How long to get from airport to resort using ME?

[Ava]

On average, how long does it take to get from the airport to the resort using ME? We're staying at POP if that makes a difference.

Also, how many hours before your flight time does ME pick you up for departure?

 

[Lewisc]

Reported average is 70 minutes from landing to arrival at your resort. POP is generally the first stop.

DME will pick you up around 3 hours before your flight.

 

[Ava]

Thank you!!

 

[happymommy]

The one time we took it, it was well over 2 hours. Ugh! We were at the Boardwalk, and we stopped at the CBR and one other resort first.

There were long lines for the value resorts, and their buses seemed to go quickly. Our bus was nearly empty, and we waited, and waited, and waited. I almost got out of line and took the kids to find a taxi, but I had no cash on me at the time.

That was just our experience. Most folks seem to like ME, but we preferred a towncar or rental car. I wanted to give it a try once, and think it's probably good for those who haven't been to Orlando and may feel uncomfortable driving. I think a towncar meeting you at the baggage area is so much nicer! Plus you get a grocery stop. Downside is it's about an extra $100 round trip, which is a lot! Our return cab was about $50.

 

[MickeyCrazed]

90 minutes from the time we stepped off the plane this past Sunday morning at 9:35 till the time we were dropped off at Kidani. We were the 3rd stop on the route, with Coronado Springs and Jambo House being the stops before us. Not bad timing in my opinion.

 

[maxiesmom]

It just depends on how lucky you are that day. Sometimes you walk off the plane, over to the ME check in, and there is no line! You walk right outside onto the bus and are off. And if you are really lucky your resort is the first stop.

Or you can have the total opposite experience. Get to ME check in and there is a huge line. Get sent into the stantions and have to wait 20+minutes before boarding a bus. Then you sit there and sit there until the bus is full before leaving. Then you are "lucky" enough to be staying at the last of 4 resorts. So you get to ride the bus for a while. Two hours later you are at your resort check in desk.

I have had both of those experiences. No way of knowing which one you will get ahead of time.

As far as your return trip to the airport goes, ME will pick you up at your resort around 3 hours before your scheduled flight time. And you need to be at the bus stop, ready to go, 15 minutes before that. Busses do come early, and if your family is not all there, they will leave without you.

Good luck!

 

[goofy4tink]

2 hrs is completely unacceptable. I've used DME about 10 times now....I have had only one instance of 85 mins....others times hovered around 65 mins. I've had some times when I got right on the tram from the gate area, then quickly made my way to the DME welcome area on level 1. There was no line at all, so spent about 3 mins giving info for checkin. When I got to my bus line (POP this particular time), I was one of the last to board the bus...barely slowed down after getting in the line. The bus left about 2 mins after I boarded. Then, POP was the first stop..usually is. That trip took me about 50 mins. It's not commonplace though. Usually, it takes a bit for the tram to come, then walk down to level 1, and find a short line which takes about 5-8 mins to get checked in, then off to the bus line where you could wait up to 20 mins but more likely 10 mins. Then, depending on where you are in the line, you may board and then wait for another 15 mins to get moving. Or you may be at the end of the boarding line and take off as soon as you are seated.
The routes are not etched in stone..they can change. Pop is usually the first stop but that one 85 min ride had Pop the last of three, with a ton of luggage being offloaded at each of the prior stops.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I just used DME a week ago on Friday. From when my plane landed until I pulled in at CSR, it was 1 hr and 10 mins. I think that must be some sort of record. When I got off the plane, I used the potty, got my bag from baggage claim, checked in at DME (and had a resort change so it took 10-15 mins to do that) and then walked into the line and the bus was already there. It was some good luck if you ask me! My bus was headed to all 3 all stars after CSR but earlier in the day when my friends took it, they went to the all stars first and then CSR making their trip longer.

 

[Missytara]

I arrive the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and they are so busy trying to shuttle people back to the airport that day, they don't even wait for the buses to fill up. I don't think I have sat on the bus for more than ten minutes.

So it definately depends on the time of year you go.

It has definately spoiled me to not have to pick-up a car, figure out how to get there, etc. It is nice, especially when you are by yourself, to leave the driving to someone else.