car service versus Magical Express

[goofy4tink]

I know I'm late posting on this but I have done both. The last time we used ME (and in fact any time we've used ME) the line up at the airport where you have to check in for ME took an hour. Then you had to get in the next line for your resort. Finally got to a bus and all those stops before your resort seemed like a lot more than just a half hour longer than hoping in a town car. We are taking a town car this next trip because we will be travelling with 2 babies and 2 other kids. Just trying to figure out what company to book with.

That would be extremely unusual. There is no line to check in at anymore. If you have some kind of issue, you would go to the DME counter. But everyone else just goes to the bus check in kiosk. That has yet to take me more than 3 mins..usually walk up, scan my MB and into the bus line.
When taking a towncar service, you have to wait for your checked bags to get to you. That can be 20+ mins!!! I have yet to wait less than 15 mins. Then, walk to the towncar...same level as DME. Then ride to your resort. Best case scenario would be an hour...and that has been my experience. I have never, ever had a time of greater than 90 mins using DME. So, for me, and most other people, it is only a difference of 30 mins..or less.

 

[barb45]

So last year when I went there were no magic bands yet. Everyone had to check in at that counter and the line was huge. That took easily an hour - we were exhausted! So what you're saying is you no longer have to check in at the counter? Do you have to be in possession of your magic bands because I'm not sure if they are sending them to us or not AND I have not registered my flights with Disney. We are going November 15th. Is it too late?

 

[goofy4tink]

So last year when I went there were no magic bands yet. Everyone had to check in at that counter and the line was huge. That took easily an hour - we were exhausted! So what you're saying is you no longer have to check in at the counter? Do you have to be in possession of your magic bands because I'm not sure if they are sending them to us or not AND I have not registered my flights with Disney. We are going November 15th. Is it too late?

I haven't stopped at that counter in years! And I go to WDW 2-3 times a year. If everything is okay with the vouchers, I have always been waved past the counter, right to the bus check in area.
You can reserve DME up to the night before, but they need 10 days lead time to get out your packet to you. So, yes, you have time to do that now. Are you registered on MDE? That should tell you about your MBs. If you aren't on MDE, then you can't get MBs until you get to WDW!

I have to wonder if you're coming in from Canada has any effect. I know that DME doesn't send out packets internationally but not sure if Canada is considered 'international' at this time. Same thing with MBs. That could be the issue for you. Perhaps someone else, maybe another Canadian, knows and can elaborate??