Magic Express Question

[koho]

We are going to give ME another try next. I was wondering if anyone knows if you can name your our pick up time to go back to MCO?

Also is the bus going to the Contemporary shared with another resort? If so which resort and/or resorts?

Thanks

 

[Missytara]

You are assigned a pick-up time (at the resort you are staying at), three hours before your flight for domestic flights and four hours for international flights.

You must be at the stop 15 minutes prior to that time (which is when the bus departs).

You must check your baggage at RAC at least three hours before your departure, if you plan on using that as well.

There is no set route or number of resorts.

I have been on it about six times and never had the same resorts once, on the way in or out, and I have stayed at POR all of those trips.

 

[backyardponder]

You will get an envelope hung on your door knob the day before your departure with the assigned time for your bus back to MCO.

If you plan to use RAC to check your baggage at the resort, I think RAC closes at 11AM so if you have a late flight, make sure you get the bags checked in on time.

 

[chartle]

We are going to give ME another try next.


Thanks

Was there some problem the last time you used them?

 

[koho]

Was there some problem the last time you used them?

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus. Two hours after the scheduled pick up the bus shows up. Then we go to GF and we are there for another 45 minutes loading people. Once we get to MCO we had about twenty minutes to get to our gate. We made it but with only minute before they boarded our flight. We vowed that day that we would never use ME again. And the last two trip we rented a car.

So in order to save some money we are going to try ME again. I just hope it goes better than last time.

 

[chartle]

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus. Two hours after the scheduled pick up the bus shows up. Then we go to GF and we are there for another 45 minutes loading people. Once we get to MCO we had about twenty minutes to get to our gate. We made it but with only minute before they boarded our flight. We vowed that day that we would never use ME again. And the last two trip we rented a car.

So in order to save some money we are going to try ME again. I just hope it goes better than last time.

I'm now sorry I asked, because people, including myself, are going to wonder why you didn't go back the front desk after your assigned time and ask where the bus was.

If there was an issue of the bus going to be that late they may have just paid for a cab.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus. Two hours after the scheduled pick up the bus shows up. Then we go to GF and we are there for another 45 minutes loading people. Once we get to MCO we had about twenty minutes to get to our gate. We made it but with only minute before they boarded our flight. We vowed that day that we would never use ME again. And the last two trip we rented a car.

So in order to save some money we are going to try ME again. I just hope it goes better than last time.

I'm sorry that happened to you. My suggestion (just in case it happens again or for anyone else concerned)... 15 minutes after your scheduled departure time, I'd be at the front desk saying "I need a ride to the airport, the bus didn't show up).

 

[goofy4tink]

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus. Two hours after the scheduled pick up the bus shows up. Then we go to GF and we are there for another 45 minutes loading people. Once we get to MCO we had about twenty minutes to get to our gate. We made it but with only minute before they boarded our flight. We vowed that day that we would never use ME again. And the last two trip we rented a car.

So in order to save some money we are going to try ME again. I just hope it goes better than last time.

That was a very unusual situation. As others have said, if the time for your pick up passed by 15 mins (your time for p/u was given as 3:00, and the bus still wasn't there by 3:15, for example), I would have gone in to the front desk and asked about it...leaving someone at the bus stop, just in case the bus showed up.
The buses are supposed to spend no more than 15 mins at the resort, unless there are so many people, with a ton of luggage, that it takes more than 15 mins. But, I've never been sitting on a bus, at a resort, just doing nothing for more than 5 mins. If the guests weren't at the stop, the driver gave them until the stated p/u time to get there and then the bus left.

You will get an envelope hung on your door knob the day before your departure with the assigned time for your bus back to MCO.

If you plan to use RAC to check your baggage at the resort, I think RAC closes at 11AM so if you have a late flight, make sure you get the bags checked in on time.

Actually, to the best of my knowledge, the RAC counters close around 1pm.

 

[koho]

Thanks for the advice. I can not remember why we did not go into the front desk. There was a bus that pulled up while we were waiting, but the driver said that he was just dropping off and that one would be by soon. That is what we get for believing him.

If it was to happen again this time, I know now to go inside and say something thanks to all your advise.

Thanks again.

 

[LisaS]

Thanks for the advice. I can not remember why we did not go into the front desk. There was a bus that pulled up while we were waiting, but the driver said that he was just dropping off and that one would be by soon. That is what we get for believing him.

If it was to happen again this time, I know now to go inside and say something thanks to all your advise.

Thanks again.

This happened to us once. We were at the stop 20 minutes early and the bus never arrived. The Bell Services person who had helped us with our luggage noticed how long we were standing there and called someone. Next thing you know we were given a free cab ride to the airport. This occurred when the DME service first started so we figured it was just a glitch. We've had a couple of issues since then but nothing so bad that we would consider not using the service again in the future.

 

[papertraveller]

We have used ME from the Contemporary several times -- it has fortunately been on time. It has generally had more stops, but it seems to depend on the passenger numbers. We almost always have gone to Wilderness Lodge and the Polynesian; occasionally we've then gone to the Grand Floridian as well.

 

[TaraPA]

On my last trip to CR/BLT it also stopped at Poly & WL, but this can change. I've actually never been on an ME bus that went directly to/from just one resort, there have always been multiple stops.

I just used ME on Tuesday & our bus was scheduled for 6pm. We were out there by 5:30, and by 6:20 we alerted a CM that the ME bus hadn't come yet. They called right away & said the other bus had broken down & we were to just get on the 6:30 bus. It all worked out fine. That was the only glitch we've ever had with ME.

 

[aubriee]

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus. Two hours after the scheduled pick up the bus shows up. Then we go to GF and we are there for another 45 minutes loading people. Once we get to MCO we had about twenty minutes to get to our gate. We made it but with only minute before they boarded our flight. We vowed that day that we would never use ME again. And the last two trip we rented a car.

So in order to save some money we are going to try ME again. I just hope it goes better than last time.

Wow, what a first experience! That was definitely a glitch and very unusual. I go to WDW at least 4-5 times a year and have used DME every trip, since they started it. In fact, I used it the very first week it was in existence. Yeah, I was one of the original guinea pigs. So far, knock on wood, I have never had a problem with them. I'll be using them again for my Nov 26th-Dec 4th, Feb 4th-11th, and May 5th-13th trips. I've used them over 25 times without a problem and hope I haven't just jinxed myself.

Now I did have a problem once going back to the airport, but it was not DME's fault. Just as we were loading, a large family came running up demanding to be put on our bus, as they had got tied up in DTD and missed their bus. The driver and finally the guy with the clip board explained that our bus would be full and there wasn't room for them on the bus. The dad started yelling, demanding that since our flights left after theirs, that some of us be put off the bus to wait for the next bus, or else they were going to miss their flight. It came out in the course of the dad's frantic yelling that they had intentionally missed their pick up time because they thought the three hour before their flight time was ridiculous and they just thought they'd hop on a later bus. They then got tied up in DTD, leaving DTD later than they planned, then the bus from DTD was late, and everything together made them later than they'd planned and they absolutely must get on our bus or they were going to miss their flight, so some of us had to give up our seats to them and catch the next bus. When both the driver and the guy with the clipboard again explained that wasn't happening and since they intentionally missed their assigned bus, Disney was not even technically responsible for getting them on another bus. The guy then climbed onto the bus, motioning for his family to follow him and said they'd just stand then. He was told that wasn't happening either, but then he refused to get off the bus and we couldn't leave. A manager type came out and finally talked him off the bus and when we left, was walking the family inside with the dad screaming at him that they'd better not miss their flight. Then we got tied up in a big wreck on the way to the airport. We weren't in the wreck, just slightly delayed with the traffic from it, then we were the second stop at the airport. Then security at MCO was ridiculously long--much longer than usual. We made it to our gate, but didn't have alot of time to spare. With any one of the delays, we would have still had plenty of time, but with all the delays piling up, we were cutting it shorter than I like.

 

[luvmy2babies]

Wow, what a first experience! That was definitely a glitch and very unusual. I go to WDW at least 4-5 times a year and have used DME every trip, since they started it. In fact, I used it the very first week it was in existence. Yeah, I was one of the original guinea pigs. So far, knock on wood, I have never had a problem with them. I'll be using them again for my Nov 26th-Dec 4th, Feb 4th-11th, and May 5th-13th trips. I've used them over 25 times without a problem and hope I haven't just jinxed myself.

Now I did have a problem once going back to the airport, but it was not DME's fault. Just as we were loading, a large family came running up demanding to be put on our bus, as they had got tied up in DTD and missed their bus. The driver and finally the guy with the clip board explained that our bus would be full and there wasn't room for them on the bus. The dad started yelling, demanding that since our flights left after theirs, that some of us be put off the bus to wait for the next bus, or else they were going to miss their flight. It came out in the course of the dad's frantic yelling that they had intentionally missed their pick up time because they thought the three hour before their flight time was ridiculous and they just thought they'd hop on a later bus. They then got tied up in DTD, leaving DTD later than they planned, then the bus from DTD was late, and everything together made them later than they'd planned and they absolutely must get on our bus or they were going to miss their flight, so some of us had to give up our seats to them and catch the next bus. When both the driver and the guy with the clipboard again explained that wasn't happening and since they intentionally missed their assigned bus, Disney was not even technically responsible for getting them on another bus. The guy then climbed onto the bus, motioning for his family to follow him and said they'd just stand then. He was told that wasn't happening either, but then he refused to get off the bus and we couldn't leave. A manager type came out and finally talked him off the bus and when we left, was walking the family inside with the dad screaming at him that they'd better not miss their flight. Then we got tied up in a big wreck on the way to the airport. We weren't in the wreck, just slightly delayed with the traffic from it, then we were the second stop at the airport. Then security at MCO was ridiculously long--much longer than usual. We made it to our gate, but didn't have alot of time to spare. With any one of the delays, we would have still had plenty of time, but with all the delays piling up, we were cutting it shorter than I like.

How awful for everyone involved here. What a lesson this guy was teaching his children. The ride to the airport from the resort was about an hour then you add in other stops and the recommended 2 hour prior to flight arrival

I didn't want to leave at 9am last time we went either, but I had seen how long the ride was from MCO to where we stayed, so I understood. Getting all of those people to the airport on time is a big responsibility and I don't understand how he could conclude they could just hop on another bus. I didn't even question the pick up time. I mean yes, when we went we had to wait for a while before we went through security but I'd much rather do that than be running for a plane. My crew goes no where fast. Anything can happen in and around the airport and it is better IMHO to have extra time.


What I did do for our next trip was get a later return flight so we won't have to leave so early.

 

[seashoreCM]

We are going to give ME another try next. I was wondering if anyone knows if you can name your our pick up time to go back to MCO?ks

Yes, if the desired pick up time is earlier than 3 hours before your flight (earlier than 4 hours for international or charter). Make this request at least by the morning of the day before checkout (or earlier) and get the revised confirmation sheet. THe earlier bus time will then be your one and only reserved bus time.

Yeah, the last time we used ME about three years ago we were at the Poly and on the day were leaving we got to the ME stop about 30 minutes early. Well we waited about an hour and half and still no bus.

YOu should not wait that long if your bus does not come on schedule.

At T plus five you should go in and ask of the concierge (not in these words) "Where's my bus?"

At T plus 15 the concierge should already have in his mind comping you a taxi (even if he has to take $60. out of the nearest register) if the next bus isn't almost there. (At T plus 20, you kibitz him on that.)

If you are not out of there by T plus 30 there is a very good chance you will be running for your plane.

Wow, what a first experience ... Now I did have a problem ... a large family came running up demanding to be put on our bus ... (ed: text close enough just up above so can snip it and you can q.v.) ... cutting it shorter than I would like.

Imagine if that obnoxious guy and family had been granted seats on your bus. He's already past his T plus 30 and, adding on the time spent arguing with the concierge and the traffic delay en route, he would have missed his plane anyway!

 

[ncc1701]

We are going to give ME another try next. I was wondering if anyone knows if you can name your our pick up time to go back to MCO?

We just did this last week. I called ME 2 days before leaving and asked to be put on an earlier bus. This allowed us to have a nice lunch at MCO rather than wolfing down a sandwhich at Wendy's like we had to last year.(The line at TSA last year took over 30 mins. )

 

[CarrieR]

Yep, an earlier bus should be no problem. In July, our party of four were flying 3 + 1 and the singleton had a bus time several hours after the rest of us. Her preference was to come to the airport with us, so that we could hang out/say goodbyes there (rather than sitting alone at the resort,) and when I called DME to see if she could get moved to our bus they were happy to oblige.

 

[summermac]

I don't like the 3 hours ahead of time either BUT that's b/c we've only used DME once and DME literally picked us up at CBR and took us straight to the airport. We left CBR at 5 AM and were at the airport by 5:45. I understand the 3 hour thing, esp during peak fight times but I wish there was a way they could be a bit more flexible if warranted, like in our case. IT SUCKED having to get up at 4:00 in the morning!

 

[goofy4tink]

A lot of people hate that '3 hrs prior to departure' policy, but it's there for a reason. Let's say you have an 8am flight....so your DME p/u time is going to be around 5ish. You get to MCO by 5:45, and then sit around until you get to start boarding at 7:30.
But, that's assuming you travel directly to MCO. You could have made another stop or two before heading to MCO...which can add about 20 mins to your time. Or, you could encounter an accident on the highway, or excessive traffic. This could mean you don't get to MCO until past 6am...and we all know that MCO tells us to arrive no less than 2 hrs prior to departure. What happens if it all hits the fan (so to speak)...you make two addtl stops, you get stuck in traffic and then there's a long line to checkin, and then the line at security is unbelievable!!!? Now, you're getting to the gate with about 15/20 mins to spare. That's not a lot of fun....been there, done that and don't want to do it again!!

Even if I use a car service, or have a rental car, I head out of WDW 2.5 hrs prior to my flight departure time. So, there's no way I'm quibbling about an addlt 30 mins. If it's really early in the morning, then perhaps staying at the airport the night before is an option.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't like the 3 hours ahead of time either BUT that's b/c we've only used DME once and DME literally picked us up at CBR and took us straight to the airport. We left CBR at 5 AM and were at the airport by 5:45. I understand the 3 hour thing, esp during peak fight times but I wish there was a way they could be a bit more flexible if warranted, like in our case. IT SUCKED having to get up at 4:00 in the morning!

MCO requires Disney schedule guess arrival at MCO 2 hours before their flight. That suggests 30 minutes for travel and 30 minutes to accommodate other stops.

A shorter window might be warranted, but still not allowed, if a passenger didn't have any checked luggage. Your flight left too early for RAC.

Getting up at 4a does suck, would getting up at 4:30a suck that much less.

You could have booked a later flight. You could have booked a car service and slept an extra 45-60 minutes. DME is free transportation.