Magical Express and AKL`

[RickinNYC]

Hey guys, quick question for those that have used ME and have stayed at AKL. I know that a typical ME shuttle goes to multiple resorts, i.e. many drop offs. But because AKL is rather isolated, is that still the case or is everyone on that particular shuttle only AKL guests?

Just trying to figure out whether we should bother with ME or take a towncar service. We want to make the most of our first day.

 

[Lewisc]

It's really not what resorts are near each other so much as which resorts are "on the way". AKL isn't a large resort, I doubt DME has enough passengers to ever fill a DME bus.

POP-CSR-AKL was the route my bus took. I just missed a bus and had to wait 20 minutes. It was still less than 90 minutes from landing to arrival at AKL. The DME driver insisted on following the speed limit. Dozens of vehicles passed us and we didn't pass a single vehicle. Probably added 10 minutes to the trip.

If you have to wait for checked luggage then a towncar will probably save you less than 30 minutes. DME average 70 minutes from landing to arrival at your resort. Assume a towncar will take 30 minutes to drive, add a 15-30 minute wait for luggage and you will save very little time.

Towncar might make sense if you have a short trip and don't check luggage.

 

[RickinNYC]

Excellent! Thanks for the answer. We'd only used DME once before and it was great. Usually use towncars otherwise. But I think I want to go DME this time because it's a.) free, b.) convenient, c.) no luggage, d.) pseudo check-in at airport.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Just trying to figure out whether we should bother with ME or take a towncar service. We want to make the most of our first day.

Lewisc gave an excellent reply. A towncar service is almost always faster if you don't have checked luggage. But, when you add the time at baggage claim to wait for checked luggage, the towncar service's advantage is largely erased.

See the recent thread, "Magical Express or Town Car Service?" for more thoughts.

A towncar is a comfortable way to travel, especially for two people. There's luxury and personal service that you don't get with Magical Express. But Magical Express is free, and a towncar service certainly isn't.