Just back, SWA, ME and WDW Trans ....

[tjmw2727]

Comments on transportation for those who are interested. Stayed at AKL 10/4 - 10/10, me and dd's 8 and 10.

SWA - good. Didn't mind the boarding process, got A boarding passes and waited in line toward the front. I liked this much better than getting our seats reassigned a month before the flight (AA) and ending up separated begging for help. Met some nice people and saw some "interesting" behavior for entertainment! FA's were terrific and ground staff kept us informed about delays on both flights. Once they had information they passed it along and it was correct! SWA was also VERY quick with the baggage delivery, less than 5 minutes at MCO and only about 10 tops at PHI. If it were not for the delays on both legs my rating would have been higher. Will definatly fly SWA again in the future.

ME - fair. Started off with ME sending our package with vouchers and bag tags to a combination of my and my sil's addresses despite CRO sending all my info to me properly. I never did get a ME package, due to this and a late night arrival we got our own bags, not a problem as described above. Found the ME desk and waited about 20 minutes to get the voucher and had to beg for the coupon for the free lanyard and pin. Entered the bus queue behind one other family for the bus to AKL waited over an hour for a bus. Could not help but notice that POP, the line on our left, was loading almost continually as were the all stars. Finally the dad in front of us inquired as to the "issue" and we were then almost immediately loaded, onto a bus with POP? Stopped at POP first which took a long time and then on to AKL. Well over 3 hours from the time we lined up at the ME desk until check in at AKL. Return trip was better, just under 2 hours from AKL to MCO. The ME bus was on time with one stop at POP then to MCO (terminal B, then A). The ME driver did mention to us how lucky we were as he usually made 3-5 stops! I will probably not use ME in the future and would definately not pay for the ME service.

WDW bus service from AKL - excellent. We found a bus either waiting at the stop or arriving within 10 minutes every time we went to/from a park. We love the monorail and epcot resorts and had shyed away from a resort with bus service but I would stay at AKL again based on this experience. Only standing room only once and that was after Fantasmic so we were ready to stand or wait.

Hope this helps someone,
TJ

 

[madge]

For the flight home, were you responsible for your own bags since you flew SWA? Where does the ME bus drop you off for flight check-in?

thanks

 

[tjmw2727]

For the flight home, were you responsible for your own bags since you flew SWA? Where does the ME bus drop you off for flight check-in?

thanks

Yes we brought our own bags on the ME bus. It was not a problem as we never pack more than we can carry. I had one larger rolling bag, 10 yo dd had the medium roller and dd 8 had the rolling backpack carryon. The ME driver loaded the luggage under the bus, about 1/2 of us had luggage, and unloaded it on arrival. He made it quite clear that he was expecting a tip and I was well prepared to tip. Others however were taken by surprise and one man was commening on how the literature said otherwise?

At the airport, we were dropped off at the lower level of terminal A about in the middle. We had to go up one flight and to the left for southwest check in. Not difficult and very well marked.

TJ

 

[madge]

At the airport, we were dropped off at the lower level of terminal A about in the middle. We had to go up one flight and to the left for southwest check in. Not difficult and very well marked.

Excellent! I know just where you're talking about! thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

How many Animla Kingdom Lodge people were waiting? Even so, one hour to board the ME bus to the resort is an aberration. Somebody should have cornered a CM and asked sooner.

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

 

[tjmw2727]

How many Animla Kingdom Lodge people were waiting? Even so, one hour to board the ME bus to the resort is an aberration. Somebody should have cornered a CM and asked sooner.

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

Two families were waiting for AKL and there was no "cornering" necessary as there were several CM's assuring us it would just be another minute. Of course we asked them, I didn't stand in line for an hour without making sure the cm's were aware we were there and where we needed to go. They kept telling us it would be shortly, they didn't understand the hold up either but they didn't have a bus available. At one point the CM asked if wanted to wait ouside on a bench at at least sit but it was very hot & humid so the kids sat on the carpet. Since it was already 10:30 pm our choices were limited. When the trivia game started we knew we were in trouble. That is when the dad in front had his "issue" my nice way of saying FIT but it worked.

Unusual maybe, maybe not, but my one and only experience was no better and maybe worse than Mears was. Like I said I doubt I will give them another chance. Maybe if more good reports keep coming than bad I will reconsider but I just wanted to present my experience.

TJ

 

[Poohbush]

Where is the ME desk in the airport?

 

[plutolovr]

TJ

Were you the Mom with 2 little girls on that late SW flight from Phila? I believe your girls had backpacks, both with UofD keychains hanging from them? If you were we were right behind you at the boarding gate in the "A" line. Hope you had a great vacation.

My husband and I had 3 evenings to ourselves at the YC then our 3 kids (18 yo twins and 20 yo daughter) joined us on Friday.

 

[castleri]

The ME desk is on the level with the rental cars. It is at the beginning of the row of car rental desks. There are also people on the arrival floor after you get off the tram and before going down to the lower levels who are easily recognized by the "Mickey Hands" they are waving who can give directions if needed.