Disneys Magical Express - NEVER AGAIN

[Cass]

The more people involved, the more things can go wrong. No way would I use Magical Express it sounds like being herded around like cattle.

 

[Gary M]

We used DME in early Dec. and again in late Dec. and found the service to be great. We followed the instructions mailed to us with the yellow tags and had no problems. In early Dec. we were at the WL within 1 hour of our exiting the plane and we were at the YC in late Dec. in about 1 hour 15 minutes.(I did check my watch) We checked into our rooms and left for lunch and a little park time. When we returned to our room the luggage was there. The departure was as easy and prompt. With the long security line at MCO we were happy to be at the airport early.

We had used Tiffany TC service several times before and DME service was as fast for us. Two times TTC was not at our resort to pick us up and I had to call them and we barely made it to the airport in time for our flight. A few years ago we were staying at the GF and Florida TC never picked us up for the trip to MCO, this was after several calls to them. The GF did furnish us transportation at no additional cost to us to MCO. The not waiting for the baggage and then waiting for the driver to get the car helped make the time traveled with DME as compared to Town Car serives about the same for us. The bus drivers were very friendly and our TC drivers have not always been as nice.

Maybe we were lucky 2 times and the next DME will not be as good. We will find out Jan. 31.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Returning isn't much better. They pick you up three hours before your flight (with a town car we leave about an hour and a half before our flight). I guess they really do not want you to miss your flight. We had to sit in the airport for two hours doing nothing.

Yes, they don't want you to miss your flight. I consider that a good thing.

I would urge anyone reading this post not to take JayCT's statement, "with a town car we leave about an hour and a half before our flight," as advice. That's cutting it way too close, and leaves essentially no time for delays on the road, delays at the ticket counter, or delays at security.

Three hours is appropriate for Magical Express, a shared service that may make one or two stops at other resorts. Two and a half hours before a flight is appropriate for a cab or towncar.

With no delays, it takes around 30 minutes to get from WDW to the airport. But it's not safe to count of no delays.

Once you get to the airport, there's the line to check in, the line at security (which can be from 0-40 minutes), and the time to navigate through the huge airport to get to the gate. Flights begin boarding 30 minutes before departure.

Airlines have cuttoff times for checked baggage. For example, American Airlines' cutoff at Orlando International is 40 minutes before scheduled departure. After that, they won't take your bags. And if your excuse is that it took 30 minutes to get to the front of the airline's own ticket counter line, they'll tell you that you need to allow time for the line. American normally suggests being at the airport for domestic flights 90 minutes before departure, but they recommend arriving earlier at Orlando and a few other busy airports. See http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/travelHelp/airportExpectations.jhtml (other airlines have similar rules and guidelines).

If you do end up at the gate an hour before boarding because everything went perfectly, it's great to have time for a meal and to spend a little time reading.

I'm not saying that it's impossible to get onto a fight if you leave your WDW resort 90 minutes before the departure of that flight — but there's a significant risk that you'll be unable to check your baggage or that you'll get to the gate after the airline has shut the door (around 15 minutes before departure).

 

[athenna]

I used ME for my trip on 11/27. It was great! Our plane landed at noon and I was at SSR checking in at 1pm!! When we arrived at MCO, I grabbed by booklet out of my bag to check where I was going, went right to the counter, there was no line at all. Hopped on the bus, 1st stop OKW, then on to SSR, I literally was at MCO at 12 and SSR by 1. Research is key!!!! It should be common knowledge that when you travel you should have a carry-on packed w/anything we might require, God forbid your luggage gets lost, which, by the way can happen ME or no ME. I have no idea what time the luggage showed up, because after grabbing some lunch and dropping off the carry on, we went to MGM for EMH to go enjoy ourselves. And when we got back, our luggage was there safe and sound.
Return trip just as smooth. Call me weird, but I don't mind that they pick us up 3 hrs ahead of time. I am somewhat time anal retentive and I am always worried about how long the lines for security are going to be.
I will be using ME for both my 2006 trips!

 

[helenk]

JayCT,
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. You've been a member of these boards for awhile, did you not do any research for the DME before your trip? Did you get your packet before you left, if you did, did you read it?
DME is not perfect, but I've used it twice and had no problems, when I used it in July there was a bit of a delay getting to the resort, but it seemed that everyone arrived on the same day and the same time as I did. The line at check in was long, but moved very quickly, the wait for my bus in July was a bit long as I was at the Allstar Music, so the bus was for all of the All Stars and the POP. I had just gotten to the front of the line when the bus was full so I had to wait about another 15 minutes before another bus arrived. My resort was the 3rd resort but in all honesty there was not much of a wait at each resort, everyone got off the bus quickly, go any luggage they stored underneath and we were onto the next resort in 5 to 10 minutes.
When we used DME in December it was great! We followed the directions in our packet and got to the counter with no problem. Again check in went quickly, and we went to the bus for the Poly and basically had a 10 minute wait before getting on the bus. The Poly was first, so I can not complain about that, included in our bus was the CR and the WL. We were at the Poly within an hour of our plane touching down, not much different than when we used a town car, because we had to wait for our luggage before leaving.
For both of my trips, I checked into the resort, checked my carry on and I hit the parks. When I got back to my room, all of my luggage was there. I'm not real fond of the 3 hour before your flight pick up time, but there are just so many things that can happen, delays at the resort, traffic etc, so I understand why they make the pick up time so early. Before DME and we used a town car, we usually just ate at the food court in the resort before we left or grabbed something to eat on the plane. With DME, we got to the airport, checked our luggage and had a nice sit down dinner (even cheaper than in WDW) and got to our gate in plenty of time.
I'm going to WDW this May and probably in December and I plan to use DME for both trips.

 

[CarolA]

The first thing I thought was that OP was not really prepared... I am not sure what he was expecting, but I actually think his story is not in any way a horror story that would cause me not to use DME. SOunds like he thought he was getting some limo type of service???

And I agree with Horace. While I leave in a RENTAL car 1.5 hours before my flight, I would NEVER let a towncar pick me up that late. Most of them seem to have at least a few days of "horror" stories and I would want to allow time for them to do the normal screw up!! LOL!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I used ME in Aug 05 and found it less than perfect. I can blaim myself for not reading the package details that said to go to terminal A (won't make that mistake again!) but I also like to blaim a friend I was traveling with who insisted on staying to the left while everyone else was going to the right. When we did make it to the right side there was a HUGE line as it was a cruise arrival day. The line moved very quickly but they didn't give us very good directions on where to go and we did find it a bit confusing. We had done all carry on and the cranky bus driver didn't want to put anything under the bus (she only took the stroller). The bus driver didn't show the movie and she didn't announced any resorts so I was glad that I had read that ASMo was the last one.

The trip back to the airport was much smoother and that driver was GREAT!

I didn't use ME in Oct 05 with my DH (he doesn't travel well.....) as we wanted to make a grocery stop. I do have ME booked for my May 06 trip so it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't try it again and you've got to love the price!

 

[dudspizza]

I am VERY excited to use ME in October.

Be prepared, know what to expect and things will be fine.

Duds

 

[deltachi8]

I loved using it last trip. Landed at 9:50 AM at MCO and was checked in at ASMu, had lunch and walking through the gates at DS by 12:30.

We knew exactly what to expect, who ran it, how long the luggage can take, multiple stops, etc because we actually read this board and the information provided by disney before leaving.

 

[Ezra]

We used disney express in early december and retun in mid december. Other then hubby not reading the info re which side of the airport we should be on and also the bit about checking in at the express desk at the airport (wheeoo) things went soomthly. We went to board the bus with our luggage when we were asked about the checking in bit, but this was quickly handled by a cast member at the bus who ran back to the desk to check us in.


Our luggage was loaded (hubby forgot put tags on before we left) on the bus and we had a fairly quick trip to our resort. The bus driver was vary helpful loading and unloading our bags and organising a trolley and we tipped him generously.

On our return flight mid december again got a great bus driver who tracked down a couple of luggage trolleys for luggage.

Very happy with service (just have to get hubby to read more carefully)

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We always used Mears before which was not free, so to us, we have no problem getting the same service as before-now for free (with a few lines, a few stops). However, I will not be sending our bags without us. I would rather arrive at the resort with them, check them with bell services if the room isnt ready and know they will be there when we need them when we get into the room. Next trip-we will use ME but bring our own luggage with us.

 

[rtphokie]

Okay, first of all, Magical Express IS Disney. As at least one person stated above, Disney runs it with Mears as the subcontractor.
Yes, you probably should/could have done more research - there's plenty of information about DME right here Disboards, including two threads stuck at the top of each page. In addition, it seems to me that at least one in ten threads is about Magical Express.

Magical Express is not Disney. Disney does not run it. It's run by a company called BAGS. Disney contracts with BAGS to run the service. Disney's operations in Orlando are obviously their largest customer but BAGS operates elsewhere as well, one example I've read about is Las Vegas.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Magical Express is not Disney. Disney does not run it. It's run by a company called BAGS. Disney contracts with BAGS to run the service. Disney's operations in Orlando are obviously their largest customer but BAGS operates elsewhere as well, one example I've read about is Las Vegas.

Disney is responsible for Magical Express. Disney uses several subcontractors, including BAG Inc. (remote check-in and baggage), Mears Transportation (motorcoach operations), and ARINC Incorporated (technology).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Magical Express is not Disney. Disney does not run it. It's run by a company called BAGS. Disney contracts with BAGS to run the service. Disney's operations in Orlando are obviously their largest customer but BAGS operates elsewhere as well, one example I've read about is Las Vegas.

The luggage transport portion of DME is subcontracted to BAGS. Disney's Magical Express is not run by that company. BAGS, as it's name implies, transports, well, bags. Luggage. Not people. Disney subcontracts with Mears to handle the people transport (aka primary purpose) aspect of Disney's Magical Express.

 

[Poohbear123]

time in Nov. and plan on using them again in Feb. Just got my luggage tags yesterday. I really don't need them as I carry on, and last trip it was a breeze to say the least. In Nov. I paid $95.00 for a towncar, and cannot do that every time I go, so this saves me bucks!

 

[The Grumpus]

When I went to WDW is June 2005, we used the ME service and were overall pleased with it, with one exception...

On the trip back to the airport, we found the loading process to be chaos. General courtesy would say that those who came before you should be allowed to get on the bus first. I nearly had to wait for another bus because I was letting those people ahead of me, when all of a sudden a late-arriving woman demanded to go in front of me because she "was in line before I was", despite me being there for 1/2 hour already. I didn't argue with her, but I ended up sitting alone from the rest of my party, in the last available seat.

I've got ME reservations for my May trip, but I also just booked a RT Towncar rental for $95 dollars, which may be well worth it. Has anyone else seen this chaos at loading time? Will the Pop Century hold my bags for me if I arrive before my room is ready?

Regards,
The Grumpus

 

[experiment626mom]

We've used ME twice since it started and we will be using it again in May. I have nothing bad to say about this service. I have not stood in line more than 5 minutes to check in., I was never shown pictures of luggage to identify, and the longest I've waited in line for a bus was 10 minutes. We also stopped at 2 other resorts before ours. Our luggage both times showed up within two hours of our arrival. The first time we used ME was in June a month after it started and we stayed at AKL the second time we used it was Christmas weekend and we stayed at a ASSp.

 

[TDC Nala]

What the OP posted sounds like a typical first time ME experience. (Mine wasn't much like that because I read here so much that I knew the ME counter was on the A terminal side, I don't check luggage anyway so I didn't have to think about the luggage, and I knew the buses stopped at multiple resorts.)

If you're going to use it, you have to build time into your schedule to accommodate uncertainty. As has been suggested, take a change of clothes, pajamas and a swimsuit (if you want one) in a carryon bag. Expect that, since the service does not operate on a set schedule, you may have to 1) wait to be loaded onto a bus; 2) wait for the bus to leave the terminal while they load other guests; and 3) stop at up to three other resorts before you get to yours.

Also, you do not HAVE to use the luggage delivery service. You can pick your bags up at baggage claim as usual and then take them to the Magical Express desk, if you want them with you at all times. If your baggage claim is on the B terminal side it will involve some walking while hauling luggage, though, to get to the A side where the Magical Express desk is. If you're going to pick up your own bags, don't put the yellow ME tags on them.

The pickup time (3 hours before your return flight) is indeed to make sure you do not miss your flight. Disney and Mears do not want you complaining that you missed your flight because they did not get you to the airport on time. When I used to book Mears, I'd ask them to pick me up at 2 hours out instead of 3 hours. I had to acknowledge that if I altered the pickup time and missed my flight, it would be my fault, not theirs, and I would have no recourse against them for what I would have to spend to book another flight. I thought two hours would be enough since I do not check luggage, but I have been in lines at the Orlando airport that took up to an hour to get through security. Most travelers check luggage and have to wait in another line to do that.

If you have seen in this and other posts what to expect and it isn't acceptable to you, by all means hire a towncar or rent a car. I don't do this because I would rather have the $100 in my pocket than spend it on transportation to and from the airport. I'm only one person and I don't find the inconvenience tips the scales for me.

 

[helenk]

When I went to WDW is June 2005, we used the ME service and were overall pleased with it, with one exception...

On the trip back to the airport, we found the loading process to be chaos. General courtesy would say that those who came before you should be allowed to get on the bus first. I nearly had to wait for another bus because I was letting those people ahead of me, when all of a sudden a late-arriving woman demanded to go in front of me because she "was in line before I was", despite me being there for 1/2 hour already. I didn't argue with her, but I ended up sitting alone from the rest of my party, in the last available seat.

I've got ME reservations for my May trip, but I also just booked a RT Towncar rental for $95 dollars, which may be well worth it. Has anyone else seen this chaos at loading time? Will the Pop Century hold my bags for me if I arrive before my room is ready?

Regards,
The Grumpus

I never had any trouble on the return trip, when I left from the Allstar Music there was just me and another couple, when we left from the Poly everything was pretty orderly, but the bus was full, my husband and I were able to sit together, had their been a large party waiting they would not have been able to do so.
As far as your question regarding the Pop holding your luggage if your room is not ready...yes they will.

 

[Amlee]

I used ME with in a few days of it starting. I did read the information, but I missed the little guy with the mickey glove just outside of sercurity. I guess I was looking for something else. i went down to the luggage area and asked. I was told where I needed to go. Got there and had no line waiting to sign in. I did have to wait about 20 minutes for a bus to come pick me up. I was staying at the GF, so that meant stops at PL and WL. It took us about an hour or so to get to the GF. None of it was a big deal or a major problem. Now going back I did have some problems that really bothered me. I had been waiting for about an hour to get on a bus. When it finally got to the GF. It has over booked at one of the earlier resorts and didn't have enough room for those of us waiting. So I had to wait for them to send us another bus to get on. I thought if your assigned to get on a bus then that is how it should be. If your suppose to be on a later bus then they shouldn't let you aboard until your time.


Like any new business (no matter who is behind it) there are going to be bumps. This service isn't even a year old and I'm sure there has been major bumps