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Disney Guests Lost in Central Florida Swampland After Unauthorized Bus Stop

A Walt Disney World Resort guest recently shared a wild tale of their Magical Express bus getting lost in the sprawling Central Florida wilderness. The unexpected detour turned what should have been a smooth ride into a tense and chaotic experience for everyone on board.

Magical Express Goes Off-Track

The Magical Express, Walt Disney World Resort’s complimentary transportation service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney Resort hotels, ended in January 2022. Operated in partnership with Mears, it provided convenience for thousands of Disney Park guests, offering door-to-door service with luggage delivery. However, as one guest recalled, the service wasn’t always seamless.

Disney's Magical Express
Credit: Disney

Redditor u/moonbunnychan shared their experience during a trip when the Magical Express was still operational. Their vacation started on a sour note when they encountered issues at the MCO check-in area.

“I get there and scan my MagicBand and it has me going through the wrong hotel,” the guest wrote. “Took like 15 minutes of arguing and showing them my hotel reservation on my phone for them to let me get on the right bus.”

A Wrong Turn in the Swampland

After finally boarding the correct bus, things only got worse. The guest explained that another passenger heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was added to their bus. Since the Lodge was not on the same route as Disney’s Pop Century Century, the bus driver struggled to navigate.

Disney magical express bus
Credit: Disney Tips

“We ended up driving around Disney property for a solid hour, turning around in another hotel’s parking lot, and you could just feel the tension on the bus rising. Like it legit felt like a riot was about to happen,” the guest recounted.

The driver eventually flagged down a Disney Transportation bus driver to ask for directions, ending the unexpected detour.

Check-Out Chaos

The chaos didn’t stop there. On the day of their departure, the guest found another problem: their Magical Express packet, which detailed their airport pick-up time, never arrived at their Disney Resort hotel room.

The 90s section on of Disney's Pop Century Resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Disney

“Then when it was time to go back to the airport, I never got the Magical Express packet in the door,” they explained. “I went down to the hotel concierge, they scanned my MagicBand, and it showed me as being booked on a Magic Express bus back two days ago. They were able to fix it, but it was a huge fail just all the way around.”

Bus Transportation at Disney Today

Disney Bus
Credit: Disney Fanatic

While the Magical Express is no longer available, Walt Disney World Resort continues to provide complimentary bus service between Resort hotels and all major destinations on property, including the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Guests traveling from MCO to their Disney Resort hotel must now rely on third-party shuttle services, rideshares, or rental cars.

What’s the strangest experience you’ve had on Walt Disney World Resort transportation? In the comments, share it with Disney Fanatic. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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