Magical Express Replacement

[Eric Smith]

Really?

There are a million examples out there, but here's an example from Marriott:
View attachment 574085

Here's an example from Hyatt:
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Here's an example from Hilton:
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Almost every place I've traveled to has had a free shuttle when I needed it. I occasionally have rented cars at my travel destinations but usually don't. It kind of stresses me out driving in new cities. When I travel to a city, I generally stay in the middle of everything, and the hotel gets me to and from the airport. At least based on my experiences, I think it's crazy Disney won't offer a standard service.

Disney isn’t right next to the airport though. All of the places you showed are hotels near airports. It’s not standard service at all.

 

[Lewisc]

So what happened with the service?

Disney wanted to save $$$.

Really?

There are a million examples out there, but here's an example from Marriott:
View attachment 574085

Here's an example from Hyatt:
View attachment 574086


Here's an example from Hilton:
View attachment 574087

Almost every place I've traveled to has had a free shuttle when I needed it. I occasionally have rented cars at my travel destinations but usually don't. It kind of stresses me out driving in new cities. When I travel to a city, I generally stay in the middle of everything, and the hotel gets me to and from the airport. At least based on my experiences, I think it's crazy Disney won't offer a standard service.

Your examples are hotels in an airport zone. Stay in one of the Marriott by MCO you get a free shuttle. Stay at any of the Marriotts near Disney, Universal, SW, convention center...you find your own way.

NYC stay in a hotel by JFK you get a complimentary shuttle. Stay in Manhattan you pay for transportation.

 

[Becky Mouse]

Disney isn’t right next to the airport though. All of the places you showed are hotels near airports. It’s not standard service at all.

Not really. Some are, but the Hyatt Regency in Chicago is like 40 minutes from the airport. I worked with Marriott for a year, and my dad worked with Hyatt for about 20 years. Granted, we always worked in a big city, but it was standard service. I just tried to pull up hotels in small cities like Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and I'm still seeing complimentary 24 hour shuttles to and from the airport. I'm just wondering what hotels you have stayed in near cities without a complimentary shuttle...? I mean, maybe discount motels like Super 8s? But even then I did a Google search, and it looks like Super 8 offers complimentary airport shuttles in major cities like LA.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

That’s not really going to be a viable option. Trains won’t run that frequently and the bright line trains aren’t that high capacity.

I really thought it would have the way they made it sound when it was actually on our news. Not that it really matters for immediate future anyway.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

On top of that the train will go to Disney Springs. Luggage is not allowed on the normal Disney buses so you'll need to still find a way to get to your hotel.

Yes that's true but an Uber or Lyft is a heck of a lot cheaper from there to the resorts. In all honesty, I don't get why the Springs is goingto be a stop. I didn't think the Springs had bus service to the parks. I thought it was one way from the park to the Springs and starts after 4pm. What's the logic for a stop there. This train is only running from Miami to Tampa???? See what I'm saying. The way I heard it promoted it was to ride from the airport???

 

[Lewisc]

Not really. Some are, but the Hyatt Regency in Chicago is like 40 minutes from the airport. I worked with Marriott for a year, and my dad worked with Hyatt for about 20 years. Granted, we always worked in a big city, but it was standard service. I just tried to pull up hotels in small cities like Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and I'm still seeing complimentary 24 hour shuttles to and from the airport. I'm just wondering what hotels you have stayed in near cities without a complimentary shuttle...? I mean, maybe discount motels like Super 8s? But even then I did a Google search, and it looks like Super 8 offers complimentary airport shuttles in major cities like LA.

The Hyatt Regency you screenshoted is listed as being the O'Hara hotel.

I'll agree almost any hotel will assist you in booking guest paid transfers. Hotels in an airport zone will generally offer complimentary shuttle.

Check hotels in Manhattan or downtown Chicago. Complimentary airport shuttle service is rare, in non airport hotels

 

[Stratman50th]

I know this has been said before but I find it fascinating;

For 34 years, people found their way to the resort without DME. Now without it there seems to be so much concern about people not being able to figure out how to get to their hotel from MCO. Even though Mears will continue offering transportation to all hotels. I suspect from the exact same spot where DME is currently running.

I think it's going to different - not difficult.

I've been reading through these posts and can't agree more. I admit I've only flown once and we rented a car. I don't even think it was offered in 2000. We have driven the rest of the time and there were many trips. Started going every year and sometimes several times a year starting in 1989. I've never used the service but I'm betting with the fees we've subsidized a lot of other people's "free" transportation. Don't worry, you'll be able to get there somehow.

 

[StageTek]

I'm just wondering what hotels you have stayed in near cities without a complimentary shuttle...?

Grand Hyatt New York doesn't offer free airport shuttles.
Andaz 5th Avenue doesn't offer free airport shuttles.
Hyatt Centric Times Square doesn't offer free airport shuttles.

Expedia shows only three hotels in Manhattan with a free airport shuttle. Sheraton Times Square is the best of them. Others like Safehouse Suites have very low ratings. All the rest are close to the airport – usually in Flushing or Astoria.

In general a hotel more than 15/20 miles from an airport does not offer free shuttles. I couldn't find and hotel near WDW that offers free shuttles. Do any hotels in Disney Springs offer free airport shuttles?

 

[Lewisc]

Expedia shows only three hotels in Manhattan with a free airport shuttle. Sheraton Times Square is the best of them. Others like Safehouse Suites have very low ratings. All the rest are close to the airport – usually in Flushing or Astoria.

In general a hotel more than 15/20 miles from an airport does not offer free shuttles. I couldn't find and hotel near WDW that offers free shuttles. Do any hotels in Disney Springs offer free airport shuttles?

From Sheraton Times Square website



Airport Information



John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Hotel direction: 15.7 miles SE

This hotel does not provide shuttle service.

• Estimated taxi fare: 68.23 USD (one way)

Similar language regarding LGA.

 

[SwirlTheCitrus]

Yes that's true but an Uber or Lyft is a heck of a lot cheaper from there to the resorts. In all honesty, I don't get why the Springs is goingto be a stop. I didn't think the Springs had bus service to the parks. I thought it was one way from the park to the Springs and starts after 4pm. What's the logic for a stop there. This train is only running from Miami to Tampa???? See what I'm saying. The way I heard it promoted it was to ride from the airport???

It has a station at the new terminal at MCO. Goes to DS, and then busses to parks and resorts.

 

[Lewisc]

I can't find a website for safehouse suites. Random dates show no availability on third party sites. Third party sites suggest this property not only offers free airport shuttle but also free parking.

Doesn't pass the smell test, unless the property is priced hundreds of dollars per night more then comparable properties

 

[FCDub]

I know this has been said before but I find it fascinating;

For 34 years, people found their way to the resort without DME. Now without it there seems to be so much concern about people not being able to figure out how to get to their hotel from MCO. Even though Mears will continue offering transportation to all hotels. I suspect from the exact same spot where DME is currently running.

I think it's going to different - not difficult.

Have you seen some of the questions people post here that could be answered via Google in 0.5 seconds or are right on the Disney website? LOL

There will always be a portion of the population for which the smallest amount of effort is difficult.

That said, sometime you’ve gotta learn to swim or sink, baby.

 

[DebbieB]

Yes that's true but an Uber or Lyft is a heck of a lot cheaper from there to the resorts. In all honesty, I don't get why the Springs is goingto be a stop. I didn't think the Springs had bus service to the parks. I thought it was one way from the park to the Springs and starts after 4pm. What's the logic for a stop there. This train is only running from Miami to Tampa???? See what I'm saying. The way I heard it promoted it was to ride from the airport???

The blogs are writing about it as a ride from the airport, Disney has never promoted it that way, all they have said is there will be a station at Disney Springs. The latest projected date is 2026. They haven't even selected a route yet from the airport. It's a commuter line going from Miami to West Palm and Fort Lauderdale, that part is done but service is currently suspended. When running it was once an hour. Under construction is going to MCO. Then the plan is it will stop in Disney Springs and Tampa, that part hasn't started. The purpose is to provide transportation within Florida. So if you want to go from Miami to Disney, it would be a good possibility. I doubt it will have the capacity to replace DME on the one section.

 

[Lewisc]

Finding transportation from MCO to WDW isn't rocket science.

Some aren't happy with reduced services, given the price premium Disney charges.

Free attracted guests to a shared shuttle. An increasing number of guests will transition to car rental, ride share and car services. Might be a significant increase in traffic and delays in leaving MCO.

 

[Becky Mouse]

Finding transportation from MCO to WDW isn't rocket science.

Some aren't happy with reduced services, given the price premium Disney charges.

Free attracted guests to a shared shuttle. An increasing number of guests will transition to car rental, ride share and car services. Might be a significant increase in traffic and delays in leaving MCO.

Yes, I don't mean like people can't figure it out. I mean it's a basic service that Disney should continue offering, and I think it's a mistake to cut it. Many people like Disney because Disney takes care of everything. You arrive at the airport, and they (pre-COVID) got your luggage for you. They drive you to the resort. Then, they take you to the parks. You don't have to worry about anything. People who like the all-inclusive feel could also get the dining plan (before COVID). I understand changing things this year due to COVID protocol, but I think a lot of the changes make people's vacations more challenging. OK, you landed at MCO. Now you have to figure out how to get to the Disney resorts. Oh, ride share fares are in demand and up, so now it's $80 to get to your hotel. Oh, you have a baby and no car seat? Sucks for you. Or I guess you have to drag the car seat on your flight and around the airport so your little one can sit in the ride share. Now how are those people going to feel at the end of their trip? Are they going to be raving to everyone about how Disney makes traveling so easy, and they won't go anywhere else because of the Disney magic?

Just saying, I think it's a mistake. Maybe I'm wrong. However, my prediction is that this will have a bigger negative impact on guest satisfaction with WDW than Disney seems to realize.

 

[Eric Smith]

Not really. Some are, but the Hyatt Regency in Chicago is like 40 minutes from the airport. I worked with Marriott for a year, and my dad worked with Hyatt for about 20 years. Granted, we always worked in a big city, but it was standard service. I just tried to pull up hotels in small cities like Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and I'm still seeing complimentary 24 hour shuttles to and from the airport. I'm just wondering what hotels you have stayed in near cities without a complimentary shuttle...? I mean, maybe discount motels like Super 8s? But even then I did a Google search, and it looks like Super 8 offers complimentary airport shuttles in major cities like LA.

Come on, I'm not staying in Super 8's. Most hotels don't provide an airport shuttle. All of the non-Disney hotels on property do not provide airport shuttles. It's not that common when you get farther away from an airport.

 

[Jennasis]

we managed to get from MCO to WDW for many many years before ME was a thing. We paid for the Mears service. Now there is also Uber and Lyft along with Mears and private car services.

 

[Becky Mouse]

we managed to get from MCO to WDW for many many years before ME was a thing. We paid for the Mears service. Now there is also Uber and Lyft along with Mears and private car services.

Alright, fine. I guess I've just been lucky at all of the places I've stayed where I've needed a shuttle. Personally, I've used free airport shuttles at hotels in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Kansas City, San Antonio, and, yes, Walt Disney World. I've never traveled to a place where I wanted one and they weren't available. However, clearly other people have had different experiences than me and seem to find all of the places that don't offer them. To me, it seems like a standard service all hotels should offer if they have an airport in their city. It sounds like you all disagree and think it's no big deal not to offer one. I hope for Disney that most guests feel that same way and don't care that the Disney airport transportation is gone.

 

[igrsod]

Alright, fine. I guess I've just been lucky at all of the places I've stayed where I've needed a shuttle. Personally, I've used free airport shuttles at hotels in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Kansas City, San Antonio, and, yes, Walt Disney World. I've never traveled to a place where I wanted one and they weren't available. However, clearly other people have had different experiences than me and seem to find all of the places that don't offer them. To me, it seems like a standard service all hotels should offer if they have an airport in their city. It sounds like you all disagree and think it's no big deal not to offer one. I hope for Disney that most guests feel that same way and don't care that the Disney airport transportation is gone.

I agree with you Becky Mouse. I think this is a huge mistake for Disney. This is the reason we became, once/twice a year WDW vacationers from Canada. We loved the feeling of drop off your luggage at the airport and you're already on vacation. Everything is taken care of. It's not like we can't figure things out on our own, it was just nice to have that magical feeling of a Disney vacation. It's the little things that seem to be taken away little by little that are eroding that magical feel.
We are DVC, so we are locked in unless we sell. Time will tell if we continue to spend our dollars at Disney. It's already a talk in our home. We have never in all our years, gone to Universal... we are going to start.
Disney, if you're listening... don't lose the magic.

 

[Lewisc]

I agree. I don't think Disney is thinking this through. Many Disney guests literally have never traveled anywhere else. They don't want to have to worry about how to get to their resort. Maybe ordering a ride share isn't difficult for young people, but many retirees go to WDW as well. I have an uncle in his 70s who loves going. He treats his adult children and grandchildren, and they all meet at the resort. I can't imagine him needing to figure out transportation on his own to get there. If MDE does go away, I think it will be temporary. The fallout will be massive, and Disney will end up bringing it back.

Alright, fine. I guess I've just been lucky at all of the places I've stayed where I've needed a shuttle. Personally, I've used free airport shuttles at hotels in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Kansas City, San Antonio, and, yes, Walt Disney World. I've never traveled to a place where I wanted one and they weren't available. However, clearly other people have had different experiences than me and seem to find all of the places that don't offer them. To me, it seems like a standard service all hotels should offer if they have an airport in their city. It sounds like you all disagree and think it's no big deal not to offer one. I hope for Disney that most guests feel that same way and don't care that the Disney airport transportation is gone.

Almost all hotels, in an airport zone, offer a complimentary shuttle. I suspect that's where you generally stay.

Some travel agencies bundle shuttles as part of a vacation package.
I've stayed at many hotels in Vegas. A guest paid shuttle was available. I'm a low roller. If my play was higher the casino would have sent a limo. I'm talking about hotels on the strip. Hotels right by the airport offer shuttles.

Disney could just bundle Mears transfers in some packages, if necessay.