Hey Howdy Hey Brittany and welcome to planDisney!
While we all continue to find our ways to and from
Walt Disney World Resort, there have been several companies that have stepped up to help navigate Disney goers in the place of Magical Express. Thank you for your question in regards to other perks such as luggage handling and airline check-in as these have also changed in the wake of Covid-19. Let's review the new landscape and then I will give you some tips on how to navigate it.
The ability to tag your luggage special for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort at your home airport and then have it Magically show up in your room was such a great convenience. On your return flight home, it was also so nice to have the availability to check-in to your airline flight and have your luggage taken care of at your resort with transfer to your airline. Unfortunately, these operations were managed by other companies that did not make it through the Covid-19 closures and options that Disney has not pursued. So I am sorry to say that both luggage handling and airline check-in are both no longer available for your trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Many companies have emerged and developed transportation options to help get Disney goers to and from Walt Disney World. MEARS is one of the big ones that now have several options to fill this void. There are other companies such as Away We Go Transportation and rideshare options as well to help with transportation with a variety of options.
If you want that authentic Disney feels when you are transported from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), I would keep an eye on
Disney Parks Blog for further updates on Minnie Vans. This was another benefit for Guests to rideshare throughout Walt Disney World Resort as well as the option of transportation to and from the airport. Disney has recently announced the
return of Minnie Vans this summer and may be an option for you for your trip in January.
I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear as there were so many conveniences surrounding Disney's Magical Express. But all in all, these are minor things when it comes to a trip to Walt Disney World. There is still so much Magic awaiting all Guests with all the new additions across the theme parks and resorts that I am sure your trip will be full of Magical memories.
Best of luck with your continued planning for your trip and please let us know if you have any further questions.
Have a Magical Day,
Nick