Do I understand Disney Magical Express correctly?

[WINTER]

I can fly into Orlando Int'l Airport on any airline and use the service?

 

[paladin]

Yes, you can. The restriction is on the return for actual airline check-in at your resort - this is restricted to the participating carriers, but anyone can use the bus transportation part of the service (whether flying on a participating carrier or not). The current participating carriers are American, Continental, Delta (including Song), JetBlue, and United (including TED).

Here are all of the details.
http://allearsnet.com/acc/mexpress.htm

 

[DisFam95]

At the top of that link make sure you read "what others have to say". Many of the initial experience were mostly negative but seems like things are better. iT was new so kinks did neeed to be worked out.

One major major thing is the luggage delivery. It takes several hrs after arrival at the hotel for people to get their luggage so you must take a carry-on for anything you think you may need within up to 4hrs of your arrival, swim suit, meds, toiletries, whatever your plans are. TRavelling w/ kids, getting in late, bedtime routine?? Just be prepared.

 

[DisFam95]

Also this may be best in the transportation forum.

 

[WINTER]

If I don't have the airline that is part of the plan, there is space for luggage on the Magical Express shuttle??

 

[**Tinker*Bell*7**]

yes there is space for luggage. ME shuttles are large buses.

 

[WINTER]

Can I get my luggage and take with me from the airport to the resort? I don't want to wait hours when I get there.

 

[CleveRocks]

Can I get my luggage and take with me from the airport to the resort? I don't want to wait hours when I get there.

Why do you have to sit and wait for your luggage??? Anything that's that important to you you should take in a carry-on, anyway. The luggage "magically appears" in your room, so it's not like you must sit and wait for it. If you take your luggage with you, you'll be waiting around baggage claim for it and have to catch a later bus.

-- Eric

 

[goofy4tink]

Having just done DME both ways...with the resort check-in and without it, I have to say that it sure is easier to not have to worry about lugging your luggage around if you can avoid it. It sure is nice to just go to the DME check-in and then hop on a bus to WDW. We did carry-on this last trip (last week) and it was a true pain. I really missed just having a small tote with me. So, go with DME taking care of your luggage. In mid-June we arrived at MCO at 11:50, on the bus at 12:15, at BCV at 1:00, sitting by the pool at 1:30, in room at 2:30 and luggage got to us at 3:00. Take anything you will need right away in a carry-on bag....it is sooooo worth it.

 

[The Great Baboo]

I just want them to take my luggage on the return and we will take our own taxi to the airport -- can they do that or do you have to go with your bags??

 

[CleveRocks]

I just want them to take my luggage on the return and we will take our own taxi to the airport -- can they do that or do you have to go with your bags??

If you are flying on a "participating airline," you CAN check in your luggage at the resort and get your boarding passes at the resort, and then find your way back to MCO any way you please.

This is often a confusing point, because on your arrival at MCO/WDW you CAN'T use DME as a luggage-only service, you must also ride the bus. But YES, when you are departing WDW you can use the resort luggage check-in and then they don't care how you get back to MCO (of course you are offered the free bus ride).

-- Eric