Disney Magical Express timing

[twokids0204]

I have never used the DME. So forgive if this has been asked a million times.

My flight is scheduled to arrive 7:05 pm.

My understanding, is just go to the DME counter, and don't worry about my luggage, they will take care of it.

I know to have a carry on bag for the first days requirements.

So here's my question.... if I arrive at 7:05, and head right to the counter, how often do the BME buses leave? and what time can I expect to check in at my resort. I would like to make an ADR for the dinner. Would I likely be able to make it for 8:30?

 

[elcodfish]

I doubt you will make an 8:30 ADR. You arrive at 7:05, by the time you get to the gate, get off the plane and get to DME counter, It will probably be almost 7:30, then the bus ride is 45 mins and that's assuming you walk right onto a bus. DME runs constantly, but it will depend on how many people are ahead of you, how crowded other resort lines are and how many other people are going to your resort line, they will wait to fill a bus, which means you may sit there for 20 minutes. As for your luggage, Disney will take it to the resort for you, but if you don't want it the night of your arrival, make sure to stop by bell services and put a hold on it.

 

[goofy4tink]

Averages have shown us to expect about 70-80 mins..from plane to resort. Most of my times have been right around that 70 min mark, but one was almost 90 mins. On the other hand, I've had some that were about an hour.
I would plan on being at your resort by 8:30. Here are some 'reasonable' times to expect at MCO...
Time from gate to DME counter...10-20 mins.
Time in line (if you have to be in line)....5-20 mins, depending on how busy they are.
Time in line, waiting for your bus....0-20 mins.
Time on bus...0-25 mins (I've had only one time that my wait was 25 mins)
Time of trip from MCO to WDW resorts...30 mins. You may have to add on another 15 mins if you are the third of three resort stops.

So..if everything worked perfectly, you could feasibly be at your resort within 45 mins.
But....if everything takes as long as it could possibly take, it could take you two hours to get to the resort. I would figure on the 70-80 min average. I've had some waits for the bus at 20 mins but not when I had a 20 min wait in line. Or, I've sat on the bus, waiting to leave, for 20 mins but only waited in line for the bus for about 30 seconds.

 

[twokids0204]

Thanks folks...

Sounds like a counter serve night at Pepper Market...

Maybe we can double up the unused table serve for a signature meal...