how long do you think we will ride the magical express?

[stahshee]

How long do you think we will ride the magical express? Do you think it will really be an express? I really do not want to sit on a bus for 2 hours afer rding a plane for about 5 hours. And being up at 3 in the morn with my 2 and 4 year old. Im stressed just thinking about it! 4

 

[Kimberle]

*I* think it's going to be similar to Mears. You may wait at your stop for the bus, you may make other stops at the airport, and you may make other stops at WDW resorts. So, yes, I could see it taking 1-2 hours.

It will be interesting to read actual reviews after the service starts in May.

 

[CarolMN]

Since it is free, I think a lot of people will take advantage of it. If so, your ride may actually be shorter than Mears is now, as they will be able to better group people going to the same resort. Maybe they will even have group nearby resorts and have separate buses for each group.

If you're not going right away when the servivce starts in May, ask this question again after people have a little actual experience. We may be pleasantly surprised!

Best wishes-

 

[DebbieB]

I thought I heard somewhere that each bus will make a maximum of 3 stops.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Keep in mind a few things about Disney's Magical Express:

It has to be booked 10 days out. This means that they will know the approximate time that you are arriving, and where you are going. With this information, they can appropriately schedule the routing of the buses. This means more efficient boarding and routing. Buses will make 2-4 brief stops. Because luggage is transported seperatly, the stops at the resort will be quick.

 

[newholidayx2]

but we may see 1/2 - 1/4 of that bus load get off at our stop
they may be checking in before we do

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Another feature of this service is that when you board your motorcoach at the airport, the resort is notified that you will be arriving soon. With this information, they will know when a large group of people will be arriving, and allocate cast members as needed.

 

[debster812]

As always Tyler, you are making perfect sense. Thanks for the explanations. It's so hard to picture this stuff before anyone has a chance to try it. And you know us slightly OCD Disney Trip Planners....

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

As always Tyler, you are making perfect sense. Thanks for the explanations. It's so hard to picture this stuff before anyone has a chance to try it. And you know us slightly OCD Disney Trip Planners....

Indeed... I'm sure there will be a few glitches here and there, especially at launch. But, from what I've been able to gather, my guess is that this service will work out great for the guests. After all, it's a Disney run operation now. And Disney doesn't like to let thier guests down.

 

[Lewisc]

Tyler--Any indication Disney might have guests check in at the airport? Some of the Vegas hotels do that. Guests who're arriving before rooms are available might go directly to a park and bypass their resort.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

At this time, the only checking in will be for DME. Resort check in will still be at the resort itself. I have not heard if there is any plans for an airport check in at this time.

 

[newholidayx2]

thank you Tyler

 

[MickeyEars]

Thanks Tyler!!! Great information as usual.

Carla

 

[NJDisneymom]

I am pretty worried about the magical express.... we are arriving about 10pm on May 5th. I hate being the guinea pig, LOL!!!

But at least I'll be able to report back for those going later!!

 

[gigi1313]

tyler, you mention that luggage will arrive separately... what about those that will have to fetch their own luggage 'cause their airline (swa) is not "participating?" will we have to drag it to the bus and hold it on our laps? stow it underneath? or hand it over to the "luggage bus?" thanks in advance for your reply!

 

[kpk89]

tyler, you mention that luggage will arrive separately... what about those that will have to fetch their own luggage 'cause their airline (swa) is not "participating?" will we have to drag it to the bus and hold it on our laps? stow it underneath? or hand it over to the "luggage bus?" thanks in advance for your reply!

Hi, I'm not Tyler , but as I understand it everyone's luggage will get picked up upon arrival in Orlando (you give DME your flight info when you make your reservation) and be transported to the correct resort.

It's on the return trip that some airlines are allowing guests to do their baggage check at the resort instead of at the airport. SWA is not one of them (bummer ... that's what we're flying too) So maybe that's what you're thinking of? I think we can still put our bags on the bus, but at the airport we'd have to claim them and then check them at the SWA terminal. Anyone flying a participating airline can say goodbye to their bags at the resort, and meet them again at their home destination.

 

[gigi1313]

gotchya! thanks kim! (and you are so right, i was confusing the return flight having to be certain airlines w/the arriving flight being all airlines) appreciate the little extra piece of mind

 

[localdriver]

This is not a new system. It has been in use by Disney Cruise Lines/Mears for some time now. The DME is an expansion of the same system. It seems to work quite well. I think guests will be pleasantly surprised with how well this will work.

 

[momof2OH]

gigi1313...I was wondering the same thing regarding the return trip from the resort to airport. I know we can use the bus, but where does our luggage go since we arn't using a participating airline? Does anyone know?

 

[goofy4tink]

gigi1313...I was wondering the same thing regarding the return trip from the resort to airport. I know we can use the bus, but where does our luggage go since we arn't using a participating airline? Does anyone know?

It will be the same as a regular shuttle bus. You can still use it but your luggage will go on the bus with you. Then, when you get to the airport, you lug your stuff with you, check-in and then go through security. The difference is that if you are using one of the particpating airlines, you can do your airline check-in at the resort. Then your luggage gets taken directly to the airport, put on the plane and you see it (hopefully) when you arrive at your home airport.