Magical Express or Virgin Downtown Disney Check-in?

[madgem]

I used Virgin's Downtown Disney Check-in last year and found it to be wonderful!

This year I have booked through Expedia not Virgin but I still have Virgin flights which means I'm eligible for DTD check-in again, but I also have the option of Disney's Magical express.

Virgin check-in would mean I know what I'm letting myself in for but also having to pay my own way to and from the airport.

Magical Express would give me free transfers but I have never used it and have also read some negative posts about it.

Any advice?

Gem

 

[musketeer]

No advice but another vote for virgins downtown disney checkin

 

[signtalker]

As far as im aware you can check your bags in at DTD, and still use the ME express to get you back to the airport, just be sure to tell the Cm you havent got bags as they have been checked in already.

Im using it in less than 12 days time.
what negative things have you heard about it ??.
jules

 

[angel659]

Hi

We used ME last yr. As with any coach transfer the negative side for us was how long we waited at the airport before we left and dropping other people off. If we had our own car then we would be at the hotel alot earlier. Also we had to wait until midnight for our suitcases and it everything in it that we needed once settled at the hotel. I heard that they only collect internal luggage now so you would be responsible in collecting your luggage prior to your transfer. On the way back we had no problems in picking people up. The transfer was alot quicker than Sandford route which we had in 2004. We used coach usa back then. The coach kept breaking down on the way to our hotel it took us 2 and half hours to get there.

We will still be using ME next yr and will most probably grab a taxi to take us to DTD for check in so we can have our last day at MK before heading home.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I checked in at DTD Virgin Saturday morning, just back in the last hour.

It was fast and well organised in the valet area of cirque du soleil, the benefit is early seat assignments, last year coming form a cruise i checked in at the airport at 12.30pm, I was ok but people who had assisgned seats on the internet had lost their seats to people booking in at DTD,

We took about 10 mins there and then was back to the Magic Kingdom from 9.30am to 3pm.

 

[PigSoldier]

As you don't have a car, I'd recommend putting your bags on ME. DTD check in is at the West Side, far away from Disney transportation, so you'd either have a long walk (with your bags) from the bus stop, or need to pay for a taxi from your hotel.

Also that would give you your last morning free to sleep in, have a nice breakfast, or the hit the parks early.

 

[signtalker]

Gems, as previously said Id use DTD checkin then catch the ME express, to be honest its worth the upheaveal of catching a taxi to DTD checkin, lets face it it doesnt take that long and you will have the rest of the day free.

Andrew derek I think Gems, was asking about using the ME and DTD checkin at the same time, not using the DTD checkin. when using ME you can do both.

jules

 

[gismo1554]

As said above you can use both. I personally love Magical Express. We use it every year as its hassel free and fairly quick compared to queing for car hire. Also good if you are staying in Disney and not actually wanting to hire a car. We always get a taxi to downtown.

Also always use downtown disney and again its fab. Use both you may as well.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Gems, as previously said Id use DTD checkin then catch the ME express, to be honest its worth the upheaveal of catching a taxi to DTD checkin, lets face it it doesnt take that long and you will have the rest of the day free.

Andrew derek I think Gems, was asking about using the ME and DTD checkin at the same time, not using the DTD checkin. when using ME you can do both.

jules

Sorry didnt understand fully, but I know without a car its difficult but my point was if seat assignments are important to you, i recommend bag check in at DTD not take them on Magicial express as you check in at MCO after 12.30pm there, thats when Virgin opens for the Gatwick Flights, and people can get seat assisgments at DTD at 8.30am, and I know they have issued seats before, 'booked' on the internet, by travellers thinking they are guaranteed to get that seat.

Noit sure about Magicial express as never used it, but I thought they couldnt check you in for Virgin??? Sorry if I am wrong.

 

[paulh]

We have used ME a couple of times onece whith the yelow tags lugage came 6am next morning.and without yellow tags twice we just walked to buss with our bags and took them with us to resort not waiting for them to arive.
The yelow tag option is better for the ammericans as they arive earler and visit parks as soon as they check in thus giving time for bags to be in room when they return later
Paulh