In January of 2022, Disney’s Magical Express service will be discontinued.
We’ve already shared a look at some of the best ways to get from the airport to Disney World’s hotels once the service is gone, and we’ve shared news about the new service from Mears that is set to replace the Magical Express. But, today we’ve got another update for those who are planning to use Disney’s Magical Express this year, while it’s still available.
Earlier today, Disney shared some news with travel agents about a change coming to the Magical Express check-in process. As of July 1st, Disney’s Magical Express will stop mailing reservation confirmation collateral to guests or their travel agents.
Instead of using that reservation confirmation collateral to check in, guests will use their MagicBands or Disney’s new MagicMobile service. If you plan on using either of these things to check-in, be sure to connect your reservations to My Disney Experience ahead of your trip and/or get everything set up with your MagicMobile pass.
Click here for our step-by-step instructions on how to set up MagicMobile.
Guests who don’t have a MagicBand or MagicMobile will have their reservations retrieved by showing their IDs so that they can be checked in. If you plan to use this method to check in just be sure to have your valid government-issued ID with you.
Disney has noted that this is essentially the same process that is used now if a guest doesn’t have their mailed reservation confirmation collateral.
Disney also shared that to reduce the number of guests whose reservations would have to be retrieved manually, guests are encouraged to make their Magical Express reservations and provide their round-trip flight information when they book their vacation. They’ll also be encouraged to use MagicMobile or bring their MagicBands with them.
The website for Disney’s Magical Express does note that guests should be prepared to present a MagicBand, use MagicMobile, or present photo ID for check-in.
So, if you’re planning to use Disney’s Magical Express for an upcoming trip this year, just bear in mind that starting July 1st the reservation confirmation collateral will no longer be mailed to you.
We’ll keep an eye out for more Magical Express updates and let you know what we find!
Click here to see the latest update on the new transportation service from Mears that is set to replace the Magical Express.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you use Disney’s Magical Express to get to your hotel? Tell us in the comments.
My family has always taken advantage of Disney’s Magical Express and this was always an amazing first impression of what wonderful things were ahead of our trip…the friendly, welcoming, organization of the staff that made this work was applaudable! Removing the stress of collecting our luggage and having it held at our Disney Resort so we were able to immediately begin our fun vacation, will be a huge loss and let down…
Please reconsider this change…I may even consider this a dealbreaker as I have considered Disney as one of two vacation choices. I feel that eliminating this service is a huge mistake.
I am very disappointed and discouraged at the news of the Magical Express being discontinued as of January 2022. This was a great plus to all who had the opportunity to use it. Please reconsider.
We always swiped our magic band at magical express when arriving. Having your luggage delivered to the resort was a great perk, but this is fine. First day we consider a travel day. At least we will have our luggage and be ready to start the party after getting to our room. Coming in September can’t wait . 😀
What’s next the confusion train. WDW is really getting on my nerves. Time to start planning my vacation elsewhere. The only reason I keep getting The Disney Food Blog is to see how far and fast the magic is disappearing. Disney has really deteriorated the last 5 years.
If DME going away is going to change your point of view or not going to WDW , then you really do not appreciate or enjoy the other great amenities that are there to explore. That is only about 4 hours out of your vacation and you say it will be ruined. There will be the Mears transportation, Ubers and taxicabs or rent a car that will get you to the magic just as quick, if not quicker.
HI Gwen, while we agree that this change makes it harder…I wanted to let you know that your response doesn’t go to disney here… this is an independent blogger. Your note would be a good one to send to disney directly as the more of us they hear from directly, the louder our voice is and maybe we will be heard. 😀
Have a fabulous day! 😀
Currently in line for this. Was asked to use magic band today. Also wait is horrendous….
Disney has made a unthinkable decision about the express my husband is n a wheel chair he can not walk all the way thru that big airport and us going thru physical therapy to get better so now I have to handle everything Dont u ever stop to think about what u r doing to people that want to have a fun time at Disney and don’t even think about what u r doing to people there r lots of people that u r doing this to and since the people that work at the airport that handle luggage all the time u can not blame it on covid there is no reason that our luggage is not being handled that makes it so hard to enjoy u have made it hard for people y need to think about what u have done
I just sent how we feel about Disney’s the express and it didn’t post what is going on with that and he’s that is my email
Thanks a lot for the information. We’re arriving on september and this is very useful.
My kids love the magical express, the feel they are already at Disney even if we are still at the airport.
I don’t understand why this is being taken away..? It was a huge perk to staying on property and helped reduce stress when it came to travel. Doesn’t seem like a big deal but with the way the parks are running now, I don’t see any perks to staying on property vs off.
I feel like it’s another rip off. WDW keeps raising the prices and doing away with more and more “magic.” The magic used to begin as soon as you got your free magic bands. Pack your bags, free bus ride with Disney videos on board. You could head straight to the parks if you wished, luggage waiting in your room. No more meal plan. No more magic. Just surprises. Going with a family, paying for every snack, beverages, meals, even water, no more magic. Just unexpected unwelcome expensive surprises.
I liked it pre Covid WDW bec I knew up front what the trip would cost. Now, I’m going to tell my kids that we can’t afford outrageous prices for snacks and we’ll not be able to enjoy our meals, and we’ll order less food due to high costs. What gets me is if you stay on property, you’re stuck paying the high priced food.
I’d rather pay more for packages vacations instead of being nickel and dimed.
Well said Gwen!
well
The Magical Express, Disney Dining and early Fastpass+ booking, all kept me staying at a Disney Resort. Now that those perks have disappeared, having to handle my own luggage, no Disney Dining or Fastpass+; it was easy for me to choose to stay off Disney property. I will enjoy larger accommodations that have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, along with resort amenities for the same price (if not cheaper) as a moderate Disney Resort stay. Renting a car will now give me the flexibility to travel to other parks & attractions, as well as arrive & leave Disney parks with more convenience (as the wait for Disney transportation can be long, crowded and cold). I hope that Disney will re-examine their business choices and re-instate the perks that use to be associated with staying on property, because that is what it would take for me to return to a Disney Resort.