Debating against Magical Express

[mariolatry]

We're arriving on a Saturday around noon and I'm worried the crowds (waiting to fill the bus, dropping off at multiple sites, waiting to check in with the 30 other people who get off at the Polynesian at the same time) will delay us unnecessarily. I'm thinking of getting a town car. The expense wouldn't hinder us. We'd need two booster seats for my kids though.

Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences?

 

[Alesia]

I wouldn't worry too much about the crowds - they rarely have much effect on how long it takes to get to your resort. When crowds are large, they add more buses.

We arrived during spring break and the line was very, very long. I though it would take forever. It didn't. We were at the resort 72 minutes after we stepped off the plane (including a restroom stop in the airport that took longer than standing in the DME line.

Another thing to remember is that if you take a town car, you'll have to go to baggage claim and get your own luggage. That can add some significant time to the trip, especially if the airport is busy.

 

[goofy4tink]

We're arriving on a Saturday around noon and I'm worried the crowds (waiting to fill the bus, dropping off at multiple sites, waiting to check in with the 30 other people who get off at the Polynesian at the same time) will delay us unnecessarily. I'm thinking of getting a town car. The expense wouldn't hinder us. We'd need two booster seats for my kids though.

Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences?

I'm not sure where you get a figure of 30 other people getting off at the Polynesian with you from. That would be very unusual. Yes, the bus will make mulitiple stops but at only 2 or possibly 3, other resorts. And that doesn't take all that much time. And the busier it is at the airport, the quicker you get to your resort....they are running more buses when it's busier.

So...with that in mind, here are some times that I have experienced, using various modes of transport....

DME...anywhere from 50-90 mins, from gate to resort. Most of the time, it is right around 70 mins.

Towncar service.....with checked bags....anywhere from 50-70 mins.
with carryon ony.....45-50 mins.

Mears shuttle......to the Swan, with carryon only......75 mins.

So, as you can see.....if you take DME, your estimated time could be around 75 mins. If you take a car service, it could be 15 mins less.

It's up to you how you want to do it. I just wanted you to have some numbers to work with so you had a better idea.
I have taken DME to...
CR, BLT, AKL, WL, POR, BW, BC...some mulitiple times.

 

[vacationclub]

We've rarely waited more than 10-15 minutes before boarding a bus, then another 10 minutes for the bus to fully board and depart. The lines can be long but move quickly.

Regarding check in, just do on-line check in and get in the pre-checkin line...you simply grab your keys and paperwork and walk away. Not all resorts have a line open for this but many do. More than likely there will be just a few other groups on your bus that are checking in with you, and if you are concerned about it just sit in the front of the bus, get your bags and quickly get inside before they do.

 

[Alesia]

OP, from your ticker it looks like you'll be there in early May. If so, then I definitely wouldn't be worried about crowds.

 

[mariolatry]

Thanks all! This is our first trip since ME has been in place.