Disney Magical Express

[airedding]

I am sure this question probally has popped up before but I can not find the answer. Is it worth it to take the Disney Magicl Express. The reason I ask is my Fiance and I are going to disney world for our honeymoon. When we arrive at disney we would like to get to the Grand Floridian as quickly as possible. I have read stories about how DME can take up to 3 hours. Do you think it is best to rent a Town Car for our arrival? Would getting to the Grand Floridian be the longest trip, since it is literally the furthest resort from the Airport. Finally, is there any benefit with DME if you are staying in club level?

Sorry for all the questions and I really appreciate your help.

Kind Regards,

 

[ccudmore]

I've never heard of it taking 3 hours to get to the hotel. Your luggage, maybe - but not the passengers. My experience is usually around 1 hour. But I've never used it during a super busy time.

If you can splurge and treat yourself to a town car than you'll certainly get there earlier. But there's also the extra "magic" in getting into the Disney spirit right from the airport and on the bus.

The one place you may want to consider the town car is on the return as you'll have to be to the DME pick-up spot at your hotel 3 hours before departure. If you have a town car take you, you can leave a bit later.

As for extra perqs when staying Club, DME doesn't have anything special for you.

 

[budbeerlady]

I think your travel times will be about the same. We have done a limo and done ME. Really about the same. By the time you collect your bags for the towncar your ME bus will be heading toward Disney. We have never waited long for the ME bus to leave, usually about 15 min from when we got headed toward ME. Everything moves quickly.

The only difference will be letting Disney deliver your checked bags with ME if that matter to you one way or the other.

 

[Alesia]

It won't take 3 hours. more like 70 to 90 minutes. Taking a taxi or town car might save you 15 minutes, tops.

 

[tjmw2727]

My average DME trip has been much quicker than my towncar trips so its "worth it" imho and its free!

The luggage delivery feature can take a while but you don't have to wait for it. Just check in and hit the parks etc, your luggage will be delivered approx 3 hours after you check in. Its a good idea to have essentials for 24 hours in your carryon anytime you fly so add your swim wear etc and your good to go.

However, since it is your honeymoon I would consider taking a towncar for the personalized service You may feel that a towncar is worth the $160.00 +/- plus tip or you may want to splurge on something else!

 

[airedding]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little nervous letting DME handle my bags. Since I have never done DME before I am afraid that the bags would just disappear. I know that this wouldn't happen it is an irrational fear i guess.

Also, I know that you have to get to the DME pick up spot 3 hrs before your departure. Does this mean flight departure? Sorry the reason I ask is because if DME takes an hour and a half is that enough time to get through the Airport and check bags. My Fiance and I will be coming back the day before thanksgiving.

Many Thanks,
AR

 

[Alesia]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little nervous letting DME handle my bags. Since I have never done DME before I am afraid that the bags would just disappear. I know that this wouldn't happen it is an irrational fear i guess.

Also, I know that you have to get to the DME pick up spot 3 hrs before your departure. Does this mean flight departure? Sorry the reason I ask is because if DME takes an hour and a half is that enough time to get through the Airport and check bags. My Fiance and I will be coming back the day before thanksgiving.

Many Thanks,
AR

Trust me, your bags are much safer with ME than they are with the airline.

You will be assigned a pickup time that will be about 3 hours before your flight. The time you are given will be the time your bus is scheduled to leave. You will need to be at the stop, ready to leave, 15 minutes before that.

 

[airedding]

Thank you for the clarification on the departure time. I don't like to assume anything. Also, I am glad that the baggage handling is so highly recommended.

I appreciate all the help.

AR

 

[Pakey]

However, since it is your honeymoon I would consider taking a towncar for the personalized service You may feel that a towncar is worth the $160.00 +/- plus tip or you may want to splurge on something else!

I pay $100 roundtrip + tip for towncar to WDW.

 

[nemofans]

We have used ME multiple times & it has never taken long (about 1 hr). We always seem to be staying at the last stop. I will tell you that unless things change, GF is not the last stop. It's 1st or 2nd. It's either Poly 1st, then GF or GF 1st then Poly. I can't remember the exact order, but WL & then CR were 3rd & 4th.
BUT since it's your honeymoon, get a towncar if you'd like.

 

[goofy4tink]

Here are my times, from MCO to my resort, via various modes of transportation.....
1. DME...from 50-90 mins (gate to resort checkin)...average is about 70 mins.

2. Towncar service with checked baggage......60 mins

3. Towncar with carryon only (no checked bags)....45 mins

4. Mears shuttle...carryon only.....85 mins.


I have never had an issue with DME misplacing any of my bags. I worry more about the airlines doing that. If it makes you more comfortable, don't tag your checked bags and head to baggage claim to get them, and then bring them with you to the DME bus..but that will add about 15 or so mins to your time.

A car service will take less time..even if you have to stop for checked bags. But, it may be less than 30 mins. Up to you how you want to proceed.


As far as the return to MCO timing goes....let's say you have a 4pm flight, you will be given a DME pickup time of about 1pm. If using a car service, I usually have them pick me up 2-2.5 hrs before my flight departure time. I hate being rushed at the airport and worrying about getting to the gate.
You may be able to use RAC for your checked bags if you are flying domestically and on a 'participating' airline..then you have no need to check your bags at the airport..just head right to security.

 

[tjmw2727]

I pay $100 roundtrip + tip for towncar to WDW.

That's why I said +/- in my post. Depends on the resort, town car company, type of car, van, limo etc. Lately my quotes have been coming in closer to $150 for my August trip.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little nervous letting DME handle my bags. Since I have never done DME before I am afraid that the bags would just disappear. I know that this wouldn't happen it is an irrational fear i guess.

Magical Express has been operating for over five years, and has transported well over ten million Guests - and their luggage. As long as your airline gets your luggage to Orlando, DME will get it to your room!

 

[ssawka]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little nervous letting DME handle my bags. Since I have never done DME before I am afraid that the bags would just disappear. I know that this wouldn't happen it is an irrational fear i guess.

IMHO the baggage service is the best part of DME. In fact, we are heading down to a conference tomorrow and although we are renting a car, I'm sending DW, DD, and DMom on DME just so I don't have to deal with the bags.

 

[goofy4tink]

IMHO the baggage service is the best part of DME. In fact, we are heading down to a conference tomorrow and although we are renting a car, I'm sending DW, DD, and DMom on DME just so I don't have to deal with the bags.

Yeah...sure....I think you just want some peace and quite for half an hour or so!!! You'll probably just drive around for a bit, and then tell everyone you got 'lost' and it took you an hour to find your way to the resort...

 

[airedding]

Thanks everyone for all the insight. Me and my bride have decided to take DME since there is not a significant difference between that and renting a town car. Originally I thought a town car might save us up to two hours but I am glad that is not the case.

Thanks,

 

[Sandi]

Thanks everyone for all the insight. Me and my bride have decided to take DME since there is not a significant difference between that and renting a town car. Originally I thought a town car might save us up to two hours but I am glad that is not the case.

Thanks,

I think you'll be very pleased. The bus trip really helps you get in the Disney spirit. There is usually a video and, while many people think it runs for the children, it gets me all goose bumply with excitement.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptuals.

 

[dave 2]

We are arriving in March and thinking of using DME for bringing our luggage to our room and renting a car through Emerald Aisle to drive directly to Tampa Bay to see a hockey game at 7pm.(arriving at MCO at 5:19).

Will our luggage be sent directly if we go pick up the car and bypass the DME counter completely? Anyone know if we would have enough time to get to Tampa for 7pm with this time frame? (assuming our flight isn't delayed).

 

[goofy4tink]

We are arriving in March and thinking of using DME for bringing our luggage to our room and renting a car through Emerald Aisle to drive directly to Tampa Bay to see a hockey game at 7pm.(arriving at MCO at 5:19).

Will our luggage be sent directly if we go pick up the car and bypass the DME counter completely? Anyone know if we would have enough time to get to Tampa for 7pm with this time frame? (assuming our flight isn't delayed).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788
This thread will get you all your answers regarding using DME for luggage only.

As far as being able to get to Tampa on time....If you land at 5:19 (ontime hopefully), you should be on the road by just before 6. It takes a bit over an hour to get to Tampa from WDW, so I would imagine that you would have to add a bit of time from MCO. I know that it took me 75 mins to get from BW to Tampa Intl area, keeping up with the traffic flow. So, if you land on-time, it will take you about 15-20 mins to get to the car rental counter (remember, landing time isn't the time you get off the plane, you need to add time for that), then time to get the car.
I'm not at all sure you're going to be able to make it in 90 mins.

 

[Missytara]

Thank you for the clarification on the departure time. I don't like to assume anything. Also, I am glad that the baggage handling is so highly recommended.

I appreciate all the help.

AR

All the information for your return trip will be under your door the night before you depart for the airport.