As Disney begins to roll out news and changes for 2021 and beyond, a couple of operational changes for Walt Disney World have emerged.

Disney’s Magical Express Ending

Citing the expansion of options for guests to get to Disney World, including ride-share services, Disney will end Magical Express on January 1st, 2022.  So, if you have a vacation at a Disney World hotel through 2021, you’re still covered. However, after that date, you’ll want to rent a car or arrange for alternate transportation.

, Breaking: Disney World Magical Express Ending & Extra Magic Hours Replaced
Arriving by Magical Express – the only way to go!

A Disney spokesperson informed us: “As consumer needs and preferences change, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service starting with arrivals in 2022. At the same time, we’re also introducing new ways for guests to enjoy their visits, including early theme park entry for Disney Resort hotel guests.”

Early Theme Park Entry Replaces Extra Magic Hours

The pandemic brought the end of many things at Walt Disney World, one of them was the beloved Extra Magic Hours program which extended the park operating day for Disney’s hotel guests by one or more hours before or after regular park hours for other guests.

, Breaking: Disney World Magical Express Ending & Extra Magic Hours Replaced
I was lucky enough to attend the Disney Parks Blog meet up Monday morning, and caught some sunrise light on the mountains.

A version of that program will return in 2021 called Early Theme Park Entry. Billed as being part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the new program will offer Disney Resort hotel guests (and other participating hotels) 30-minutes of early entry to ANY Disney World theme park, EVERY day.

, Breaking: Disney World Magical Express Ending & Extra Magic Hours Replaced

You’ll remember that early magic hours had the tendency to create extra crowding at the participating park for the whole day. This new program should help spread crowds out across all the parks, limiting that effect. Of course, guests will need to have valid park admission and be staying at a participating hotel to claim the early entry benefit.

Park Hopping Returns

Park Hopping has returned!  You can read more about how the system has been changed and what you need to know here:

Here’s How Park Hopping Works at Walt Disney World!


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, Breaking: Disney World Magical Express Ending & Extra Magic Hours Replaced
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Let’s Hear From You

Let us know how these changes impact you and your upcoming Disney World vacations.

, Breaking: Disney World Magical Express Ending & Extra Magic Hours Replaced


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Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]