is there a chance that the Magical Express will come back?

[Sirwalterraleigh]

It should have been back already…the problem is now if they want it back it will cost them ALOT more.

They really need it though…the pain is just beginning

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

It should have been back already…the problem is now if they want it back it will cost them ALOT more.

They really need it though…the pain is just beginning

And they'd change the name to Disney Direct from Mears.

 

[LeighM]

It might come back as a $50/person "package" you can buy each way.

Some idiot consultant will think it's a great idea and Disney will agree because the numbers look great.

I still can't understand why they never tried charging for the service before ending it and letting Mears take it over and get all of the income from it. I'm sure there used to be a cost sharing agreement between Mears and Disney but it was just strange for Disney to NOT find a way to charge for DME before ending it since they find a way to charge for everything

 

[Chef Mickey]

I still can't understand why they never tried charging for the service before ending it and letting Mears take it over and get all of the income from it. I'm sure there used to be a cost sharing agreement between Mears and Disney but it was just strange for Disney to NOT find a way to charge for DME before ending it since they find a way to charge for everything

This was a stupid decision. Seriously, just use the many busses in the fleet and charge whatever it costs +40%. You can't tell me this was some kind of impossible task.

Lots of people would use it still because Uber/Lyft can get close to $70 one way.

Load up a bus with 100 ppl and charge them $20/each adult and kids are free. This would get people to use it FOR SURE and you'd likely have 50 adults per bus for around $1,000 in revenue. They could optimize the routing somehow to run fewer busses. It's just stupid. Hell, I'd fire up a bus service if I actually needed the money.

 

[celluloid]

It will likely be back within the next two years if/when Universal's transit from Airport to International Drive's Orange County Conventer Center transfer stop comes to be.

 

[lewisc]

The loss of DME has been a huge factor in choosing to vacation elsewhere.

Virtually no other vacation destination offers complimentary airport transfers. Hotel Xcaret in Mexico is the only example I can think of.

Your choice of vacation destinations must be limited to destinations you drive to.

Mears offers a paid replacement. DME luggage handling, inbound and outbound, can't be currently duplicated as a paid guest service.

 

[updownandsideways]

Never say never but with technology and lots of transportation options I don't see this coming back

 

[Sir_Cliff]

This is the part we miss the most, checking our luggage in Vegas and having it arrive in our room in Orlando was uniquely Disney and set the whole “magic” tone for the trip.

I miss the magic more than the money.

ME was never about the money or the time for us, it was a convenience and signaled the beginning and (tragical express) ending of our WDW trips.

I think this was the big thing they were missing, which was a general characteristic of the Chapek interim: they're selling an experience.

Sure, there were other options than DME and sure it was probably less effective at keeping people on-sight than in the past. Unless people weren't using it anymore, though, it made a WDW vacation seem a little more special as an escape from the outside world and gave people a "perk" they could use to convince themselves the massive prices were not ridiculous. It was also something that set Disney apart from their competitors in Orlando.

I think they would judge it too expensive to bring back at this stage, so it will probably remain just another nice thing gone from the WDW experience with nothing new to replace it.

 

[Ayla]

Your choice of vacation destinations must be limited to destinations you drive to.

Nope.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I still can't understand why they never tried charging for the service before ending it and letting Mears take it over and get all of the income from it. I'm sure there used to be a cost sharing agreement between Mears and Disney but it was just strange for Disney to NOT find a way to charge for DME before ending it since they find a way to charge for everything

I doubt that Mears made much money on that setup. Truth be known, I wouldn't be surprised if the contract ended and Mears adjusted the cost to Disney upward quite a lot because they weren't doing much but breaking even, if they were lucky.

Think about it, planes fly in and out of MCO all day long and the primary reason is because people are going to Disney. Buses like the ones used would cost in the range of $500k+ each. I'm not sure if they ran on a regular circular route, but it required at least four running all kinds of hours, paying drivers, buying fuel, tires, regular maintenance, staff to keep the buses clean and pristine. Field supervisors that are needed to be watching over the operation and being within reach to take care of problems that inevitably come with dealing with the public and adjusting for traffic in the area.

Those buses don't just drop down from heaven to be there so every single rider doesn't have to wait an unreasonable time to get that ride. Mears did continue it (I'm not sure it is exactly the same schedules) for a fee, maybe somebody that used it can tell us what it costs to use the Disney themed Mears buses now.

Anyway, since Disney has now targeted a new audience consisting of Upper middle class to filthy rich, they are coming up with a group that can afford a stretch limo, with Champagne, luggage handlers and not have to share a ride with a group of strangers. It worked to their benefit early on and with time and the right price, Mears will seamlessly take over that chore and headache and Disney will just enjoy the profits created by not providing that service. Something they are doing now quite happily.

 

[doctornick]

This is the part we miss the most, checking our luggage in Vegas and having it arrive in our room in Orlando was uniquely Disney and set the whole “magic” tone for the trip.

I miss the magic more than the money.

ME was never about the money or the time for us, it was a convenience and signaled the beginning and (tragical express) ending of our WDW trips.

Yes. The “magic” part was the luggage delivery. Bring that back, even as an extra add on with fee, and I know my family would happily use it. I’d rather be able to go straight to the parks and have my stuff in my room already when I check in later.

 

[Goofyernmost]

It should have been back already…the problem is now if they want it back it will cost them ALOT more.

They really need it though…the pain is just beginning

If the only reason people are going to Disney is because of the bus ride from that airport, then Disney does indeed have a serious problem. But that is not the reason and within a few years new customers are not even going to be aware that service even existed. It is going to be the lack of interest in spending a lot of money to see things that can be seen on You Tube for free, coupled with the fact that WDW is now a chore to experience.

It doesn't have to be, but Disney made it that way and now there is no going back for them or for a lot of people that have been priced out or exhausted from planning and phone watching to the point that the enjoyment doesn't exceed the cost and/or the hassle.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Interest did not wane. It was as strong as ever.

I do not use Uber or Lyft, ever. No need to and I won't use it on vacation, especially if I'm solo.

The loss of DME has been a huge factor in choosing to vacation elsewhere.

Universal Orlando Resort also has a shuttle...Only catch is you have to book a hotel directly through them to add this additional shuttle..They call it Universal's Superstar Shuttle..

https://www.universalorlandovacations.com/Deals/Deal.aspx?deal=772

 

[lewisc]

NNope.i

I can't think of many resorts which offer complimentary airport transfers. Do you find alot?

I doubt that Mears made much money on that setup. Truth be known, I wouldn't be surprised if the contract ended and Mears adjusted the cost to Disney upward quite a lot because they weren't doing much but breaking even, if they were lucky.

Rumor is there was a contract dispute during covid.

Yes. The “magic” part was the luggage delivery. Bring that back, even as an extra add on with fee, and I know my family would happily use it. I’d rather be able to go straight to the parks and have my stuff in my room already when I check in later.

I used https://www.lugless.com/. Drop off your luggage at FedX office Walgreens etc. It's delivered to your resort. Possible hotel acceptance fees. Luggage can get a little beat up. Measure everything. Descriptions are misleading

Universal Orlando Resort also has a shuttle.

I believe that is a charged service.

 

[TiggerDad]

I doubt that Mears made much money on that setup. Truth be known, I wouldn't be surprised if the contract ended and Mears adjusted the cost to Disney upward quite a lot because they weren't doing much but breaking even, if they were lucky.

Think about it, planes fly in and out of MCO all day long and the primary reason is because people are going to Disney. Buses like the ones used would cost in the range of $500k+ each. I'm not sure if they ran on a regular circular route, but it required at least four running all kinds of hours, paying drivers, buying fuel, tires, regular maintenance, staff to keep the buses clean and pristine. Field supervisors that are needed to be watching over the operation and being within reach to take care of problems that inevitably come with dealing with the public and adjusting for traffic in the area.

Those buses don't just drop down from heaven to be there so every single rider doesn't have to wait an unreasonable time to get that ride. Mears did continue it (I'm not sure it is exactly the same schedules) for a fee, maybe somebody that used it can tell us what it costs to use the Disney themed Mears buses now.

Anyway, since Disney has now targeted a new audience consisting of Upper middle class to filthy rich, they are coming up with a group that can afford a stretch limo, with Champagne, luggage handlers and not have to share a ride with a group of strangers. It worked to their benefit early on and with time and the right price, Mears will seamlessly take over that chore and headache and Disney will just enjoy the profits created by no providing that service. Something they are doing now quite happily.

Those motor coaches are now up to $600k each new, with a long waiting list due to supply chain challenges.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I believe that is a charged service.

Which is why I stated It was "additional"

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

If the only reason people are going to Disney is because of the bus ride from that airport, then Disney does indeed have a serious problem. But that is not the reason and within a few years new customers are not even going to be aware that service even existed. It is going to be the lack of interest in spending a lot of money to see things that can be seen on You Tube for free, coupled with the fact that WDW is now a chore to experience.

It doesn't have to be, but Disney made it that way and now there is no going back for them or for a lot of people that have been priced out or exhausted from planning and phone watching to the point that the enjoyment doesn't exceed the cost and/or the hassle.

That’s a completely different argument…which Is one I also agree with…

I’m just saying ME would be very advantageous to them right now…with declining attendance and a huge new park opening up the street

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Yes. The “magic” part was the luggage delivery. Bring that back, even as an extra add on with fee, and I know my family would happily use it. I’d rather be able to go straight to the parks and have my stuff in my room already when I check in later.

Stop begging for more fees…

…cause they’ll listen to only that

 

[the.dreamfinder]

It should have been back already…the problem is now if they want it back it will cost them ALOT more.

They really need it though…the pain is just beginning

It’s probably going to be their big “announcement” when EPIC opens.

 

[Goofyernmost]

That’s a completely different argument…which Is one I also agree with…

I’m just saying ME would be very advantageous to them right now…with declining attendance and a huge new park opening up the street

With fewer people to haul it is even less cost affective and the decline in attendance, which is just something that happens generally anyway is not panicking them at this point, in my opinion. They might wait and see if Universal really cuts into their business, but even then it will be considered temporary at worst.

If anything is likely they may subsidize Mears to make sure the same service is provided as before, but I suspect they will leave Mears to deal with transportation and collection of fees as long as Universal continues a pay per shuttle setup from MCO. If they start making it free, then Disney might have the incentive, but I doubt it. It is hard for most to imagine just how costly it is to run those buses everyday, especially when sometimes they are hauling only two or three people either way.