How long will ME *really* take vs. rental car

[disneydenisel]

I could really use some help! Last minute stress is taking its toll!

We arrive into MCO at 8:47 PM on Saturday. Can someone who has experience with Magical Express give me the best and worst case scenarios for:

How long until our arrival to Beach Club Villas--Best time, worst time
How long until our luggage shows up--Best time, worst time

How do these times compare to gathering our own luggage and renting a car from Budget and driving to the Beach Club Villas?

THANK you for your help. I can't believe I have to pack soon. I should add that both of my children are autistic and the less stressful the transfer is to the resort, the better.

 

[FoodLover]

How long until our arrival to Beach Club Villas--Best time, worst time
How long until our luggage shows up--Best time, worst time

How do these times compare to gathering our own luggage and renting a car from Budget and driving to the Beach Club Villas?

Based on our experiments as well as the times that have been reported to me by readers of my site, it will usually take between 75 and 120 minutes (1 hour 15 min to 2 hours) to get to the hotel on ME from the time your plane lands. Luggage delivery is typically 2 to 6 hours after your flight lands.

When I rent a car, it usually takes me about an hour from the time my plane lands until I walk into the hotel. The drive itself is only 20 minutes, so most of that time is waiting for luggage and collecting the car. If you have two adults, one could collect the car and the other wait for luggage, which might save you 20 minutes. (Best to have 2 cell phones to coordinate at the airport if you do this, though.)

In short, the best-case scenario for getting to the hotel on ME is pretty close to the length of time it would take to collect luggage, get the car and drive. The worst-case scenario could add an hour. And you can pretty much count on luggage delivery taking awhile -- so pack a carry-on "day bag" with essentials if you use ME.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[laurabelle]

In Jan. I rented a car from National (emerald aisle) so I skipped the counter and had only carry on bags. In Oct. I used DME, no checked bags again. I don't remember the exact time from Jan.with the rental, but it was shorter than DME- by maybe 20 min? DME was exactly one hour from the time my plane landed until we pulled up to POFQ (1st stop).
I was very happy with DME and I'll be using it again next month. HTH

 

[disneydenisel]

Can you tell me if DME is loud? Do they play videos or music on the buses? If so, it may be too overwhelming for my kids.

Thank you!

 

[laurabelle]

DME is a really comfy ride, not loud at all. No music, they play a video about WDW, which is not loud or crazy or anything...just a nice way to get (more) excited about being there and to pass the time along the way.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

Just ret. from a trip to the World from Oct.28-Nov4...As a family that always rents a van from Dollar, thoughts of trying something new with 3 families going (10 of us) this time sent me into ...the twilight zone...BUT the thought of saving almost $300.00 not counting gas and $185.00 for my DS car rental was more than enough to give it a try....All in all we were very happy with DME....not having to retrieve the luggage was a JOY in itself..even when my DS forgot to put on the yellow tags before we left home..he got his luggage so quickly (YA for SW airlines) he met us in line for DME ...it all went quickly..we had just missed a motorcoach so we waited in line about 10-minutes, got on the nice motorcoach, watched a movie and relaxed..We all had an early flight out of MDW ...dropped some folks off at S&D and then on to BWV...all in all i would say it took about 1-1/2hrs to get to the check in desk...We were all in our roms by 4:00 and the luggage was there...Returning to Orlando airport went even faster and DME didnt pick us up TOO early which i feared...any questions?

 

[beccasmom]

We just returned yesterday, using ME. When we arrived in Orlando on Saturday, it was approximately 5:00 p.m. As soon as we went downstairs, the ME folks were there to greet us and guide us toward check-in, which took maybe 2 minutes. We were directed to our bus and we were on our way in 10 minutes, tops. We checked in (at SSR) and went out to eat. Our luggage was delivered at about 8:30 p.m. Not too bad. And if you use an airline that participates in their early check-in process - we used SWA and they don't - it is even easier for the trip home. I recommend it. They show a Disney video on the way to the resort and Disney cartoons - Goofy - on the way back to the airport.

 

[disneydenisel]

I would love to take DME, but given the worst case scenarios and the fact that my DD6 won't use public restrooms, I finally opted for a limo from MCO to BCV. We'll have our bags, get there quickly, and avoid some stress. We'll use DME for the return to the airport. I know it's a huge expense, but in the end it will probably be the best choice.

I called DME to cancel and they were so nice. It made me want to keep the reservation!