Disney's ME Service VS. Car Rental

[simonkodousek]

Hi,

We will be going to WDW this summer, probably July, staying at WL with our family of 4, plus 1 relative. Here is my question:

Is it better to rent a minivan, or use ME service? I remember in 2004 I hated ME because someone's plane was late and we had to wait an hour.

What are your views?

Thanks,
~Simon

 

[twinspluscade]

Hi,

We will be going to WDW this summer, probably July, staying at WL with our family of 4, plus 1 relative. Here is my question:

Is it better to rent a minivan, or use ME service? I remember in 2004 I hated ME because someone's plane was late and we had to wait an hour.

What are your views?

Thanks,
~Simon

ME just started in May 2005...so I'm not sure what you were using in 2004 ?

Well, I can only go by our own experience with ME, which was great. We landed at MCO around 12:20 pm, went straight to the counter for ME, and after checking in got in line for the bus. It loaded within about 5 minutes of waiting in line. Everyone got on, and it took off about 10 minutes after that. So, our experience was positive, and since it's FREE we'll for sure be doing it again when we go back this Sept. I wouldn't even consider shelling out the $$$ to rent a minivan when this service is complimentary. That's just me though.

Kelly

 

[mmeb144]

ME is awesome! We waited around 10 minutes for the bus. We made good time to the resort. Our room was ready, too. All this at around Noon on a Saturday.

Something else to think about is the luggage part of ME. No lugging the luggage. I really like that.

Marie

 

[Kitzer]

Hi,

We will be going to WDW this summer, probably July, staying at WL with our family of 4, plus 1 relative. Here is my question:

Is it better to rent a minivan, or use ME service? I remember in 2004 I hated ME because someone's plane was late and we had to wait an hour.

What are your views?

Thanks,
~Simon

The last two years we used ME and it was fine from the airport. But the return to the airport basically took all day becuase once you have to vacate your room, your waiting for you bus back to the airport, plus you have to hit a bunch of other resorts along the way. This year were renting a minivan becuase I want to be able to pick up grocery and supplies, plus I don't want to have to deal with the buses back and forth to the parks. The last day we will spend at a park and then just cruise back in the van and catch our flight.

 

[skipperkim]

We didn't even have to wait for the bus, just checked in at the ME counter and boarded the bus right away. We checked in the hotel and when we got back to the room around 11pm our bags were in the room, even our carryons. Like we say at work, "If it's free it's for me." Besides, you'd be wasting valuable Disney time waiting for your luggage, then getting the van. Plus you'd have to get the bags to your room, more time. I'm not sure why you'd have to wait if someone's plane is late. They'd have their own ME tags.

 

[CleveRocks]

Is it better to rent a minivan, or use ME service? I remember in 2004 I hated ME because someone's plane was late and we had to wait an hour.

Have to agree with twinspluscade, DME launched on May 5, 2005, so you weren't using DME. But more importantly, such a delay could NEVER occur on DME because no one is assigned a specific bus, so there's no way a bus would be held at the airport to wait for someone. [Not saying that DME is immune from delays -- any system can have a monkey wrench thrown into it somewhere now and again].

DME just doesn't work that way. Some people go get their own luggage (which, in my opinion, is a colossal waste of time in almost all instances), some people stop for lunch at the airport, some people wait for others in their party flying in from another city, etc. DME doesn't "wait" for anyone. There are always buses leaving. Individuals aren't assigned to specific buses before they check in at the airport's DME Welcome Center.

Aside from the contractural obligation with the airport, the only reason you need reservations for DME from MCO to your resort is so that they know approximately how many people are going to which resorts at what times so they can allocate and dispatch and route buses in the most efficient manner.

So, in other words, if you use DME and decide you are STARVING and have to stop for lunch and then someone has a contact lens problem after that and spends an additional 15 minutes in the ladies room, it's not like you will get to your bus and have a bus-full of angry people fuming that you delayed them.

Anyway, as to the question of rental car versus DME, the biggest question is, are you going to use the rental car during your stay, or will it just remain parked during your trip? If you're ONLY going to use the rental car as airport transfers, then by all means save your money and take DME.

DME launched in May 2005, as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth. DME was supposed to end at the same time the HCOE ended, about 18 months later. However, before that deadline arrived, DME was extended through the end of 2011 because it was so popular with Disney guests and Disney suits alike. It must be working well, evidently.

I used it twice and loved it both times. For me, it was fast, efficient, comfortable and, of course, FREE.

 

[tinklvr64]

Before DME you had to take a cab or a Mears shuttle to the resort OR rent a car. We used to use the Mears shuttle all the time, but about 6 years ago we decided to rent a car (it cost the same amount as taking the shuttle for all 5 of us) and from that point on we have always rented a vehicle. Dont get me wrong the Disney bus system is fantastic, but the freedom to pickup and go on the spur of the moment and not have to plan which bus to take is the best.
On our last trip in Nov, we rented a minivan (6 of us) and we did use the return check-in service at the resort and had our boarding passes printed and luggage sent to the airport with no more worries for the day. Now that is great Disney service. We are looking forward to doing the same in Sept!

 

[cdrn1]

I LOVE DME and hope they continue it forever. As long as they do, they have all my Orlando business! We have never had to wait longer than 20 minutes to board, and we have used it at least 5 times. The only glitch we have ever had was that we waited HOURS for our luggage at ASMo but that is the only value stay we have ever had so maybe the sheer size of the values is what makes the difference. Anyway, love it love it!

 

[goofy4tink]

I use DME whenever I can. I really miss it when I'm staying at the S/D!!! I would take it rather then rent a car, unless you are going to need a car when you get to WDW.
You mention having to wait an hour when someone's plane was late. You will still have to wait if you rent a car. With DME, you could go on ahead and let the 'late-nick' take a later bus!!! I would have groceries delivered to the resort.
But there are just some that do not like to take buses. If that's you then I would suggest renting a van. No one way is perfect for everyone.