Why Is ME Back To MCO So Screwed Up?

[calypso*a*go-go]

I don't know if it's just me...or if others have experienced this, but everytime we leave to go back to the airport, ME is always late for the scheduled pick-up time and it turns into this mass of people from two or three different times trying to push their way onto the bus. I always feel so sorry for the driver. :sad2:

[DVCsince02]

Usually we are the late ones, not the bus. What do you expect with small kids and tons of luggage?

[WaltD4Me]

I don't know the answer, but thanks for posting this. I've never used ME, we always use a town car service, but I was thinking about trying ME in October and now seeing this, we won't. I thought they had worked out alot of the kinks, but I guess not. The car service may not be $$$ free, but it is hassle free.

[JCandKT]

I always feel like the bus comes to freakin' early and I have to sit at MCO for 3-4 hours before my flight leaves. ARGH!

[tley]

I always feel like the bus comes to freakin' early and I have to sit at MCO for 3-4 hours before my flight leaves. ARGH!

Agreed - even for an international flight this is too long! Either they leave earlier or MCO puts in something to occupy my time for those 3 - 4 hours :)

[rlduvall]

Agreed - even for an international flight this is too long! Either they leave earlier or MCO puts in something to occupy my time for those 3 - 4 hours :)


Maybe Disney could install a mini-Soaring Over California at the airport. That would be so cool. :goodvibes

[calypso*a*go-go]

See that's what bugs me...they ask you to be ready to go 3+ hours and then don't show up on time. During this last visit our pick-up was scheduled for 2:45 (5:55 flight out of Orlando). No bus showed up at all until 3:20! There were people from 2:45, 3:00, 3:15 and probably 3:30 all trying to get on the same bus. Now a second bus did pull in right behind the first one, and that added even more confusion to the mix because no one was sure if they had to get on a specific bus or not. Instead of the drivers checking the vouchers and letting the earliest pick-up time on, they were just letting anyone that wanted to board the bus do so (survival of the fittest! LOL). It just seems there must be a more organized/less stressful way to do this. Oh well, we got what we paid for, right? :teeth:

[cccm]

Guess I am the oddball (as usual).

I have used ME the past two years and will be using it in a couple of weeks. I haven't had one issue with it going in either direction. I usually do late flights (in around 9 or 10 PM) on the way to MCO and mid day flights on the way out of MCO.

I like ME, because it is just DD and I and not worth doing the whole rental car thing.

Celeste

[calypso*a*go-go]

We've never had a problem going from the airport to WDW, just the trip back. I guess the reality of it is that it's not really ME that's the problem as we've never missed a flight due to their late pick-up, it's the guests' behavior that is less than polite. That's what happens after a week or so of waiting in lines all day...waiting for rides, waiting for food, waiting for the bathroom...we all just want to get back home. I'm surprised my family didn't automatically line up at the front door of our house and just wait there until we realized we had the key!!! :lmao:

[Wild4Walt]

Me too, I've used it twice from POR and POFQ and they departed right on time with no hassles.

[The Grumpus]

I agree that the return to MCO is a disaster. We used it 3 trips ago, and it was exactly as you described. You have more people than the bus can hold all fighting to get on, because people are coming early or late. Then, someone has to wait for the luggage to get loaded. I had to sit apart from my fiancee for the ride back, and I had the last seat. Since I didn't push people out of the way, I was the last to get my luggage on, even though I was the third person in the waiting area.

They either need to have a formal line, or have assigned seats.

Now I'm angry...

-The Grumpus :mad:

P.S. - since then, I've used a service, which is soooo much better.

[Stacy's a freak]

I always feel like the bus comes to freakin' early and I have to sit at MCO for 3-4 hours before my flight leaves. ARGH!

I agree! In the past I had to get the ME bus 3 hours before my flight departure. I think that is excessive and I have been thinking of doing a towncar this year instead.

[BriarRosie]

I hadn't used Disney's Magical Express until my trip last October. (Prior to that I did the rental car thing.)

I found the DMR at the airport to be extremely efficient, moreso than when Mears was running this show themselves. But, as you said, DME was not that easy on the way back.

For starters, I couldn't tell which busses arriving were dropping people off instead of picking them up. I would approach a bus to ask, and inevitably, it was a drop off. I was getting nervous at the 15 minute mark past our pickup time, so I called DME to check the status of the bus. They told me it would arrive "soon", which it finally did.

The part that echoes your concerns is that there are busses that totally do not make their schedules. In fact, our bus was diverted to a MASSIVE crowd at Pop Century because a ton of people were stranded there. Nobody came to pick them up! Lucky for them we weren't a full bus, and we managed to get everyone on.

That experience made me a bit nervous. I felt lucky that we were able to check our bags at the luggage check in service at the Beach Club, because we didn't know how much time we would have to spare to check our bags and make it past Security. I don't think we can check luggage at the resort anymore due to the airline fees, but that was a great little perk.

I'm going to give DME another chance in October. I'm feeling a little better about my chances, since I'm checking out on a Tuesday, not a weekend this time around.

[parrotheadlois]

Just curious, if anyone knows. We're renting a car on our next trip, but we've ME'd in the past. Our last trip, we got into MCO kindof late, so our bus was empty and we must've sat in the bus near to an hour waiting for other flights to get in so our bus could fill up. But, other than that, it's been fine.
But I wondered, I wasn't sure if we were renting a car or MEing, so I have the ME luggage tags. If I checked my luggage, using the ME tags, and then didn't use ME myself, do you think my luggage would show up like it would if we checked in and used the bus?? I'd rather just take the rental car and go and let my luggage catch up to me later.

[carelo]

I've used ME the last couple of trips and didn't have any trouble at all and we'll be using it on our next trip as well. We usually go in mid to late September so it's a little less crowded maybe that's why. But I'd still recommend it if you want to save some $$$.

[Madi100]

We always use Magical Express, and I have to say I am very impressed. I know it's just luck of the draw, but as soon as we arrive at the airport and get in line, our bus leaves shortly after. And, Saratoga Springs is the first stop. Last year we stayed at All Star Movies, and it was the last stop, and that got a little long, but at the same time, it was nice to see the other resorts. On the way home, Saratoga Springs is the last stop before the airport. We've never had a problem with the pick-up time or finding a seat. We've never gotten on an empty bus, but don't have a problem finding empty seats where at least we can sit two and two. I am highly impressed with it.

[Kimberle]

We have used ME 2x. Our return trips were very smooth. The bus was not crowded, the drivers helpful and professional. We'd arrive at the airport around 2 hours until our flight was departing. Just enough time to get through security and grab a bite to eat before bording.

I don't understand why anyone would have to sit at the airport 3-4 hours waiting for their flight unless it was delayed.:confused3 If that is so, it's not ME's "fault".

If there are massive crowds, I'd have to think people missed their assigned bus and were trying to hop on any bus.

[Madi100]

We have used ME 2x. Our return trips were very smooth. The bus was not crowded, the drivers helpful and professional. We'd arrive at the airport around 2 hours until our flight was departing. Just enough time to get through security and grab a bite to eat before bording.

I don't understand why anyone would have to sit at the airport 3-4 hours waiting for their flight unless it was delayed.:confused3 If that is so, it's not ME's "fault".

If there are massive crowds, I'd have to think people missed their assigned bus and were trying to hop on any bus.

You do get there in plenty of time. Plus, we use hotel check-in for the airline, so when we arrive at the airport, we just have to go through security and that's it. I really wish that they did make it later for those people who did the airline check-in at the hotel. It picks you up 3 hours before your flight leaves.

[zoie101]

Just curious, if anyone knows. We're renting a car on our next trip, but we've ME'd in the past. Our last trip, we got into MCO kindof late, so our bus was empty and we must've sat in the bus near to an hour waiting for other flights to get in so our bus could fill up. But, other than that, it's been fine.
But I wondered, I wasn't sure if we were renting a car or MEing, so I have the ME luggage tags. If I checked my luggage, using the ME tags, and then didn't use ME myself, do you think my luggage would show up like it would if we checked in and used the bus?? I'd rather just take the rental car and go and let my luggage catch up to me later.

oh my be so ready to get flamed!:woohoo:

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We didnt have any problems other than being at the airport way to early.

[WaltD4Me]

I agree! In the past I had to get the ME bus 3 hours before my flight departure. I think that is excessive and I have been thinking of doing a towncar this year instead.

Seriously, a town car service is awesome. It's one of my favorite tips I found here on the DIS. I've been using the same one the last 5 trips and I love it. The driver meets us at baggage, takes our bags to the car and we leave. We don't have to check in, wait in any lines or wait on the bus. We make a quick stop at Publix and then straight to our resort. Once we get our bags, it's about 40 minutes to the resort and that is WITH the grocery stop. We get in and out of Publix really fast though.

On the way back they pick us up 2 to 2 1/2 hours before our flight depending on the time of day.

True it's not free like ME, but sheesh, after reading this thread I'm more sure it's SO worth it.

[swald91]

We didn't have any problems with pick up either. We did however have to wait about 10 mins. for a family doing I think last min. shopping. The husband had to call his wife. Then instead of apologizing she just said thanks to the driver. Didn't have any problems with our flight, but wonder if it caused anyone to be late? I think the drivers have to wait for the passengers too.

[Bouncing4Tigger]

The only problem I have with ME is that they show up :sad1: I have not experienced them showing up late. I did have one bus that was full and made it on. I was at one of the All Stars and there were still a few families waiting at the other All Stars that were not going to be picked up by this bus.

Hopefully there was another bus coming for them.

[swald91]

Yeah...it is pretty sad to see them show up! I don't even look at them during our trip. It just makes me think oh, someone else is going home today. You wait for a bus/monorail to arrive-but I swear you can see that ME bus on the day you leave a mile away!!!

[Bouncing4Tigger]

The only problem I have with ME is that they show up :sad1: I have not experienced them showing up late. I did have one bus that was full and made it on. I was at one of the All Stars and there were still a few families waiting at the other All Stars that were not going to be picked up by this bus.

Hopefully there was another bus coming for them.

[Iggipolka]

We always use ME and have been thrilled with the service. We've never had to wait long for the bus to leave the airport and our luggage arrives in our room within a couple hours of when we check in. Last trip, our luggage arrived at the same time as we entered our room for the first time!

Going back to MCO, we've only had a problem once. Again, it was this last trip in June. The entire ME computer system crashed, so they were unable to check people in for flights, or deal with getting luggage to the flights. Everyone had to board the bus with their luggage and check-in at the airport. It was a huge mess, resulting in tremendously long lines at the airport. This was one time that I was grateful for ME having a 3 hour pre-flight pickup time. I was also really happy that we are Clear members and could skip through security with our own personal assistant. We would not have made our flight if we hadn't been Clear members.


This upcoming trip, we're flying Southwest for the first time to MCO. My understanding is that they do not participate in ME. Does this mean that we'll have to pick up our bags and take them to the ME bus, or is that only for departure?

Thanks!

[Launchpad11B]

Seriously, a town car service is awesome. It's one of my favorite tips I found here on the DIS. I've been using the same one the last 5 trips and I love it. The driver meets us at baggage, takes our bags to the car and we leave. We don't have to check in, wait in any lines or wait on the bus. We make a quick stop at Publix and then straight to our resort. Once we get our bags, it's about 40 minutes to the resort and that is WITH the grocery stop. We get in and out of Publix really fast though.

On the way back they pick us up 2 to 2 1/2 hours before our flight depending on the time of day.

True it's not free like ME, but sheesh, after reading this thread I'm more sure it's SO worth it.

Just curious....how much is the town car service? Is it round trip to and from the airport or one way?

[WaltD4Me]

Just curious....how much is the town car service? Is it round trip to and from the airport or one way?

You can get either round trip or one way. It's $105 round trip or $60 for one way. And you can get a grocery stop at Publix.

[cocowum]

We always rent a car. We use ME to transport our luggage to WDW. (Love that part of it) DH and DD ride ME to our resort with our luggage. I go right to National's Emerald Isle (membership is free) pick out the car I want and I drive to the resort. I'm usually there within 30 mins. This past trip I arrived at POP before ME had even left the terminal. I checked in and and was in our room by the time DD and DH arrived(about 60 mins from the time we landed).

We drove ourselves and our luggage back to MCO. :goodvibes

I do not like the buses. I'm hot, crabby, tired and impatient. :laughing:

We rented a RAV 4 for 9 days for the total cost of $112. Money well spent. :thumbsup2 We went offsite for groceries, we went to the outlets, checked out the Gaylord Palms and toured Celebration this trip.

Having a rental car is essential to our WDW vacation. We also brought our GPS with us this trip which was awesome for me (But DH's man gene prevented him from using it...:rolleyes: )

[parrotheadlois]

oh my be so ready to get flamed!:woohoo:

So, I'm guessing you don't think it's a good idea:confused3 Sounded like a plan to me. We actually like ME, we just wanted to try renting a car this time. We're plannning on a dinner in Celebration (we've never been to Celebration). We rented one of those purple Owners Lockers and need a trip to Walmart to buy some products to put in the locker cause we're going on the Podcast Cruise and can use it again then. But, that being said, I guess we should be responsible Dissers and (sigh) and wait and get our luggage ourselves.;)

[cocowum]

So, I'm guessing you don't think it's a good idea:confused3 Sounded like a plan to me. We actually like ME, we just wanted to try renting a car this time. We're plannning on a dinner in Celebration (we've never been to Celebration). We rented one of those purple Owners Lockers and need a trip to Walmart to buy some products to put in the locker cause we're going on the Podcast Cruise and can use it again then. But, that being said, I guess we should be responsible Dissers and (sigh) and wait and get our luggage ourselves.;)

I think she posted that because it's a "hot topic" over on the transportation board. :rolleyes:


It's technically not allowed but people have posted that it works. :thumbsup2

We usually split our party to avoid worrying about our luggage. :goodvibes

[randomdisney101]

Well if your like me They look at the wrong flight time and make us arrive at the airport 7 HOURS EARLY so i Had to miss the Dis meet

STUIPED M.E.

[bellazachmom]

That experience made me a bit nervous. I felt lucky that we were able to check our bags at the luggage check in service at the Beach Club, because we didn't know how much time we would have to spare to check our bags and make it past Security. I don't think we can check luggage at the resort anymore due to the airline fees, but that was a great little perk.
I'm going to give DME another chance in October. I'm feeling a little better about my chances, since I'm checking out on a Tuesday, not a weekend this time around.

Actually, you CAN still do this if using a participating airline, we did it on Tuesday!
Once at your resort, anytime during your vacation as long as at least 4 hours prior to your ME pick-up, you call (407) 284 - 1231 which is the number for Baggage Airline Guest Service (seems to me it should be AIRLINE Baggage Guest Service, but oh well!) and they will help you take care of it.

The will get info from you like Resort, room#, outgoing flight and airline, etc. and then you can pay by credit card for the number of bags you have. A little bit later an envelope will be delivered to your room with your baggage tags!! The ME people handle the rest when you take your bags to them. It was really easy! If you have any questions I'll be happy to try and answer them.

[parrotheadlois]

I think she posted that because it's a "hot topic" over on the transportation board. :rolleyes:


It's technically not allowed but people have posted that it works. :thumbsup2

We usually split our party to avoid worrying about our luggage. :goodvibes


Thanks Cocowum! Maybe I'll go lurk at the transportation board.:rolleyes1

[Kimberle]

Well if your like me They look at the wrong flight time and make us arrive at the airport 7 HOURS EARLY so i Had to miss the Dis meet

STUIPED M.E.

Then why didn't you call them and reschedule?:confused3

[randomdisney101]

Then why didn't you call them and reschedule?:confused3

Can you do that???:confused:

[cocowum]

Thanks Cocowum! Maybe I'll go lurk at the transportation board.:rolleyes1

Be careful...it's rough over there!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[BriarRosie]

Can you do that???:confused:

Yes, you can reschedule if you are scheduled more than 3 hours before your departure time. They don't want to claim responsibility if you miss your flight, so they tend to keep to a "3 hours prior" schedule.

If I was scheduled 7 hours prior, I would have called them to confirm the correct flights with them and get a new pickup time.

[mommyoftwinfants]

I guess I am just super lucky, in June our ME bus arrived right on time at AK and we were the only ones on it. We picked up one other person at POP and headed to the airport. The 1st time we used ME back to MCO it was a little over half full and on time with guest from OKW and SSR.

We have used ME twice and both times only waited about 5 minutes for our bus to arrive at MCO took about 10 mins to load the bus and we were on our way to Disney.

[kim929]

I used me for the first time in Aug. I had no problems at all. The ride to the resort was smooth. The return trip to the airport was also very smooth. The bus arrived at all star movies 10 min early. then we went to music, then sports, I thought that was weird, why they didn't just do it in reverse order. I will be using it again in Nov. this time I won't forget to put the tags on my luggage.

[GenieCat]

Not sure why we are talking about a transportation issue on the Podcast board http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1460586, but I agree that we are :grouphug: much nicer here!

Our ME in Oct 2006 from the airport to the Poly was fine. The bus was half full, and we were able to spread out. The trip back to the airport a week later was a very different experience.

The bus was about 20 minutes late. When it did arrive, the driver apologized, and explained that another driver had skipped this stop 20 minutes before. He was the trainer, and was working overtime to cover the route. Now there were two bus loads tired vacationers, and only one bus. The driver had called for another bus which he assured those who were left behind, would arrive very soon.

During the ride to the airport, he regaled his captive audience about what a terrific dad, husband and soldier he had been, the worthy causes he supported, ruminated on why the other drivers could not carry their share of the routes, and ended with a plea for a charity.

The driver's tirade sounded somewhat rehearsed, so I'm certain that we were not the first victims. Everyone was just glad to arrive at the airport, and escape.

[jjpenguin]

Haven't had any problems with the return to MCO yet (3 times ME). At first I thougt it was a pain that it picks you up 3 hours beforehand, but quite honestly with international check in and the lines for security you almost need that time. I just chill out and relax, MCO is not a bad airport if you have a long wait, plenty to see and last time DH and I played games in the arcade they have there ;)

[Twilightlover]

I don't know the answer, but thanks for posting this. I've never used ME, we always use a town car service, but I was thinking about trying ME in October and now seeing this, we won't. I thought they had worked out alot of the kinks, but I guess not. The car service may not be $$$ free, but it is hassle free.

Don't let this post sway you. Technically you are paying for something you aren't using. Just seems foolish. The ME was 10 minutes late for us no big deal. You really do have to consider that it is picking up people with TONS of luggage and nothing beats not having to worry about your luggage once you get on the plane to Disney, getting tot he parks and having your luggage there when you get back to your room. My husband and I loved the ME it made things easy and less expensive. Plus you do need that time to get to MCO, check in and go through security. We had to wait for about 45 minutes but it was nice because i was able to use the airports wireless and check email from the week.

[calypso*a*go-go]

Maybe we were just a victim of the circumstances...we left on a Sunday (probably one of the busiest departure days) and we were picked up @ POP (which I know was booked to capacity). Since DH hates to drives when we're on vacation I know we'll use ME again -- I'll just cross my fingers that the next experience is a little more organized. :goodvibes

[klam_chowder]

For us, ME did arrive at Coronado Springs late, and there were lots of people needing to get on. I only felt bad for the driver as he was obviously harried but still dealt with guests politely. I made sure DH tipped the driver when we got off.

However, we checked out on New Year's Day and as one can imagine it was bizzy. We ended up at the airport early, but that allowed us time to grab a bite before we regaled ourselves to mount the security queues - in this case the early arrival was warranted. Now THOSE security queues were horrendous!! It was all the pushy and queue jumpers all stacked together in one small space :scared1: Even DH, who isn't into all-things-Disney, commented, "Can we go back to the Mouse World?!" :rotfl2: Having seen MCO, I wish they would contact WDW to learn about processes & logistics!

For our arrival, the ME service to CS (on Christmas Eve) was excellent. Even tho, the bus was late for check out and we stood around waiting for a bit, it was probably still quicker than queuing for a rental car and having to return it. Overall, I thought it was a great complimentary service. :thumbsup2

On our next trip we're staying at Dolphin and not having ME is going to be such a hassle. :confused:

cheers,
:flower3: