Magical Express Experiences, Good and Bad

[Trini]

I want to be prepared ahead of time. Please share your experiences with Magical Express.

You guys are so awesome. I have learned so much and now I feel much more informed about our upcoming vacation.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

We had a GREAT experience with ME.

With as much servicing as ME does, I'm sure there will be the handful of 'nightmare' stories, but there are always SO many more good news stories about ME.

 

[helenk]

I've used ME twice and had great service. The buses are nice, the drivers were very friendly. I am looking forward to using ME again for our trip next year.

 

[BlindTyldak]

We've read such great things about it that though we normally get a town car, we are using it this time. The only complaints I have heard that seem to be pretty consistant are people arriving late at night, and their luggage arriving even later. if you get in at like 11 PM, based off of that I'd pick up your luggage yourself and take it with you, rather than wait for it to arrive on ME on its own.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Here's the thing with the late night delivery...

You have reduced staffing at the airport, which slows things down.

You have reduced luggage, which means less trucks. This means one truck, many stops, which slows things down.

Once at the resort, the late night bell staff is very limited...

So that's why late night luggage delivery is slower than during the day.

 

[seashoreCM]

The only real horror stories have to do with getting back to the airport. To minimize problems, be sure to:

1. Have your return bus time in writing, it's about 3 hours befor flight time unless you request more time. This is normally arranged just after you get to Orlando but can be changed any time and the final confirmation is usually delivered to your room day before check out. (Get it at the front desk if not delivered.)

2. Be punctual for your bus. I suggest planning to be back at your resort an hour before bus time.

3. Then if the bus does not arrive on time you should really pressure the resort staff to get you on your way within 15 minutes. They have ways of working magic here, I will let you use your imagination, or you can PM me.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/magicx.htm

 

[DisneyJade]

can you book ME just one way? as in, on the way to the resort, but not on the way back? also, if you are not checking luggage... does that speed up the trip to the resort at all, or are you still looking at an hour minimum trip?

 

[tmt martins]

can you book ME just one way? as in, on the way to the resort, but not on the way back? also, if you are not checking luggage... does that speed up the trip to the resort at all, or are you still looking at an hour minimum trip?

Yes you can book just one way.

We sent 3 of 5 so our luggage could be sent .Then us 2 went to the rental we all arrived at SSR with in minutes of each other.

Your bags really mean nothing as they are trucked from the back and not put on the buses unless you pick them and take them.


1 hr is not that bad if you had to pick up your bags get the rental or towncar it still take 15 to 20 min for that add 30 to40 min. drive and you are still at about 1 hr.

 

[aubriee]

I've used DME five times (May '05, Sept '05, Dec '05, Jan '06, and May '06) and will be using it again in Sept. We had good experiences every time--left the airport in a timely manner, bags in room when we get back from the parks, first drop off coming from the airport and go straight to the airport with no stops on the way back, drivers friendly and safe.

I did forget to tip the DME driver the first time I used it. I was under the impression that Disney took care of the tips, but have since learned dfferently.