It’s an understatement to say that a LOT has changed in Disney World in the last three or so years.
And here’s the thing — a lot more is ABOUT to change over the next year. Although you can still get FREE things in Disney World, many services are no longer complimentary. We asked our readers what you thought about what should be free in Disney World, and you told us!
Airport Transportation
Many of you are still mourning the loss of Magical Express, which would transport Disney World guests FOR FREE to and from Orlando International Airport to your Disney World hotel. One reader said, “I would love to see free transportation to and from MCO come back!”
Another reader even mentioned one service provided by Magical Express: at one point, Magical Express would pick up your bags from the airport and take them to your hotel for you. So you could just skip picking up your luggage and hop on the bus and go straight to Disney World. Your luggage would be delivered to your hotel room. They mentioned this service in their comment: “Bring back magical express with luggage service as part of the resort experience.”
Two similar paid services have since replaced Magical Express. There’s Mears Connect, which costs adults $16 for one way and $32 for roundtrip and children (3-9 years old) $13.50 for one way and $27 for roundtrip.
Sunshine Flyer also provides a shuttle service from the airport for $19.50 per adult each way ($39 roundtrip) and $11 per child each way ($22 roundtrip).
Both services, though, often offer sales and discounts.
MagicBands
At one point, guests staying at Disney World hotels could also choose from a selection of free MagicBands, but that ended in 2021. Now, Disney World hotel guests can buy discounted MagicBands, but discounted doesn’t equal free.
An AllEars reader answered, “Magic Express and Magic Bands – always made it feel special!”
Another agreed, “Return free basic magic bands for guest reservations.”
Now, discounted MagicBands can run from $15 and up, while discounted MagicBand+ designs can be bought starting at around $35. Guests can also purchase MagicBands and MagicBand+ designs at full price on shopDisney.
Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan hasn’t been around since 2020 (though it will be making a comeback for 2024 trips), but one thing our readers really liked was when Disney World offered a free dining plan promotion for guests booking a vacation package at full-price. This promotion was usually only available for select dates.
Many of you said you wanted to see that promotion return. One of you said, “Dining plans during promotions.”
More agreed: “Food!! As in bring back the free DDP offer.”
Although we do now know that the dining plan will return to Disney World, Disney has not yet announced any such promotions. We do know that only two dining plans will be offered: quick service and standard.
In the past, the quick-service dining plan was $55 per night per adult and $26 per night per child ages 3-9. In the past, the standard dining plan was$78.01 per night per adult per night and $30.51 per night per child ages 3-9.
Fast Passes
After Disney World reopened, it suspended its free FastPass program and later introduced the paid Genie+ service that allows guests to pay a certain fee per day (with the price dependent on how busy the parks are) for most rides PLUS a pay-per-ride fee for more in-demand rides (new rides, popular rides, etc.).
We had a lot of readers who wanted to see the old free FastPass system return, though. One commented, “I just want fast passes back.”
More agreed and answered, “Fast passes and the ability to use them!”
Right now, Genie+ can cost anywhere from $15 per day to $35 per day (the highest we’ve seen so far) based on demand. The pay-per-ride option, aka the Individual Lightning Lane option, can run anywhere from $10 to $22 per day per ride that offers it.
PhotoPass Photos
Another thing that some of our readers think should be free is downloads of PhotoPass photos, specifically for those who purchase Annual Passes or pay for Genie+. In fact, PhotoPass photos ARE free to those who purchase Genie+ in Disneyland, but in order to get all your photos as digital downloads in Disney World, you still have to purchase Memory Maker for extra. Another read answered, “Photo pass with AP.”
A reader added, “I think photo pass should be included with G+.”
Note that you can get your ride photos for free with the purchase of Genie+. That only includes ride photos, though, and not other PhotoPass photos taken throughout Disney World.
To get all of your PhotoPass photo downloads in Disney World, you’ll have to purchase Memory Maker for $69 for one day or $169 (plus tax) if purchased more than three days before your trip or $199 if purchased less than three days before or during your trip. This includes all specialty shots, including Magic Shots.
You can also choose to purchase individual photos, starting at $18.95 for prints.
So there are still things many of our readers think should be free in Disney World, but we’re not sure if some of these will ever be free again. However, things can always change, so if they do, we’ll be the first to let you know. Be sure to check back with AllEars again real soon!
17 Things You Can Still Get For FREE in Disney World
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What do you think should be free in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
People really believe they can get things free at Disney World. One way or another it’s included in the price we all pay for whether or not we use it. It’s like people saying the mexican restaurant offers free chips. Nope, it’s included in the prices. Bus transportation to the parks? Ride the monorail? We’re paying for that. If Disney did bring back the “free” airport transportation you can bet money we’ll pay for it some way. The problem is, when Disney takes something away they don’t the lower prices on resorts or tickets. It’s profit to them.
return the luggage drop off at the hotel. it makes leaving for the airport easier and getting through the airport quicker
Paper FastPass and airport transportation.
And so this year I’m staying at Universal. Express pass comes with park admission! Also, they still delivered purchases made at the parks to your room.