How Much Disney’s Magical Express Replacement Will Cost You

If you haven’t heard, Disney’s Magical Express is officially discontinued as of January 1st, 2022.

Magical Express was a complimentary service that provided transportation from Orlando International Airport to Disney World for Disney hotel guests. You might be left wondering what your options are for 2022 and beyond in Disney World, so here’s what you need to know about the cost of the Magical Express replacement.

Mears, the company that operated Magical Express for Disney, will replace the previously free service with a paid one called Mears Connect. This service looks a lot like Magical Express except — it’ll cost ya.

Mears Connect will begin operating as of January 1st, 2022, and you can already make reservations. At this time, they do not offer luggage service like Magical Express did, but they note on their website that they’re exploring offering this as an option.

There are two different ways to book for Mears Connect, with different pricing depending on a few factors. A standard reservation acts like a shared ride service. It gets you a spot on a Mears Connect vehicle (which could be a bus, van, or small vehicle) and might make a few stops during your trip. Once you check-in at the Mears Connect area of the airport, you will be on your mode of transportation within 20 minutes.

An express reservation is more of a direct round-trip form of transportation with a guarantee for a shorter wait AND that you’re the first stop. Express reservations can be placed in the same vehicles as standard service, and it’s not private — you may be riding with other people.

So what are the rates? Here is the current Mears Connect pricing:

Standard Service

• One Way: $16 per adult, $13.50 per child
• Round Trip: $32 per adult, $27 per child

Express Service

• Round Trip: $250 (up to 4 passengers)
• Per Additional Passengers: $55 each

Make a note that the children’s rate only applies to kids ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 ride free, but that means your 10-year-old will be charged at the adult rate.

So let’s say you’re a family of four, two adults and two young children, and you book the standard round trip service. You’re looking at $118 for your airport transportation, versus $250 for the round trip express service. Group of five adults? You could be paying $160 for round trip standard service or $305 for express.

There are other airport transportation options you can consider as well, like rideshare, car rental, or in the future, the Brightline train. Consider your budget and needs and make the decision that’s right for you.

Keep reading AllEars for more Disney World planning tips!

Is Disney World getting rid of their best free perk in 2022?

How will you be traveling from Orlando Airport? Tell us in the comments!

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