Is Magical Express pretty reliable these days?

[UrsulasShadow]

For some people, they will always like the control renting a car/taking a limo gives them. They can stop for groceries, pick up and transport their own luggage, and feel better about the beginning of their trip. For those, I wouldn't ever try to convince them to change to ME, no matter how much money it saves them (for now).

My experience with ME was great...exactly what I expected. I didn't have to pay for a limo, I didn't have to watch for my luggage, I didn't have to stress about whether my driver was there yet. It took about the same amount of time as it used to take for self-luggage-retrieval, find my ride/rent my car, and drive to resort. I went to dinner when I got to WDW, and returned to find my luggage in my room. I would definitely do ME again...IF it remains free.

 

[CleveRocks]

The whole point of the boards is to share info and experiences. I was just sharing hers, no need to get so defensive.

Didn't realize that what I wrote could be taken as defensive. I didn't mean it that way. Looking at your number of posts, I was just surprised that you were so surprised.

-- Eric

 

[Banshee]

I see your a jerseyean! How do you like Spirit Airlines? and did you fly out of atlantic city? Its our first time flying this Oct.'06 and we are taking Spirit out of ACY.

 

[CleveRocks]

I see your a jerseyean! How do you like Spirit Airlines? and did you fly out of atlantic city? Its our first time flying this Oct.'06 and we are taking Spirit out of ACY.

I've flown Spirit in and out of Atlantic City for years, never had any real problems. Even before I lived here, Spirit used to have the odd route of Atlantic City to Cleveland, where I used to live. Used to make for great weekend getaways.

-- Eric

 

[Banshee]

Cool thanks Eric!! I noticed that when booking our flight that there were some that went to cleveland first.

 

[wtpntigger2]

Just used DME for the 2nd time this past weekend and it was great. The only "problem" was when we arrived at the check-in desk, there was a really long line, however, it moved fairly quick thanks to some great CMs

Our bags were in our room within three hours of arriving in Orlando. I had packed pjs just in case, but didn't end up needing them.

We flew United so on the return trip to the airport we were able to check-in for our flight and check our bags at the resort. I really liked that service.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

we used ME in december and it was geat no issues at all

 

[Deb in IA]

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!


I really appreciate all the info.

Another question: Does your luggage come back on the same flight as you? I was a bit confused, as some people were saying that the luggage was delivered 3 hours after they checked into Disney. I hope the luggage doesn't come back 3 hours late!

 

[blizzard]

Does anyone know if you can request an "earlier" pick-up from the hotel? We would like to be at the airport at least 3 hours before our flight.

(I suppose we could tell them we are on an earlier flight?)

Also, if anyone knows or has experience, what is the easiest way to pick up a rental car? I'm leery of all the airport access fees, so I'm thinking it would be easier to pick one up on site when we get there. Do the rental agencies pick you up from Disney hotels to get a car?

TIA

 

[wtpntigger2]

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!


I really appreciate all the info.

Another question: Does your luggage come back on the same flight as you? I was a bit confused, as some people were saying that the luggage was delivered 3 hours after they checked into Disney. I hope the luggage doesn't come back 3 hours late!

Yes, your luggage going home will be on the same flight as you. The reason it takes three hours for it to get to your room is because it is pulled from the plane, taken to a separate area for DME bags, transported to the proper resorts, room #s are placed on the bags, and then they are delivered to your room.

 

[Deb in IA]

OK, THANKS, wtpntigger!

 

[keishashadow]

I've chickened out on using ME only because I know what it's like to have lost luggage (via airline).

Specifically, we like to check-in @ desk & hit the ground running to the park on the 1st day.

If we have to lug all our carry-on's (camcorder, 3 digital cameras, cell phones/chargers, dvd player, DS, etc. identity papers, money, etc.); we'll be awfully loaded down in the parks.

Probably sound weird but, airlines don't replace electronics...not even chargers. We had to buy 2 phone chargers @ close to $100 when ours got lost; along w/all the other aforementioned electronic items cords...big hit to my budget!

Anyone know if the hotels will "hold" your carry-on bags (and guarantee replacement if lost on ALL items). Our carry-ons are too big to stuff in a park locker.

Ideas?

 

[poohs4me]

I have a couple of questions about DME. Hopefully someone can help me.

How late does it operate? Some friends would be arriving from the West Coast and maybe arrive at MCO before midnight but definately after 9.

If they arrive that late, will the resort hold the luggage until the morning or is there a chance three hours later that their bags would be delivered.

Has anyone experienced DME in the 9-midnight time frame? I would appreciate any comments.

 

[CleveRocks]

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!


I really appreciate all the info.

Another question: Does your luggage come back on the same flight as you? I was a bit confused, as some people were saying that the luggage was delivered 3 hours after they checked into Disney. I hope the luggage doesn't come back 3 hours late!

I'll expand on what wtpntigger2 said. Those lucky enough to be flying a participating airline and use Resort Airline Check-In upon departure WILL have their luggage on the same airplane as they fly home in. It's actually against federal law for luggage to fly in a plane without its owner aboard (except, of course, for misdirected luggage).

-- Eric

 

[clkelley]

Actually the AIRLINES can place your luggage on any flight they wish. The PASSENGER cannot place luggage on an earlier or later flight.

Some folks who checked their bags with resort airline checkin early in the morning that had an evening flight have reported that their bags came home on an earlier flight and were waiting at the airline flight baggage office when they got home.


Yes the resort will store your carryons for you if your room is not ready. You will received a receipt tag for your bags and they are locked up. If you are at a Value resort, your carryons may very well be delivered to your room while you are out also.

Carol

 

[clkelley]

I have a couple of questions about DME. Hopefully someone can help me.

How late does it operate? Some friends would be arriving from the West Coast and maybe arrive at MCO before midnight but definately after 9.

If they arrive that late, will the resort hold the luggage until the morning or is there a chance three hours later that their bags would be delivered.

Has anyone experienced DME in the 9-midnight time frame? I would appreciate any comments.

I have used Magical Express in December arriving late at night (about midnite), but I was staying at Ft. Wilderness tent camping and I HAD to wait up for my stuff as that was my roof and my bed. My luggage arrived at the Outpost about 30 minutes after I checked in and a FtW CM drove me and my stuff to my site.

If you DON'T want your stuff delivered to your room until the next morning just tell Bell Services and they will hold it for you. If you DO want it delivered no matter how late, also let Bell Services know. That should handle it.

Carol

 

[seashoreCM]

Valuables, keys, tickets, medicine, and electronics should never be in checked luggage.

You can get your checked luggage yourself at the airport by not putting on the yellow tags.

It has always been suggested that you hand carry (at least between carousel and ME welcoming area) stuff you will need and use right away (swimsuits, tents, etc.).

Magical Express takes you to the resort, not the park. Regardless of what transportation you use from airport to resort you will have to manage valuables and hand carried luggage.

The resorts have a limited amount of "hotel safe" space. Valuables can be piflered from rooms almost as easily as from the bellhop's closet.

 

[Lewisc]

I'll expand on what wtpntigger2 said. Those lucky enough to be flying a participating airline and use Resort Airline Check-In upon departure WILL have their luggage on the same airplane as they fly home in. It's actually against federal law for luggage to fly in a plane without its owner aboard (except, of course, for misdirected luggage).

-- Eric

Not sure if it was actually a law but the policy that checked luggage be transported on the same plane as the passenger disappeared when the TSA started screening 100% of checked luggage. Airlines will let you check your luggage through even if you're standing by for an earlier flight. If you don't clear your luggage will still be transported on the earlier flight.