Magic Express panic attack!

[tickerbelle]

I have to admitt, I am becoming a bit of a OCDVP (Obsessive Compulsive Disney Vacation Planner, in case you didn't figure it out). I'm cruising along just fine and BAM! I get stuck on a choice or am faced with a question my handy dandy Passporter or Unofficial Guide can't answer to my satisfaction and I start to sweat.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the helpful, honest and knowledgable advice and guidance I have recieved here so far. Thank you all so much for helping take a little of the panic and confussion out of planning one of these dream vacations....
Now my recent dilema involves the Magical Express service presently offered by Disney. I was always under the impression that the Happiest Celebration extras were temporary but would be available until, at least, the end of 2006. This is one reason we chose to plan our trip at the end of November, instead of in late January 2007 when we first planned to go. I wanted to take advantage of the dining plan when I knew it would be around.
Just last night, I was skimming through my Unofficial Guide and I read a little blurb about Magical Express ending in November. Our trip is the last week in November. So.....where does that leave us? Does anyone know, for sure, when the service will be stopped and if I should start planning for other means of transportation......
Always looking for that perfect balance between magic and the bottom line.

 

[slappy magoo]

Sorry to post just to say "I don't know" but, well, "I don't know."

If you're booking the trip yourself, I suppose you could call 407 WDISNEY and ask if Disney Magical Express will still be offered during that time. I suspect it would still be offered; it just might not be free anymore, but if they're offering it through November, and you're arriving IN November, then maybe you'd just have to pay for the return to the airport? Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask. Otherwise, consider reserving a car, assuming there's no cancellation charge. THis way, if DME is done, you still have a transportation option (and I still think it's nice to have a car on-site, especially if you plan on eating at any restaurants in any other hotels, Disney Transportation can take a long time if you're trying to go from one hotel to another!). This way, you're covered all around.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

There is another thread on this - search "Disney's Magical Express"; DME' and ME

The answer is NO - it is not going to stop - but that there might be a charge rolled into the resort fees. Note: You pay for it NOW already, it is already rolled into your resort fee - Disney doesn't give you anything for free -- there is an illusion that it is free since you don't have to pay for it out of pocket.

As you plan, you absolutely do not need to worry about the magical express. It will be there for you. As to the meal plan, it is not part of the celebration - it has been around for years and will remain in place for years. Go, have fun, and enjoy planning!

 

[matthope03]

Arbor hit it right on the money. Magical Express will be around through the end of 2006 for sure. It is still unconfirmed as far as the status of it starting in 2007, but they will keep it and most likely charge for it. I have a vacation booked for December and already have Magical Express added on with it no problem. However, I do believe that they are not currently accepting bookings for Magical Express in 2007 yet, most likely waiting for a confirmation on what they are exactly going to do to it as far as any changes are concerned.

 

[hansel1]

I have booked POR for january '07.

Other's are correct when they say that booking DME is not yet possible. I was told by disney reservations that until 2007 rates are announced they will not book dme for 2007.

I was told however, that both DME and disney's dining plan will be available for 2007, it's not clear at what price.

 

[mikeanabean]

I just booked my trip for the middle of Dec 06 and I got the bus service. They were even pushing it and the meal plan and I caved and got both.