Magical Express Departure

[MinnieMallons]

We're staying at Saratoga Springs in May.

Our return flight is at 7pm from Orlando.

The documents I received today say the the Magical Express leaves Disney allowing four hours for the trip to the airport.

Does this include the usual allowance for check in or is it in addition to that?

From others experience, what time would the Magical Express leave Disney for a 7pm flight?

 

[shanejoseph]

Just what it says, so about 3 pm. You'll get an official time from M. E.

 

[Ravenne]

You'll also get a letter in your room the night before your leave from DME telling you what time the bus will pick you up.

It's one sad, reality check of a letter.

 

[Cadets74]

My should be on my door when I get back to the room (spending the day at the pool at POP)... Not wanting to go back

 

[DebbieB]

They are usually on the door first thing in the morning the day before departure.

4 hours is typical for international, 3 hours for domestic.

 

[helenk]

We're staying at Saratoga Springs in May.

Our return flight is at 7pm from Orlando.

The documents I received today say the the Magical Express leaves Disney allowing four hours for the trip to the airport.

Does this include the usual allowance for check in or is it in addition to that?

From others experience, what time would the Magical Express leave Disney for a 7pm flight?

Pick up is generally 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. Give or take 15 minutes. As prior posters indicate, you will be notified of your pick up time. I have on the most part gotten my letter the day before my departure. The morning of the departure I have gotten my boarding passes.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

So if I am in a similar situation (7:15pm departure flight) but have a 2pm Garden View Tea Room reservation on departure day, we should be fine right? Staying at BLT.

 

[ottawamom]

If you are flying within the US you will be fine. Cutting it too close if you're off to Canada or overseas.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

We're staying at Saratoga Springs in May. Our return flight is at 7pm from Orlando. The documents I received today say the the Magical Express leaves Disney allowing four hours for the trip to the airport. Does this include the usual allowance for check in or is it in addition to that? From others experience, what time would the Magical Express leave Disney for a 7pm flight?

We had a 8:10pm flight home in December (stayed at Pop Century) our pick up time was 5pm

We always book the last available flight home to maximize the Magic.. usually departing late evening between 8 & 10 pm. We've always been picked up no less then 3 hours before departure time.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

If you are flying within the US you will be fine. Cutting it too close if you're off to Canada or overseas.

US flight, yes. Thank you!

 

[SteveMouse]

Queen, you may be calling it a little close. Your pickup time may be as early as 4p. You are supposed to be at pickup 15 minutes before time (3:45), with all your carry-ons. If you left them at the bell stand, you might need 10 minutes to get them (3:30, with 5 min to get to the DME stop). 15 minutes for the monorail (and that's cutting it very close: 3:15). If they're running slow for tea, you could get jammed up badly.

 

[seashoreCM]

... The documents I received today say the the Magical Express leaves Disney allowing four hours for the trip to the airport ...

This includes the time for security screening, customs for some international travelers, and check in at the airport.

These must be generic documents taking into account international travelers.

 

[DebbieB]

I just received my magical express booklet for my trip next month, it says:

To ensure that your do not miss your flight, motorcoach pickup times are scheduled approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic flights and 4 hours prior for international flights.

 

[helenk]

So if I am in a similar situation (7:15pm departure flight) but have a 2pm Garden View Tea Room reservation on departure day, we should be fine right? Staying at BLT.

I do not know how many are in your party, but when I go to the tea it generally takes me an hour. I do like to make the most of it though and I take my time. Figure to be finished then around 3:00.
You need to remember that the pick up time at each resort is set, so the pick up time could be on the half hour, quarter to or on the hour. 3 hours to your flight time might be 4:15, but the resort pick up time might be 3:45 or 4:00 instead of 4:15. I would think that if the pick up time was on the half hour your pick up time would be 4:30, not 3:30. And as prior poster indicated you need to get your carry ons and be at the bus stop 15 minutes prior.
If your pick up time is closer to 4:15, yes you'll be okay, but if it is earlier you will be cutting it close. If you keep the time at 2:00 consider taking a taxi back to BLT rather than the monorail. Or change your time to 1:00 or 1:30.

 

[dis_guy]

3 hours to your flight time might be 4:15, but the resort pick up time might be 3:45 or 4:00 instead of 4:15. I would think that if the pick up time was on the half hour your pick up time would be 4:30, not 3:30. And as prior poster indicated you need to get your carry ons and be at the bus stop 15 minutes prior.

Actually, your pick up time could be anything. My last DME pick up was 11:55AM. Best to be there 15 mins early, at least.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

I do not know how many are in your party, but when I go to the tea it generally takes me an hour. I do like to make the most of it though and I take my time. Figure to be finished then around 3:00.
You need to remember that the pick up time at each resort is set, so the pick up time could be on the half hour, quarter to or on the hour. 3 hours to your flight time might be 4:15, but the resort pick up time might be 3:45 or 4:00 instead of 4:15. I would think that if the pick up time was on the half hour your pick up time would be 4:30, not 3:30. And as prior poster indicated you need to get your carry ons and be at the bus stop 15 minutes prior.
If your pick up time is closer to 4:15, yes you'll be okay, but if it is earlier you will be cutting it close. If you keep the time at 2:00 consider taking a taxi back to BLT rather than the monorail. Or change your time to 1:00 or 1:30.

2:00 is the earliest reservation for afternoon tea and departure day is really the only time we could fit it in... it really is a must-do for us (my mother's English) so I think we're just going to cross our fingers for a decent departure time! Worst case scenario we can always take a taxi back to BLT as you suggested. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[SteveMouse]

You could always choose to take the cab all the way to MCO if the ME time didn't work. Yes, it's a little more expensive, but may be more relaxing, in your situation.

 

[helenk]

2:00 is the earliest reservation for afternoon tea and departure day is really the only time we could fit it in... it really is a must-do for us (my mother's English) so I think we're just going to cross our fingers for a decent departure time! Worst case scenario we can always take a taxi back to BLT as you suggested. Thanks for the input everyone!

Maybe the earlier reservations are booked, but the Tea does start earlier, in fact I have a reservation for 1:15 for the Tea for my grand-daughter and I in August.

 

[helenk]

Actually, your pick up time could be anything. My last DME pick up was 11:55AM. Best to be there 15 mins early, at least.

I was just using those times as for instance times to indicate that the times are set at each resort, not to count on the pick up time to be exactly 3 hours before the pp flight time.

 

[goofy4tink]

For a flight departure at 7, your pickup time should be between 3:45-4:15. You need to plan on being at the bus stop, ready to go, about 10-15 prior to the time you are given. The time you are given is the time the bus is scheduled to leave the resort, not the time you should arrive at the bus stop!
It will take you anywhere from 15 to 40 mins to get from the GF to the CR. then time to gather your carry on bags...15 mins....and use the restrooms...10 mins. The 40 mins from the GF to CR is truly worst case scenario....most likely would be 25 mins with wait time in there.
You should plan on being at the monorail platform at least an hour before your stated pickup time.