Magical Express First Timers

[donmil723]

We just used ME last week. On 10/21 we got off our plane at MCO at 3:10 p.m. on the A side. We stopped at the restroom and walked over to the B side and downstairs to ME. No line to check in and just a couple of minutes wait to board the bus. We dropped off at CBR first and then BW before arriving at BC at 4:10. We checked in and were in our room by 4:25 p.m. Awesome!!!!

We didn't get any info the day before we left about what time we were scheduled to leave BC so I called the front desk and they put me through to ME who gave us our departure time. We left 10/27 at 1:10 p.m., stopped at BW and then CBR before heading to the airport. We checked our bags curbside with SWA sky caps and were through security and at our gates by 2:30 p.m. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 4 p.m. but was delayed until about 4:25 p.m.

Based on our past few trips when we have rented a car, it has taken us about 90 minutes from the time we get off the plane until we arrive at the BW or BC. When returning to the airport we usually leave about 2:15 to 2:30 hours prior to our flight time so with ME we had to leave about 30 minutes sooner to get back. It was really a stress free way to start and end our vacation. We will use ME again!

Donna

 

[Cee]

We will be using this service for the first time in Dec. I'm so glad to hear that
everything went smoothly. Those travel days are hard enough without added
stress.

 

[goofy4tink]

We arrived on the 21st also, and had the same experience. I just walked through the maze and right up to the counter. Then off to the bus line and waited about 5 minutes (if that) and then onto a bus. We did wait a bit for the bus to load, about 15 minutes. But, all in all, we landed at 11:45 and we arrived at BW at about 12:50 and we were checked in by 1:00.
For our return, I did have to call DME. I had a 3:30 return flight but they had me down for an 11:30 return pickup. I told them I didn't think that Boston was considered 'international' from Orlando!! I thought they told me I would be picked up at 12:15, but evidently misheard the woman. We sat on the porch at BW just passing time when my friend stood up and said there was a DME bus at the stop!! So off we trekked, to be told that we must be running late!! That we had almost missed the bus....ah, no, I told the driver. We were waiting for the 12:15 bus. He said there was no 12:15 bus. The DME woman most likely had said 12:50!!! Duh...dopey me. But my friend wanted to be sure to get to the airport so on we got. We had about 3 hrs to kill at the airport.

 

[seashoreCM]

>>> I called the front desk and they put me through to ME who gave us our departure time.

>>> I thought they told me I would be picked up at 12:15, but evidently misheard the woman.

It is important to have the information in writing. If you did not get it hung on your door the day before checkout (or it was pilfered) or if you made a last minute change, then go down to the check in area and get a new printout, as well as bus vouchers (bus tickets) if you don't have one for each person.

Without this in writing you may be denied boarding.

Just a reminder, the time on your confirmation is the time the ME bus closes its door and moves on! Just like an airplane!

 

[goofy4tink]

>>> I called the front desk and they put me through to ME who gave us our departure time.

>>> I thought they told me I would be picked up at 12:15, but evidently misheard the woman.

It is important to have the information in writing. If you did not get it hung on your door the day before checkout (or it was pilfered) or if you made a last minute change, then go down to the check in area and get a new printout, as well as bus vouchers (bus tickets) if you don't have one for each person.

Without this in writing you may be denied boarding.

Just a reminder, the time on your confirmation is the time the ME bus closes its door and moves on! Just like an airplane!

Yep, I'm well aware of the policy. If you compare the 12:15 to the 12:50, they do sound alike. I did have the notice slipped under the door the day before...that's why I called DME to get my departure time changed. I have to disagree with the 'have it in writing'......I have yet to have to show the bus driver anything other than my previously stamped voucher. I had it, the bus driver had no issues whatsoever in letting us on the bus. It was my mistake, not the DME rep, I misheard her. 15, 50...they sound sorta the same. So, basically I was allowed on a bus, an hour earlier than my 'confirmation' stated.

 

[paults]

if you have the voucher from the DME MICKEY BOOKLET you don't need the letter that comes under the door the day before you leave. This letter just reminds you of your departure time and you use it if you lost the booklet voucher.

 

[CleveRocks]

if you have the voucher from the DME MICKEY BOOKLET you don't need the letter that comes under the door the day before you leave. This letter just reminds you of your departure time and you use it if you lost the booklet voucher.

The letter doesn't REMIND you of your DME bus departure time, it INFORMS you of that time. That letter is the one and only time that you are told what time your bus will arrive to take you back to MCO. Having the original vouchers from the DME booklet may get you on the bus, but without the letter you don't know what time to get the bus.

 

[kimis]

We love ME! It sure helps save time, especially when you are coming from a 5 hour flight and the dh is hungry! HA!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, you may not have anything in 'writing' but they do tell you when you first arrive at the DME checkin desk what time they have you down for pickup. I was told they were picking me up at 11:30, I questioned the CM who said no, that was the correct time. He said that was the 'normal' time allotment...ah, no, not for a 3:30 flight. So, when I got the 'formal' notification under my door, and it still read 11:30, I called them to make the change. So, even though it may not be written down in your info packet, you should ask when you first get to the DME desk upon arriving at MCO. It's always good to have some kind of an idea as to the timing involved.

 

[livinforvacation]

How long before your luggage arrived at your room?

 

[donmil723]

When we checked at bell services to see if our perishables had been delivered by Garden Grocer, they told us they had just taken our luggage to our room. Not sure of the exact time but it was before 6:30 p.m. I was impressed that it was there already.

Donna

 

[kimis]

We arrived in Orlando at 3:40 P.M. and we were checking in by 4:30. We went to DTD to relax and eat. When we returned a couple of hours later our lagguage was in our room and we were able to unpack & get ready for the next day. We love the time it saves! You will too!

 

[paults]

The letter doesn't REMIND you of your DME bus departure time, it INFORMS you of that time. That letter is the one and only time that you are told what time your bus will arrive to take you back to MCO. Having the original vouchers from the DME booklet may get you on the bus, but without the letter you don't know what time to get the bus.

I said you don't need the letter that comes under your door if you have the booklet with the vouchers in it. I never said anything about not receiving the letter. For me it ( the letter) is a reminder that I'm leaving WDW and don't be late for the bus. While it informs you too you can leave it in your room on purpose or accident and get on the bus without it. if you have the vouchers.

 

[tmt martins]

We just got back and ME was great as always so far.Arrived at about 9:20am

We were the 3rd stop at POFQ I really didn't time it but not that long .Airport check-in was walk right up then right onto bus with a 5 or 10 min wait at most.

Our bags were seen as we were getting off the bus on the truck and 2 showed up at the room with-in 20 mins.The third bag showed up later in the day as we went to Epcot I came back at 12:00 to be picked up for my car rental.

The return trip was just as good 2nd of 4 stops and had time to eat dinner and board with little wait.

 

[Lewisc]

How long before your luggage arrived at your room?

Incoming bell services are pre-tipped by Disney. You don't have to be in the room. Most of us don't know how long it take for luggage to arrive. We're at the pool, at a theme park or just having lunch.

If you're the kind of guest who's going to wait in your room until your luggage is delivered then you might as well skip the yellow tags and get your own luggage.

 

[TheWog]

Thanks. We will be using DME for our first trip to WDW. Glad it was pretty painless.