FW and Magical Express

[UNCCLaw]

We just returned from a week at FW cabins and wanted to opine about the Magical Express program. We debated using a towncar but chose DME because it would be convenient for luggage to arrive at the cabin and to drop it off at the "taxi stand" on the way to the airport.

While the service was very efficient, I couldn't help but feel that FW is the ugly-stepchild of the resorts for DME. It took 2 hours to the minute from the time we arrived at the gate (well, after the family stopped for a much needed bathroom break after the flight) until we reached the cabin. We only waited about 15 minutes for a bus. However, it stopped at Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Port Orleans Riverside.

Not surprisingly, we were the only people remaining on the bus when we arrived at FW. On the return ride, we were the first to be picked up (3 hours prior to the flight) and stopped at the same stops as we did on the way in.

It was still very convenient for the luggage, but fairly time consuming. Just wanted to pass along a very recent experience with FW and DME.

 

[clkelley]

Thanks for the report!

I'm sure numbers have a lot to do with that. With only 407 cabins, with maybe 2/3 of the cabins and only half a dozen tent campers flying in per day (if that), that makes for very low numbers to Ft. Wilderness.

I would think they would group Ft. Wilderness with Wilderness Lodge folks. I hope you just hit it at a bad time.

I'll be using DME in December as a flying tent camper. I'm not really looking for speedy service as I'm flying in at night, so not looking to rush to a park.

I'm also leaving at 5:30 in the morning, so not worrying about losing park time during my bus time. (As a matter of fact, the longer on the bus the better, I can get a good nap!!)

Carol

 

[dsneygirl]

We're using them in 2 weeks. I hope it doesn't take that long.

 

[tci1212]

We are using ME this Saturday. We are staying in a cabin. We used ME in May of this year we stayed at Wilderness Lodge Villas and it took about an hour to get to the Hotel. I will let you know if it takes much longer this time. .

 

[drewc]

I hope it is quicker than 2plus hours. We are flying next Wed afternoon for a week of tent camping. We're splitting our luggage between DME transport and stuff we'll bring to the bus ourselves (tents for example).

The sooner we're set up and relaxing, the better.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

We are looking @ DME (Free is a VERY GOOD Price) for our trip in January but 2 HOURS!!!! I'm having serious second thoughts. : -- Please everybody, keep posting your experiences.

 

[UNCCLaw]

I am also interested in hearing whether we just had bad timing. Don't get me wrong - it was still a convenient process, it just took a while to get to the resort. The return trip was just over an hour.

I suspect that the fact that we were the only people scheduled to go to FW on that bus (or at that time) played a part in it.