History:

The Magical Express service was launched on May 5, 2005 as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth (Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Celebration). The service is "free" (read included) in your on-site resort rate. So if you stay at a Disney Resort you can take advantage of this service at no additional cost. In April 2006 it was announced that the service will continue through 2011 and continue to be complimentary.

The service includes round trip motor coach transportation from Orlando International Airport to your Disney Resort. Your luggage is picked up at the airport and delivered to your resort room. So once you check in at your local airport you do not see your bags again until you have checked into your Disney Resort. When its time to leave your bags are picked up from your room and taken to the airport for you, so you do not see them again until you have landed at your final destination.

How it works:

When you book your Disney Resort you let Disney know you want to use the Magical Express service. You are then asked for your flight information and this is all saved with your reservation. About three weeks before you go in the mail you will receive a Magical Express information packet. This includes a booklet describing the service, your vouchers and your luggage tags.

Before you head to the airport you need to put the tags on your luggage and then check it as you normally would. When you arrive in Orlando instead of heading for the baggage claim you head for Disney's Welcome Center. There you check in then board one of the Magic Express coaches and off you go to WDW.

When its time to say goodbye to WDW you pack your bags, put the new baggage tags on (that will be delivered to your room the day before you checkout), and you leave the resort. If you are on a participating airline you can even check in at your Disney Resort.

Our thoughts/experiences:

I have used this service several times now and think its great!!!