Disney Magical Express question

[KellyNY]

Actually a while ago I had same thoughts, so I called Front Desk and asked if there a possibility to make it less then 3 hours. They gave me a choise of 2 times but I did not risk it. In my experience, some people still have their bags and it takes time to secure them under bus. Bus makes more then 1 stop, and there is a traffic from time to time. Security line can be long as well. So basically, there are too many factors that contribute to your time and 3 hours is not that much after all.

 

[frtchr]

OP, are you from Valparaiso, IN?

 

[saraheliz]

no way would i chance it. i went in early march a few years ago- it was a busier time but not crazy busy yet- and the security line at the airport was INSANE. we barely made our flight.

even in september that same year for a 6am flight, the line was pretty long.

 

[ValpoCory]

OP, are you from Valparaiso, IN?

Just a fan of the University. Homer Drew, Bryce Drew, Scott Drew, etc.

 

[ValpoCory]

Actually a while ago I had same thoughts, so I called Front Desk and asked if there a possibility to make it less then 3 hours. They gave me a choise of 2 times but I did not risk it. In my experience, some people still have their bags and it takes time to secure them under bus. Bus makes more then 1 stop, and there is a traffic from time to time. Security line can be long as well. So basically, there are too many factors that contribute to your time and 3 hours is not that much after all.

I may call and see if they have a bus with a lead time between 2 and 2 1/2 hours before my flight. If it matters, I will be going in late January and staying at the Boardwalk Villas.

Previously, we have traveled in September and October, and been sitting at our gate an hour and a half before the plane boarded both times.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I was down there this year in mid January, so I figured the airport wouldn't be too nutty. I had a 6pm flight home on a Friday night. I was REALLY glad the pick up time was 3 hours ahead of flight time. There were some fairly significant delays leaving the resort, 2 pick ups after, and then the half hour ride to the airport. I had checked my bags at the hotel so I went straight to security. From the time I got in line to the time I reached the BP/ID check podium, 20-25 minutes passed. Then it was another 10-15 minutes to get through the actual security stuff. I still had plenty of time at my gate, because my flight was a bit delayed, and because SW has boarding down to a science and therefore boarding starts later than most airlines, but I'd have been in serious panic mode if I'd left the hotel much later.

Remember, security has slowed down a lot since the Christmas day incident on the plane to Detroit.

 

[sjs314]

I have never felt like the 3 hour prior to flight time for ME pickup was excessive. With an early out flight it normally allows you to grab a quick bite and coffee at the airport, and for a later flight departure I can have one last morning at the resort, I have never gone to the parks the day I am leaving I think it is just a bit risky of something happening and my not making it back in time fo my ME pickup.

 

[ValpoCory]

I was down there this year in mid January, so I figured the airport wouldn't be too nutty. I had a 6pm flight home on a Friday night. I was REALLY glad the pick up time was 3 hours ahead of flight time. There were some fairly significant delays leaving the resort, 2 pick ups after, and then the half hour ride to the airport. I had checked my bags at the hotel so I went straight to security. From the time I got in line to the time I reached the BP/ID check podium, 20-25 minutes passed. Then it was another 10-15 minutes to get through the actual security stuff. I still had plenty of time at my gate, because my flight was a bit delayed, and because SW has boarding down to a science and therefore boarding starts later than most airlines, but I'd have been in serious panic mode if I'd left the hotel much later.

Remember, security has slowed down a lot since the Christmas day incident on the plane to Detroit.

That's good to know. Thank you. I've heard enough stories on here that it has made me think twice about trying anything funny or risky.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ppony]

The busy airports generally say to be there at LEAST 2 hours before your flight. So I'm sure ME schedules for people are based off of that as a starting guideline and then the actual half hour transport time IF all things go well and of course, extra stops and possible traffic. Really, they are covering their own rumps I believe as they should. THEY still need to get the bags where they need to go even if a passenger doesn't. All in all, I think it's a fair amount of time. I like MCO, so I don't mind even an hour's wait. Better safe than sorry. BOY would people be cheesed if they didn't make their flights if the lines were long, traffic or whatever issue came up. try to cut them some slack in their policies. They are for good reason.

 

[goofy4tink]

Someone on these boards with more experience may be better qualified to answer this question, but I would think if the hotel was handling your checked bags that you would need to use the DME bus. I know I read something that you could not take different transport FROM the airport and have your bags transported via DME.

As already noted, RAC and DME are two different entities, despite what Disney tells you. You can check your bags with RAC in the morning and take the DME bus back to MCO, or rent a car, or use a car service or walk..makes no difference.

The only issue I would have is this.....if you have given DME a fictitious flight time in order to leave the resort a bit later, I wonder if that will impact your RAC checkin. I can't remember if RAC already had all my flight info in there or if they got the info from me at that moment.

Really people...we are talking about 30-45 mins here. The vast majority of large airports ask you to be at the airport two hours before flight time. With DME that gives you about 30 or so mins to kill. Towncar services will give you a pickup time of about 2-2 1/2 hrs prior to flight departure. I always ask for the 2 1/2 hr timing...just to be safe.