Best time for Magical Express in the morning from MCO to WDW?

[Brandis]

We arrive late in the evening and I figured it would be a waste of DVC points if we probably won't get to our room before midnight, so we stay the first night at the airport, then have a leisurly breakfast and show up at the ME check-in desk whenever it is best. Of course putting a flight around that time into the ME reservation form.

Is there a time in the morning when the busses run more frequently than at other times? Or doesn't it really make a difference what time we get there?

 

[FCDub]

There’s no best time. Go when you want.

 

[Fangorn]

And you don't need to put in a fictitious flight. DME doesn't really care about your arrival flight, or even if you're arriving at MCO by plane. All they're trying to do is get a general idea of passenger load throughout the day. They will not be tracking incoming flights, or send out search parties looking for you if you don't arrive.

Just call DME directly at 866 599-0951. Don't call any Disney number (central reservations, DVC, etc.) They won't be able to help you, and will likely give you erroneous info. Tell DME what you're doing and that you'll be showing up mid-morning (or whenever). They'll set it up.

Steve

 

[Brandis]

It's just easier doing with the online form and the form requires a flight no. So I'll just pick a flight sometime in the morning.

 

[MrsBooch]

On thanksgiving week, we arrived around 11am and there was no one in line - there was no line - and we just got our bus assignment, then walked on the bus. But i've read reports of opposite experiences - so i think it's the luck of the draw.

 

[Brandis]

On thanksgiving week, we arrived around 11am and there was no one in line - there was no line - and we just got our bus assignment, then walked on the bus.

How long did you have to wait in the bus until it departed? I just read many reports where people got on a bus fast but then had to sit in the bus for 45 min or so before the bus left for WDW.

 

[MrsBooch]

How long did you have to wait in the bus until it departed? I just read many reports where people got on a bus fast but then had to sit in the bus for 45 min or so before the bus left for WDW.

It was less than 15 minutes- it was so little time I don’t even remember- I just know that from getting luggage to pulling into our resort it was about 30 minutes and we were second stop (beach club)

 

[Brandis]

Sounds good, thanks!

 

[kwdw]

Wait time for MDE can be practically nothing to an hour. I’ve walked on a bus and had the bus leave MCO right after I was in my seat and I’ve waited nearly an hour from arriving in line to having the bus leave the airport. It’s a bit annoying because you you have to build in that buffer when you arrive and plan to head to a park that day (when FP exists).

 

[Brandis]

It’s a bit annoying because you you have to build in that buffer when you arrive and plan to head to a park that day (when FP exists).

We are staying 2 weeks, so we don't plan on doing any parks that day probably. Or just for the evening maybe.

 

[FCDub]

Wait time for MDE can be practically nothing to an hour. I’ve walked on a bus and had the bus leave MCO right after I was in my seat and I’ve waited nearly an hour from arriving in line to having the bus leave the airport. It’s a bit annoying because you you have to build in that buffer when you arrive and plan to head to a park that day (when FP exists).

Compared to the possible delays/cancellations of air travel, sitting on a bus waiting for it to leave is a comparatively nominal disruption.