Is Magical Express Magical in July?

[lkgraham27]

Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to these boards. My mother and I are going to WDW this July and staying at BWV on DVC points. We want to do Magical Express, although we are thinking of picking up our own bags and taking them on the bus with us. If we wait for our own bags, do we run the risk of missing our bus? Or do we just wait for our bags, and then check in at the desk?

Are we being paranoid wanting to get our own bags? I just feel as though this decision limits the possibilities for something going wrong.

Also, do you think Magical Express will be swamped in the summer? I've read some posts about it being a bit of a mess. Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

Going to Disney, ME buses (except very late in the evening) are not specifically reserved and therefore not missable. YOu do not have to hustle to the welcoming area desk.

If you do not use the yellow tags you can get your baggage from the carousel yourself. If you never got yellow tags, ME can still deliver the baggage for you.

There can be a few times or day when lots of planes arrive and there are crowds at the ME area. But there are more buses too.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/magicx.htm

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to these boards. My mother and I are going to WDW this July and staying at BWV on DVC points. We want to do Magical Express, although we are thinking of picking up our own bags and taking them on the bus with us. If we wait for our own bags, do we run the risk of missing our bus? Or do we just wait for our bags, and then check in at the desk?

Are we being paranoid wanting to get our own bags? I just feel as though this decision limits the possibilities for something going wrong.

Also, do you think Magical Express will be swamped in the summer? I've read some posts about it being a bit of a mess. Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Hi there. If you feel more comfortable getting your own bags, then do so. Just do not put the yellow luggage tags on the checked bags. When you get of the plane, head for baggage claim, get your bags and then go to DME to checkin. Your bags will go underneath the bus you are on. Then, when you get to BWV, you can store your bags with Bell Services. Just be aware that if you do this, you should be prepared to tip the bus driver, as well as Bell Services people.

DME shouldn't be too bad in July. They have it pretty much down to a science now. Since the buses are coming and going all the time, you aren't assigned a particular bus. Just get there when you get there...there will be a bus for you, have no fear.

Be sure to pack some hot weather clothes/swimsuits in a carryon bag. You are going to want to change when you get to BWV. It's nice to have a swim and some lunch while you wait for your villa to be readied. The villas traditionally aren't ready much before 4 or so, unless you get really, really lucky. So, be sure to have whatever you may need for the first part of your day with you, in a tote/carryon bag.

 

[lkgraham27]

Thank you for the advice, especially the tipping reminder and the carry-on bag pointer. I think we will go ahead and pick up our own bags. Thanks again!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Take a look at post #25 in the recent thread, Is Magical Express really that magical?.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I fail to see how riding a bus could be "magical" at any time of the year.

 

[CleveRocks]

I fail to see how riding a bus could be "magical" at any time of the year.

I have 2 examples of DME magic for you:

"Look! I didn't have to go to baggage claim but somehow our luggage made it to our room. IT'S MAGIC!"


"Look! In my wallet! There's that $120 I didn't have to spend on a towncar.
IT'S MAGIC!"

Sure, buses aren't for everyone. But they work great for me.

As for the OP who said she heard DME can be a mess. Well, anything's possible, but that's not a common complaint. Let's face it, ANYTHING we do where we need to rely on one or more other people can be a potential mess. For example, unless I grow/slaughter/cook my own food, and supply and wash my own dishes, then getting a meal may occasionally be a problem, too.

I've read a lot of posts expressing anxiety about what "might be" with DME, but very, VERY few posts with actual complaints about their own DME experiences.

To the OP, just realize that by getting your own luggage you're slowing yourself down. That may be a fine trade-off for you. Me, I was happy to let Disney take care of the luggage delivery. When my luggage was delivered, I didn't know about it because I had my kids in the resort pool, enjoying the start of our vacation. ONE YEAR AGO TODAY. OUCH!!!