Disney’s Magical Express is a free perk for Disney’s resort hotel guests, providing free ground transportation to and from Orlando International Airport. Included with this service is luggage “intercept” on arrival in Orlando—properly tagged luggage is pulled off the conveyor and is delivered directly to your Disney resort hotel room (if your flight arrives between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm). If you arrive between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, get your own checked baggage off the luggage carousel. Now just head directly to Disney’s Welcome Center (Level 1, Side B)—if you have the booklet or MagicBands mailed to you in advance by Disney, proceed directly to the bus lines. (No booklet or MagicBands? Go to the check-in desk here and they will print vouchers.) For your return to the airport, we recommend you reserve the return trip at the time you book, as it will save time later. You may be able to check in for your flight (and check your bags) before you leave your Disney resort. Disney’s Magical Express is efficient, with guests being whisked to their resort with little wait and few (if any) stops at other hotels (though long waits and delays can still occur during peak arrival times). Nonetheless, Disney’s Magical Express does take extra time, as it now picked guests up four hours prior to return flight time. If you want another hour or two of park time on your first or last day, we suggest you pay for a town car service (see page 22).

Arrival Tip: Travel with a carry-on containing all your necessities, including your park passes, a swimsuit, medications, and a change of clothes. It may be many hours before your checked luggage arrives at your resort or before you’re aware of any lost luggage. If you arrive later in the evening, you may not receive your luggage until the following morning.

Return Trip Note: You may check your bags at the resort on the day of your departure between 5:00 am and 12:00 pm (hours may vary). Check with your airline to learn if any baggage fees apply and, if so, pay them in advance. Guests on Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines may only check one pre-paid bag per passenger—if you have additional bags, you must check them at the airport or call BAGS at 407-284-1231 to pre-pay for excess luggage. Guests on American Airlines must pre-pay at the above number for all bags. All bags must be 50 pounds or less and must fit within the airline’s dimension requirements. No oversize or overweight bags will be accepted.

You must make reservations for Disney’s Magical Express at least one day prior to your arrival in Orlando, but do it at least ten days prior to allow time to receive your materials in the mail. (No time? Stop at the desk in the airport and show your Disney resort reservation.) To add this service, call Disney’s regular reservations phone line or your travel agent, or visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/airport-transportation-reservation/. Disney will need your airline flight numbers. Once reserved, Disney will send guests who reside in North America special luggage tags (one per person age 3 and above; more available by calling 866-599-0951) and an instruction booklet. If your flight is changed or delayed, notify Disney’s Magical Express Guest Services at 866-599-0951.

Only guests at Disney-owned resorts can use Disney’s Magical Express. Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and all hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard (Regal Sun Resort, DoubleTree Suites, Hilton, etc.) are not included, and neither are travelers using Sanford Airport. Disney Vacation Club members wishing to use this service should contact DVC Member Services.