Why Are Masks STILL Required on Disney Transportation?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

As previously shared, Walt Disney World Resort has announced they will no longer be requiring masks for vaccinated Guests indoors beginning February 17, 2022. Disneyland Resort followed the Disney World announcement with a face cover policy change as well. But, don’t throw away those masks just yet!

Disney has announced that despite masks no longer being required indoors, including enclosed locations such as Twilight Zone Tower of Terror‘s elevator or Mission: SPACE‘s closed-off rockets, they are still requiring face coverings on Disney buses, the Monorail, as well as the Disney Skyliner.

Disney’s official face-covering policy beginning February 17, 2022, reads: Face coverings will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

Monorail

So, why has Disney dropped masks from ALL indoor locations including up-close attraction experiences… but not on Disney transportation? Well, you can thank the President and the TSA.

The most recent statement regarding face masks via the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) dates back to December 2, 2021, when the President’s order was made to extend the face mask requirement on transportation. The statement reads as follows:

Following the President’s order and announcement regarding efforts to combat the Omicron variant, TSA, in conjunction with the CDC, will extend the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through March 18, 2022.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske has said frequently the combination of vaccinations and face masks work and are highly effective in terms of slowing the spread of the virus in the transportation system, and they make travel safer for everyone. More details about the extension will be available soon.

Disney Bus

Did you catch the keywords in the statement? Commuter bus and rail systems. This would include commuter bus and rail systems on Walt Disney World and Disneyland property which is likely the primary reason Disney hasn’t pulled the mask policy away from its transportation options just yet.

We’re curious to see when March 18, 2022 rolls around next month if Disney will finally have the option to drop masks on its transportation outlets. Even more so, makes us wonder if Disney could then start looking at the return of its pre-COVID Minnie Van service.

Disney Tram

The only form of Disney transportation NOT listed on the new face mask policy beginning February 17, 2022, is the Tram system which returned to Magic Kingdom December 2021 and will return this month at Disneyland Resort. The Tram is not enclosed making it the sole Disney transportation mask exception.

We’ll mark our calendars as maybe come March 19, 2022, Disney will announce the retirement of masks throughout ALL of its property… including Disney transportation.

Disney Skyliner International Gateway line temporary closure Jan. 23-28

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience here at Walt Disney World, we refresh our offerings from time to time. As previously announced in May 2021, Disney Skyliner transportation between EPCOT International Gateway, Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be unavailable from Sunday, Jan. 23 through Friday, Jan. 28.

Alternate transportation will be available to help Guests reach their destination during this refurbishment.

Replacement Signs Spotted for Disney’s Magical Express

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

With only a few days left in 2021, Walt Disney World Resort is beginning the signage removal process of the complimentary airport transportation system known as Disney’s Magical Express. Disney previously announced the Magical Express service is coming to an end with the last day of operation is December 31, 2021.

Disney's Magical Express

There are currently two forms of transportation to be offered in the new year as Magical Express replacement options, both non-Disney services that come with a fee. Mears Connect and The Sunshine Flyer will be traveling to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World Resort hotels for select fees.

The Sunshine Flyer

Now, the Magical Express signs once found at Disney World Resorts are being replaced with standard “Airport Shuttle Departures” signs.

Disney's Magical Express Sign

@followyourdreams_travels took to Instagram with the following photo and note: “They have already begun to install in the Disney Hotels, the new signs to indicate where to wait for the paid buses, replacing those of the Disney’s Magical Express. The Magical Express that operates free to and from the Orlando Airport transporting Guests, stops providing the Service on December 31, 2021. Guests will be able to book a bus to and from the Airport paying for the service.”

Mears Transportation service fees will be $16 (per adult) / $13.50 (per child) for a one-way trip or $32 (per adult) / $27 (per child) for a round trip. For the express car service, Guests can pay $250 for a round trip with up to 4 passengers, with an additional $55 per additional passenger.

The Sunshine Flyer service fees will be $17 (per adult) / $12.50 (per child) for a one-way service. Or, you can purchase round-trip tickets for $34 (per adult) and $25 (per child).

Another Magical Express Alternative Announced

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

With Disney’s Magical Express service ending soon on December 31, 2021, guests are looking for alternative ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World resorts. Mears Connect is one option, and another, The Sunshine Flyer has recently been announced.

Transportation Management Services (TMS) announced the launch of The Sunshine Flyer, a themed motorcoach bus experience that will transport guests from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World Resorts. Offering a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation, The Sunshine Flyer will allow guests to start the magic of their Disney vacation from the moment they step off the plane.

The buses are late model, premium motorcoaches with themes that center around old-fashioned passenger cars and train engines. From the bus designs to staff dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineers, the motorcoaches effectively serve as time machines, offering a glimpse into 1920s rail travel.

“By combining our 25 years of expertise in mass transportation management with a creative, themed experience, we have the unique opportunity to offer an experience that’s both stress-free and engaging,” said Frank Sherman, CEO of TMS. “Turning what used to be a procedural drive into the beginning of an adventure to remember, is incredibly rewarding for our team. Together with our transportation partners Academy Bus, LLC., and Empire Coach, we look forward to giving Disney guests the chance to kickstart their vacation with a fun, unique travel experience from the moment they step off the plane.”

With 25 years of experience as a large events transportation company working with world-class events such as the FIFA World Cup, NBA Finals and various PGA TOUR Tournaments, TMS is primed to offer a streamlined and well-executed service through The Sunshine Flyer. The busses service all Disney resorts and are complete with a bathroom, USB chargers and three-point seatbelts for the comfort and safety of all guests. Ahead of travel, guests will book their tickets online and receive a QR code they will scan once arriving at Orlando International Airport which will ensure smooth timing and departures to the Resorts.

The Sunshine Flyer offers transportation to all Walt Disney World Resort destinations in Orlando, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and more.

In celebration of Disney’s 50th anniversary, the Sunshine Flyer will donate 50% of all revenue from the first 50,000 passengers during the first 50 days of business to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. As a part of the Sunshine Flyer’s commitment to giving back, all Make-A-Wish children and their families will receive complimentary service from the Sunshine Flyer for their Disney wishes indefinitely.

Tickets for The Sunshine Flyer must be booked at least four days ahead of arrival. Tickets are $17.00 per adult, $12.50 per child. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.sunshineflyer.com.

Tram Service to Return Soon to Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

One of the most missed services at Walt Disney World will be returning soon! Parking trams have not operated since the parks have reopened in July 2020. Thankfully the end is in sight for the Magic Kingdom parking lot later this month and the other parks next year.

Here is the official tweet from Disney Parks:

While Magic Kingdom parking lot trams will resume operation later this month, other parks will return tram service “throughout 2022.” We’re especially happy about this. Lately, our walks from the parking lot to the TTC were at least .5 miles one way.