Magic Express - interesting facts I learned Sunday

[ParrotBill]

On Sunday we had a talkative ME bus driver. He mentioned on that day, they had 15,000 people to move and 220 scheduled bus runs. (I think that was just to go to the Airport but not sure.) They had pressed extra yellow & black buses into service to handle the higher than normal load.

We were a 7:40am pickup from POFQ. The radio chatter we could hear was already talking about many people who had missed their pickup times (!) and looking for extra seats on following buses.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

After missing the bus, I would be fearful to miss the flight and have plan B. get a taxi.

in the Fall at CB there was a woman sitting there as a cruise line logo bus was ready to leave. The doorman asked her if she was waiting for a taxi. She stated no the ME. He told her it was ready to pull out.....she remarked, but it's a cruise line bus.

Yes, he replied we use them also. She almost missed ME by not inquiring and just sitting there. It was 15 minutes after scheduled pick up already.

 

[DebbieB]

On Sunday we had a talkative ME bus driver. He mentioned on that day, they had 15,000 people to move and 220 scheduled bus runs. (I think that was just to go to the Airport but not sure.) They had pressed extra yellow & black buses into service to handle the higher than normal load.

We were a 7:40am pickup from POFQ. The radio chatter we could hear was already talking about many people who had missed their pickup times (!) and looking for extra seats on following buses.

The Pop Warner groups were probably returning home.

 

[seashoreCM]

They need to announce the buses.

This would also reduce the problem of people for the 12:00 bus crowding around or even getting on a late 11:30 bus leaving no room for 11:30 guests at the next stop.

 

[Lyndarella]

We have arrived when there was more than one bus to choose from. One was what we were supposed to get on and the other was the previous bus that arrived late. Yes, it can be confusing and we are given very little information to make it easier.

 

[goofy4tink]

Adding to the confusion,,,,,a bus just dropping guests off close to the time for your bus back to the airport! Everyone jumps up, grabs their bags and they all rush over to the bus. The driver tells them he isn't going back to the airport, they argue, he drives away. A DCL bus arrives.....everyone just sits there, they're not going on a cruise. After about 5 mins the driver comes over an d announces its the DME bus back to MCO. Dear God.....mass confusion.
I've had buses arrive late, followed by a bus that was a bit early...now, there are two DME buses sitting there. Guests trying to figure out which bus is theirs. One would think the drivers would be more helpful. Some are very good, others not so good. I had one a week ago that was excellent. He arrived right on time at SSR, got off the bus and loudly announced that this is the 11:00 bus to MCO. No room for doubt.

 

[seashoreCM]

If two airport bound Magical Express buses end up at a resort at the same time, at that juncture it doesn't matter whcih bus a homebound guest boards.

The problem becomes DME's when the wrong number of guests manage to get on the wrong bus and at the next stop where only one bus heads, it's too full for those guests.

So the two drivers may not forsake their guest lists and tell everyone to just get on a bus, any bus.

By the way, never, ever get off of a DME bus that your bags were loaded under until after arrangements are made to get your bags out and also to get you to the airport. It's better to try to stand while riding, which act, if you persist, either will succeed or will get resort staff involved and taxis paid for if needed. Or someone without bags may volunteer to get off.

In an earlier lifetime (pre-MK) I had gotten to the bus terminal at college and riders were getting off of one of two buses that ran together and were saying their bags were "on the other bus". I didn't know whether the two buses re-rendezvous'd at each and every requested flag stop along the way so bags could be reconciled.

 

[goofy4tink]

If two airport bound Magical Express buses end up at a resort at the same time, at that juncture it doesn't matter whcih bus a homebound guest boards.

The problem becomes DME's when the wrong number of guests manage to get on the wrong bus and at the next stop where only one bus heads, it's too full for those guests.

So the two drivers may not forsake their guest lists and tell everyone to just get on a bus, any bus.

By the way, never, ever get off of a DME bus that your bags were loaded under until after arrangements are made to get your bags out and also to get you to the airport. It's better to try to stand while riding, which act, if you persist, either will succeed or will get resort staff involved and taxis paid for if needed. Or someone without bags may volunteer to get off.

In an earlier lifetime (pre-MK) I had gotten to the bus terminal at college and riders were getting off of one of two buses that ran together and were saying their bags were "on the other bus". I didn't know whether the two buses re-rendezvous'd at each and every requested flag stop along the way so bags could be reconciled.

Not trying to be argumentative, but...here's a concept...get on the right bus to begin with. If there are two buses heading to the airport at the same resort, then one is late and the other is early! Each guest is supposed to be on one specific bus. The driver knows which time his bus was assigned..ask him what time he is supposed to depart the resort. Then get on that bus if it matches the time you were given!
There shouldn't be a need to worry about getting off a bus that your bags were loaded beneath. The driver knows who is supposed to be on his bus.