Magical Express and first night at Swan/Dolphin?

[DeerIsleDisney]

We are planning a trip for Dec. 30 2011 - Jan 7 or 8 2012. We'll be staying DVC for at least 7 nights. If we can't get DVC for our first night or two, we may try the Swan or Dolphin as we have Starwood points. I don't think they participate in the Magical Express.

Let's say we get Boardwalk for our DVC reservation. Could we take ME a day early to Boardwalk and walk from there to the Swan? Or, do you forfeit the ME service if you can't use it on the day your reservation begins?

And the same question in reverse, just in case the situation arose... would it work to use your ME transportation the day after you check out if you capped off your stay at the Swan or Dolphin?

If ME is not an option, what do you suggest for airport to Swan/Dolphin if you don't want a rental car for the whole stay? (2 adults, 3 children)

Thanks!

 

[disfan07]

If you are not staying at a Disney owned hotel the first night, you will not be allowed to use ME. ME is tied to your room reservation. Same goes for the return to the airport. You have to have a reservation at a Disney hotel to first night and last night to be able to use ME.

I'm not sure about what would be the best transportation option for you since we always use ME.

 

[happymommy]

I used ME once, but actually hated it! It was over two hours from when we landed till we got even close to our resort (we took a cab back). We had always used a towncar service or rented a car one way.

One option for you is too book a car with National or Alamo from MCO to the Dolphin. It's usually not much - less than a towncar. That way, you can do a grocery stop if you want! I've done that a few times, sometimes it's been under $30 even. A towncar is at least $50, as is a cab. But convenient.

 

[goofy4tink]

You can't use DME if you don't have an active WDW resort reservation for the day you want to use DME...so, that's out for you.
If there were just two of you heading to the S/D, I would suggest the Mears shuttle. I used it when staying at the Dolphin and it worked out quite well. It was about $18 or so one way, pp. But since you have 5 in your group, that isn't going to be cost effective.
I would just hire a towncar service. Try to find a car service with a larger car..like an SUV. That will work quite well for you.

 

[Hellokitty343]

I'll be staying at the Dolphin the 2nd week of December and used their VIP Concierge website to make car service arrangements for round trip to and from MCO airport.
swandolphinconcierge.com

 

[NancyIL]

I have rented cars one-way from Alamo or National for pick-up or drop-off at the Dolphin. I have also taken Mears ($20 one-way/$33 roundtrip pp). For a family of 5, I would rent a minivan/SUV or book a towncar service.