ME to AKV

[DeeCee735]

Just wondering how many stops and to which resorts Magical Express stops from MCO to Animal Kindgom Villas Kidani?

Thanks,

 

[sam_gordon]

Just wondering how many stops and to which resorts Magical Express stops from MCO to Animal Kindgom Villas Kidani?

Thanks,

There's no way to be 100% certain. It depends on the time you arrive and where other guests are going.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I can tell you from last Saturday, when I arrived at Jambo. Before Jambo and Kidani, we stopped at Art of Animation and Pop Century. Those were the two we stopped at on the return to the airport also. But yes, it does depend on time and other guests-sometimes from there we've gone to CBR. One time we even went to the GF, which I was really surprised at.

 

[stitchlovestink]

There is no guarantee as to the pattern BUT ironically in the six times that I have ridden ME this year it has been the same pattern....
AoA, POP (where I get off), AKL, and then Kidani. The driver announces the order he will be stopping. One time we even had people for CBR which he was stopping at after POP.
Again, No Guarantees, but it does always seem to be that AKL & Kindani are last. I'm guessing because they are further out. And it makes logical sense to drop off at the ones you are going past first.

 

[Mr. Pig]

Every time we have stayed at POP or AoA the ME stopped at CBR first then on to POP/AoA then on to AKL. But just as others say, stops vary. However, if I were you I would expect to make at least one other resort before yours.

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you for your responses.....I'm taking a cab!

 

[siskaren]

Thank you for your responses.....I'm taking a cab!

Why do that when DME is free?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Why do that when DME is free?

I am guessing because they want to get to their resort faster... maybe they have an ADR or something?
And I have NEVER heard of a case where AKL, let alone Kidani has been the first stop. And if by chance someone were to come back and post it happened to them, it would have been an EXTREME rarity.
I have found the stops at other resorts to be very quick and efficient for the most part. The longest stop I recall was about 15 minutes at AoA earlier this summer and rightfully so. The driver needed to unload TWO children in wheelchairs that where unable to transfer. And if waiting 15 minutes for the driver to take care of that family, delayed the start of my vacation, well so be it. Those parents had their hands full!! God Bless Them!!! I hope they had a great trip.

 

[Alesia]

Thank you for your responses.....I'm taking a cab!

Keep in mind that a cab will cost you $60 and will only save you maybe 15 to 20 minutes.

 

[goofy4tink]

Guess I'm that extreme rarity then. I have taken the DME bus to Pop about 6 times. Almost every single time, the bus went to Pop first. But there was the one time it went to AKL first. We had a ton of luggage underneath that bus. For some reason, a huge number of guests brought their checked luggage to the bus with them. So, the bus went to AKL first...where we sat for about 10-15 mins while the driver unloaded the bags and handed them to each family. He actually held guests on the bus until he got the bags unloaded...added time doing that. Then, off to CSR...again, another wait of 10 mins or so while the luggage was unloaded and handed out. Finally got to Pop!! It took me 90 mins from gate to resort on that trip...I was not happy!!! That driver added at least 20 mins to my time on the bus.
But usually, AKL is the last stop due to it's location. If there isn't a lot of luggage to unload, and the driver doesn't hold you hostage, you can figure on an average of about 70 mins from gate to resort. I have had times of 60 mins but that doesn't happen often.

I doubt I would pay upwards of $60 to save 15-20 mins.

 

[siskaren]

Keep in mind that a cab will cost you $60 and will only save you maybe 15 to 20 minutes.

I doubt I would pay upwards of $60 to save 15-20 mins.

I was thinking you might not save any time due to the fact that you would have to wait for your luggage, which you don't have to do with DME.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was thinking you might not save any time due to the fact that you would have to wait for your luggage, which you don't have to do with DME.

When I take DME, I figure on it taking me at least 70 mins, gate to resort.
When I use a car service, with carryon bag only, it's about 45 mins, gate to resort. With checked luggage, it goes to 60 mins..usually. So, yeah, you may save about 10-20 mins by taking a cab or car service.

 

[DeeCee735]

Why do that when DME is free?

It's just me and I want to get there quickly. When I travel with my family, the bus is just fine, but when I'm alone I get to make decisions just for me, and I'm simply not in the mood for the bus trip

 

[stitchlovestink]

Guess I'm that extreme rarity then. I have taken the DME bus to Pop about 6 times. Almost every single time, the bus went to Pop first. But there was the one time it went to AKL first. We had a ton of luggage underneath that bus. For some reason, a huge number of guests brought their checked luggage to the bus with them. So, the bus went to AKL first...where we sat for about 10-15 mins while the driver unloaded the bags and handed them to each family. He actually held guests on the bus until he got the bags unloaded...added time doing that. Then, off to CSR...again, another wait of 10 mins or so while the luggage was unloaded and handed out. Finally got to Pop!! It took me 90 mins from gate to resort on that trip...I was not happy!!! That driver added at least 20 mins to my time on the bus.
But usually, AKL is the last stop due to it's location. If there isn't a lot of luggage to unload, and the driver doesn't hold you hostage, you can figure on an average of about 70 mins from gate to resort. I have had times of 60 mins but that doesn't happen often.

I doubt I would pay upwards of $60 to save 15-20 mins.

LOL!! See it's Disney anything can happen! But in all the times you rode ME, it only happened once...So as I stated it would be a rarity. Not that it 'couldn't' happen, but if OP is in a hurry, I would say they need to plan on being last on the bus because more than likely that is 'probably' how it will play out.

 

[DebbieB]

It's just me and I want to get there quickly. When I travel with my family, the bus is just fine, but when I'm alone I get to make decisions just for me, and I'm simply not in the mood for the bus trip

I know what you mean. I had a solo trip in March, staying at BLT. I reserved DME but at the last minute rented a car. It really wasn't so much DME as much as I wanted the freedom to do what I wanted. Park busses get on my nerves (waiting, having to stand, screaming kids). I also used the car to get groceries and I went the the Outlets.

 

[DeeCee735]

I only have a carry on. Plus, I'm spoiled
I'm going to call a car service and be treated like a queen. Save time, get to the resort/park/spa, whichever I decide to do for the day a little bit quicker....that's IF this trip actually pulls together!

I'm getting a lot of resistant from the powers around me not that it's stopped me in the past, but we will see, we will see.

Thanks for all the great info on gate to resort times and stops.