at Disney World.

According to an official statement by Walt Disney World,

“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. We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. Additionally, complimentary transportation options – such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner – will continue to be available within Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Resort hotel guests, including to and from all four theme parks.”

Mears Transportation

There is some good news in all of this!  Magical Express Service has been provided by Mears Transportation since 2005.  Mears intends to continue transportation service between the airport and all theme parks for Disney guests.

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Minnie Van™

You can also try the Minnie Van™ service (although currently temporarily unavailable) to get around.  Minnie Van works with the Lyft app and gets you to and from the airport and from one park to another.  Request a ride and pay for it right in the app – and with such a cute name, who can resist?!

Early Guest Entry

Disney Extra Magic Hours were suspended during the pandemic and now it seems they won’t be returning. However, beginning this year, the after-hours benefit will be replaced by early theme park entrance for resort guests.

As part of Disney World’s 50^th anniversary, Resort Guest Early Entry gives resort hotel guests and select others 30 minutes of fun at any of the theme parks prior to regular opening.  Opening each of the four theme parks early helps reduce the crowds at any one park, giving guests more time to enjoy attractions.

Magic Bands

This past January 1^st saw the end of complimentary MagicBands.  These colorful wristbands served as room keys, meal cards, FastPasses, and payment cards for purchases throughout the resort.

While MagicBands are no longer complimentary, you can still purchase them for a small fee or use a band from a previous visit.

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While Disney is no longer giving out MagicBands, the MyDisneyExperience app still gives you digital access to your room.  In 2021, Disney will roll out new features on the app, including the park perks of the bands right on your digital device.

As Disney welcomes guests in the coming months, it may look a little different than in the past.  Stay on top of the latest changes at Walt Disney World®  to make the most of your time at the Happiest Place on Earth!