Confused about Magical Express

[kbheap]

We travel to Disney a couple times a year. However, we always drive. This year my husband wants to fly. The kids have been wanting to fly so we decided to just book the airfare. Before I buy tickets though I am looking for some info on Magical Express. We are looking into either Southwest Airlines or Airtran. The price difference is around $200 between the two with Southwest being higher. Southwest is free checked bags. Airtran $20/bag. Assuming we can travel with only two bags total, that leaves only about a $100 difference which is not a big deal. I've travelled Southwest before. I'm more comfortable with them and its who I'd rather travel with. My question is I've been reading a lot of conflicting information about whether or not Southwest is used with Magical Express. It seems yes and no. We are staying at Pop Century if that makes a difference. Anyone travel Southwest that has experience or who can help me out with this?

 

[kamik86]

We travel to Disney a couple times a year. However, we always drive. This year my husband wants to fly. The kids have been wanting to fly so we decided to just book the airfare. Before I buy tickets though I am looking for some info on Magical Express. We are looking into either Southwest Airlines or Airtran. The price difference is around $200 between the two with Southwest being higher. Southwest is free checked bags. Airtran $20/bag. Assuming we can travel with only two bags total, that leaves only about a $100 difference which is not a big deal. I've travelled Southwest before. I'm more comfortable with them and its who I'd rather travel with. My question is I've been reading a lot of conflicting information about whether or not Southwest is used with Magical Express. It seems yes and no. We are staying at Pop Century if that makes a difference. Anyone travel Southwest that has experience or who can help me out with this?

It doesn't matter what airline you come in on. You can take Magical Express (it does matter what time though so if the flight comes in at night you need to check that). With southwest you can also give the resort your bags to bring to the airport for you the morning of your flight. We did this in January.

 

[smitch425]

We travel to Disney a couple times a year. However, we always drive. This year my husband wants to fly. The kids have been wanting to fly so we decided to just book the airfare. Before I buy tickets though I am looking for some info on Magical Express. We are looking into either Southwest Airlines or Airtran. The price difference is around $200 between the two with Southwest being higher. Southwest is free checked bags. Airtran $20/bag. Assuming we can travel with only two bags total, that leaves only about a $100 difference which is not a big deal. I've travelled Southwest before. I'm more comfortable with them and its who I'd rather travel with. My question is I've been reading a lot of conflicting information about whether or not Southwest is used with Magical Express. It seems yes and no. We are staying at Pop Century if that makes a difference. Anyone travel Southwest that has experience or who can help me out with this?

ANYONE from ANY airline is eligible to use ME to and from the airport. The "participating airline" is only used for resort airline checkin. Read the sticky on the transportation board.

Here is some info regarding RAC and Southwest:

Southwest Airlines........ At this time, SW is available at the majority of WDW resorts with the exception of OKW and CBR....these resorts are not online due to lack of storage facilities. They will most likely come online soon. Because this is a test, it may not be available at all times. Aspects regarding this test are subject to change at any moment. We are listing all these resorts as 'test phase' since 100% of the resorts are not available for SW use.

Also, I believe ME runs 24 hours per day. Only the RAC has specific times of service.

 

[kbheap]

Thanks so much! I read that sticky and saw that info and was excited that we could take Southwest. Then I went to the Disney Site itself and Southwest wasn't listed which started my confusion. Thanks so much for clearing this up!

 

[DisneyWitch]

We used ME and Southwest to go to PoP Century this past May (less than 1 month ago) and it was flawless both ways. Not one hiccup with transportation. Smooth as silk!

I prefer SW over any other airline. They have the best on-time record and hardly ever cancel/bump flights. They have always been courteous and helpful for me. (PS - I also do the Early Bird thing so I don't have to worry about checking in)

You will be just fine! Enjoy!

 

[kbheap]

We used ME and Southwest to go to PoP Century this past May (less than 1 month ago) and it was flawless both ways. Not one hiccup with transportation. Smooth as silk!

I prefer SW over any other airline. They have the best on-time record and hardly ever cancel/bump flights. They have always been courteous and helpful for me. (PS - I also do the Early Bird thing so I don't have to worry about checking in)

You will be just fine! Enjoy!

Same reasons I prefer Southwest! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

 

[MOmousefan]

Rest easy, I just used SW to visit WDW the first week in May and ME works in both directions from Pop Century. On the day I left I checked my checked bag and stored my carry-on with Bell Services. I never saw the checked bag until I arrivedin Kansas City. ME has delevered what they promise every time i have used them!