first time using DME, how long does it take to get to CSR?

[tink70]

I usually travel with a large group and we split the cost of a van and driver. I dont plan on doing it this time, and am wondering how long the DME takes.
Also how long for your return? I heard 4 hours before flight.....Thanks!

 

[dancin Disney style]

On average it's about 90 minutes from the airport to a resort. The buses don't have a set route so you could get off first or last but it will be 3 stops sometimes 4. If you are making plans to be someplace after you arrive it's best to plan 2 hrs to get to the resort.

When you return to MCO your pick up will be approx 3 hrs before flight time. Plus, you must be at the DME pick up stop 15min prior to the actual pick up time.

DME will leave a package on your room door the day before to tell you what your pick up time is.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have used DME more times than I can count at this point. I've had times as short as 50 mins from gate to resort, and I've had one time that it took 85 mins. The vast majority the time is right around 70 mins or so.
Figure it this way....
gate to DME area.....10-20 mins, depending on pace, and any stops (my time has been about 10 mins)

line to checkin.....0-15 mins, usually right around 3 mins or so if you don't have to go to the counter (my time...5 mins)

in the bus line...0-20 mins, depending on when the last bus was (my time...10 mins)

on the bus, waiting to leave.....0-20 mins, again, depending on whether you were among the first to board, or the last. (my time usually....10 mins)

ride to the resort....25-40 mins, depending on which stop you are. (my time, 30 mins)

As you can see, worst case scenario is about 115 mins. But that just isn't very likely. It really comes out to closer to 75 mins.

As far as the time needed prior to departure.....pickup time is usually 3 hrs prior to departure, give or take 15 mins either way. If flying internationally, it's 4 hrs.

 

[tink70]

Wow-that doesn't sound bad at all. Honestly, I thought it was like 2 hours on the bus alone! I think I will take it there, but honestly I may splurge on a shuttle or similar going back. I just don't want to leave wow so early to sit on a bus!
Thanks for the info!
marnie

 

[Carriemel]

Well, it really is a good idea to leave at the time DME schedules you. Figure it this way: Takes roughly 40 minutes to get from hotel to airport...then you've got to worry about being on the correct side of the airport...checking in...security (which, in Orlando, generally has infamously long lines)...the monorail to your gate area...boarding starts about 30 minutes prior to your flight. I'd say that eats up a VAST majority of the 3 hours allotted. I really wouldn't think that leaving any later than 3 hours prior is such a good idea.

 

[Alesia]

Wow-that doesn't sound bad at all. Honestly, I thought it was like 2 hours on the bus alone! I think I will take it there, but honestly I may splurge on a shuttle or similar going back. I just don't want to leave wow so early to sit on a bus!
Thanks for the info!
marnie

Honestly, 3 hours is no too much time. It's about a 45 minute drive to MCO and the security lines can be horrendous. You really do need to be at the airport about 2 hours before your flight. Even a car service will want to pick you up 2.5 hours before your flight.

For me it isn't worth spending $100 to for an extra 30 minutes at the resort.

 

[goofy4tink]

Wow-that doesn't sound bad at all. Honestly, I thought it was like 2 hours on the bus alone! I think I will take it there, but honestly I may splurge on a shuttle or similar going back. I just don't want to leave wow so early to sit on a bus!
Thanks for the info!
marnie

Glad the times helped a bit....it's good to have an idea.
But....as far as booking an alternative way back to MCO??? Be careful. Here's why....you will need at least 30-35 mins to get from your resort to MCO. Then, you have to get to security. And there...all bets are off. It took me about 30 mins to get through in Dec. Granted, I chose the wrong line...dd and a friend chose another line and they beat me by about 7 mins. But, still...the lines weren't all that long to begin with. It could take anywhere from 10 mins to 50 mins at security. Then, you have to take the tram to the gate area. MCO recommends that you arrive no less than 2 hrs prior to departure time. Sure, lots of people push that time...they tend to arrive closer to an hour prior. But, really??? Isn't a better idea to get there 2 hrs prior to departure, get a bite to eat and relax a bit?? I hate having to rush to the gate area, to find boarding has started already.

So, do what you will. But, you really should depart from WDW at least 2.5 hrs prior to departure. So, if you book a car service, or other mode of transport, you are only gaining 30-45 mins addtl time.

 

[ironz]

I have used DME more times than I can count at this point. I've had times as short as 50 mins from gate to resort, and I've had one time that it took 85 mins. The vast majority the time is right around 70 mins or so.
Figure it this way....
gate to DME area.....10-20 mins, depending on pace, and any stops (my time has been about 10 mins)

line to checkin.....0-15 mins, usually right around 3 mins or so if you don't have to go to the counter (my time...5 mins)

in the bus line...0-20 mins, depending on when the last bus was (my time...10 mins)

on the bus, waiting to leave.....0-20 mins, again, depending on whether you were among the first to board, or the last. (my time usually....10 mins)

ride to the resort....25-40 mins, depending on which stop you are. (my time, 30 mins)

As you can see, worst case scenario is about 115 mins. But that just isn't very likely. It really comes out to closer to 75 mins.

As far as the time needed prior to departure.....pickup time is usually 3 hrs prior to departure, give or take 15 mins either way. If flying internationally, it's 4 hrs.

This breakdown is very good, and would be exactly the sort of range I have experienced in several (more than 15) trips using DME.
Just this past week, our total time from the plane pulling into the gate (when the plane came to a complete stop and seatbelt sign turned off) to walking into our room at SSR was about 80-90 minutes.

Luggage was delivered at just about 3 hours exactly from room check in for this trip. We just happened to be there when the luggage arrived.