AC working on the Magical Express??

[Aurora in blue]

Just wondering if this happended to any one else?? Last September we used ME and the air conditioning didnt kick on until more than half way through the trip. My Daughter was so hot and even felt light headed. This year I am bringing a hand held fan and some extra water just in case. The bus driver said they were not allowed to leave the bus running while it was being loaded and it takes a while for the air to turn on. I understand not being able to keep the bus running at the airport, but I was surpised at how long it took for the AC to work.

 

[seashoreCM]

Wot ees dat?

Are hot buses at load up time going to scare people away from Magical Express?

When the engine is turned off, the temperature inside goes up in seconds. Try it with your car sitting in a sunny parking lot.

Or maybe it is time for a heads up, folks. Not only do you need to bring with you your swimsuit* and stuff you will need for the first few hours (as opposed to yellow tagging it) but also it may be a good idea to change into something more comfortable at Orlando Airport before going to the ME welcoming area.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/magicx.htm

*Wear shoes and shirt also, please. Flip flops and tank top will do.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just wondering if this happended to any one else?? Last September we used ME and the air conditioning didnt kick on until more than half way through the trip. My Daughter was so hot and even felt light headed. This year I am bringing a hand held fan and some extra water just in case. The bus driver said they were not allowed to leave the bus running while it was being loaded and it takes a while for the air to turn on. I understand not being able to keep the bus running at the airport, but I was surpised at how long it took for the AC to work.

I haven't yet had that experience. However, I do know that when I have used DME in the past, it has taken awhile for the A/C to kick in, but it wasn't more than 5 minutes. I think it may have just been a fluke in your situation. I've used DME about 3 times now, and it hasn't been too hot...yet!!

 

[aubriee]

I've used DME five times since it started in May '05 and have never been uncomfortable. Hopefully what happened to you was just a fluke.

 

[shellybaxter]

We've only used ME for one trip - coming and going - and both times the air was working WAY to well. I was FREEZING and couldn't wait to get of the bus. I hate being hot though so I didn't complain, I'd rather be cold than hot

 

[Aurora in blue]

I am glad to hear it may have been a one time situation. It was very hot and uncomfortable for way too long.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Sounds to me like the driver accidentally forgot to turn the A/C switch on. In order to prolong the life of the A/C unit, it's best to turn the A/C on independantly of the motorcoach. So when it was time to depart, and the driver started up the coach, he or she probably forgot to flip the switch.

I've spent a lot of time driving VanHool motor coaches, and they do have nice A/C units. They usually kick in fairly quickly, and can cool a 45 footer very quickly.

There's also the rare situation where the A/C unit might have been malfunctioning. In that case, it was probably fixed that night when the driver took it in. (It's hard for a driver to switch out a coach because ultimatly they end up loosing potentially $100 in income)

By the way, incidentally, Mears started requesting drivers to turn off coaches when parked in an effort to save on fuel. It lasted a little bit, but I think during the Florida heat, most drivers leave the coaches on anyways. However, if Florida goes the way of many other states, idling of coaches will be prohibited by law, and it won't be up to the driver anymore. I understand the ecological reasons for this law, but it does inconvenience the passengers when it's unbearably hot out.