Magical Express & AKL

[JRawkSteady]

So I've heard both good and bad things about the ME. Has anyone recently used the service? I read on the sticky post that you can bring your luggage with you..is this true as well? The only thing I was really worried about was the luggage not arriving on time.

Also, has anyone taken the ME to AKL? Just wondering if you felt the service was efficient if not more. Thanks so much!

 

[goofy4tink]

I've used DME three times now, with 3 more coming this year. I have had very good experiences with them. Once I had only carry-on and so had no issues with my luggage delivery. The first time we used them we had checked baggage. It arrived in our room about 20 minutes after we did. Can't complain about that.
Should you go to baggage claim and grab your own bags? That's up to you. If you want to do that, be sure you do not put those yellow luggage tags on your bags. They will not get out to the public baggage claim! So, pick up your bags and then head to the DME check-in desk. Then head for the appropriate bus. The driver will load your bags underneath the bus, and then when you get to AKL he will unload them for you. This would prompt a tip from you.
As for the level of service that DME has going to AKL, I don't think it is any better or any worse than other resorts. I have always been in my resort check-in line within 75 minutes of deplaning.

 

[TAKitty]

In Dec. I felt like it took a long time hour and a half to arrive at AKL. The AKL is the last stop. For our July trip I am booking a car service instead. If you want to save money go with ME, otherwise I was not impressed with the service.

 

[CleveRocks]

I loved DME and I hope it's still around (and free!) when I return in 2007.

As far as efficiency and baggage? Well, if you get your own bags at baggage claim, you're unnecessarily slowing yourself down. If you pack urgently needed items in your carry-on (which you should always do anyway just in case the AIRLINE delays your luggage), you won't care when your luggage gets delivered to your room. When our luggage arrived, we didn't even know it because we were in the pool enjoying the start of our vacation.

 

[JRawkSteady]

Thanks a lot guys! Very informative. It's true. I have a fairly large backpack that I'll probably pack a few pairs of clothes in. AKL IS very far, which is why I wanted to know how long it took. But I guess an hour and a half isn't that bad. My girlfriend has never been to WDW and I just want to make sure we get to walk around Magic Kingdom the evening we get there and slowly take in everything. This way when we have to rush the next morning (which to me is necessary..at least before a certain time) I won't feel like I'm ruining her experience. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Contrary to popular belief, AKL is *NOT* far, or out of the way by ANY means. It's not always the last stop, sometimes it's the first or second. It all depends on the load of passengers.

By bus, AKL is about 14-15 minutes away from the Magic Kingdom. Riverside is about 12-13. So... is 1-3 minutes REALLY that big of a difference?