Magical Express possible day after checkout

[kmchisholm]

Apologies as I think I originally posted in wrong board - Does anyone know if it's possible to use Magical Express a day after checkout? We have 2 nights at BWV and a free stay at the Hilton - didn't know if it was possible to book the return trip on ME for the day after or if they required you to do it for the dates on your reservation? I know I've accidentally booked the wrong day before and had to call in, but didn't know if anyone had done it on purpose.

 

[DebbieB]

Apologies as I think I originally posted in wrong board - Does anyone know if it's possible to use Magical Express a day after checkout? We have 2 nights at BWV and a free stay at the Hilton - didn't know if it was possible to book the return trip on ME for the day after or if they required you to do it for the dates on your reservation? I know I've accidentally booked the wrong day before and had to call in, but didn't know if anyone had done it on purpose.

A friend of mine stayed at POP last year and then went to Universal for a conference for 2 or 3 days, she got a ride from a friend. On the day of her return flight, her friend dropped her off at POP so that she could spend the day at Disney. She asked about ME to the airport and after verifying it wasn't used on her checkout day, they made a reservation for her for that day.

 

[kmchisholm]

Thank you for your help! I just booked my ME request online so fingers crossed! If not, the taxi won't break us, just a nice to have.

 

[Gracie09]

You are entitled to one trip each way during your stay at a wdw resort. Once you check out you are no longer staying there and therefore cannot use magic express.

 

[sam_gordon]

You are entitled to one trip each way during your stay at a wdw resort. Once you check out you are no longer staying there and therefore cannot use magic express.

I'm sure that's the official stance, but DebbieB pointed out a friend did exactly that.

OP, how are you getting from the Hilton to BWV? If by cab, what's the cost difference to go from the Hilton straight to MCO?

 

[kmchisholm]

The Hilton is actually right across from Downtown so plan is to take the Downtown Disney bus from BWV sometime on Tuesday then just take it back to catch our flight.

Know we will have to allow time for the bus service, but saves about $50 in taxi fare. Had a few other people tell me they've done it before as well, so fingers crossed.

 

[sam_gordon]

The Hilton is actually right across from Downtown so plan is to take the Downtown Disney bus from BWV sometime on Tuesday then just take it back to catch our flight.

Know we will have to allow time for the bus service, but saves about $50 in taxi fare. Had a few other people tell me they've done it before as well, so fingers crossed.

What are you doing for your luggage?

 

[kmchisholm]

Just a carry-on and possibly small bag each, figure that can go on bus with us. Short girls trip, so won't need too much.

 

[pigletliz]

Did the PP have to pay for that Mears shuttle? My flight came in 3 hours early (9 pm) instead of 12:10 am the next morning. (Gate agent had generously changed my layover flight) Magical Express would not transport me, even with the voucher. I had to pay 20 for the Mears shuttle. I was not happy.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just arrange for the Mears or other shuttle. Don't count on Cast Members bending the Magical Express rules.

 

[LilyWDW]

Just a carry-on and possibly small bag each, figure that can go on bus with us. Short girls trip, so won't need too much.

Unless it seems like what you would take to the parks, they won't allow it on the bus. Disney transportation does not allow the transportation of luggage.

 

[kmchisholm]

I do have a friend who can take us back and forth between Hilton and BWV. We'll see when book comes from ME! Thanks for all the help!

 

[seashoreCM]

Did the PP have to pay for that Mears shuttle? My flight came in 3 hours early (9 pm) instead of 12:10 am the next morning. (Gate agent had generously changed my layover flight) Magical Express would not transport me, even with the voucher. I had to pay 20 for the Mears shuttle. I was not happy.

If you were registered at your resort that night then you should have been allowed to take Magical Express, whether at 9 PM or 12:10 AM.

If you were not registered until the next day then you should not have been allowed to board DME until about 5 AM.

 

[LilyWDW]

Did the PP have to pay for that Mears shuttle? My flight came in 3 hours early (9 pm) instead of 12:10 am the next morning. (Gate agent had generously changed my layover flight) Magical Express would not transport me, even with the voucher. I had to pay 20 for the Mears shuttle. I was not happy.

When did your reservation start? If you didn't have one for the night you arrived, then I am not at all surprised that they wouldn't transport you. Though then I have to wonder what you were expecting to do that first night.

Can you clarify?

 

[pigletliz]

I was actually just going to sit in the hotel lobby, rather than hang out at the airport. My original flight was due in a few minutes after midnight and my reservation for that day. I ended up on the same exact shuttle. I totally understand the policy. At the time, I thought they could override it since it was just two hours early. I haven't really given it much more thought until I saw this post. I just wanted the original poster to know that their plan would probably not work.

 

[kmchisholm]

Thanks - have heard stories both ways so will give it a shot and report back!

 

[purple figment]

I was actually just going to sit in the hotel lobby, rather than hang out at the airport. My original flight was due in a few minutes after midnight and my reservation for that day. I ended up on the same exact shuttle. I totally understand the policy. At the time, I thought they could override it since it was just two hours early. I haven't really given it much more thought until I saw this post. I just wanted the original poster to know that their plan would probably not work.

However, it's very possible you wouldn't have been able to ride DME at 12:10 AM because hotels rent rooms by the night and in this case the night would not have ended until 6 AM when the computers roll over to the new day. You wouldn't have been able to check into your room until after 6 AM so technically while it was after midnight it was still the previous "day" when you didn't have a hotel reservation.

 

[pigletliz]

However, it's very possible you wouldn't have been able to ride DME at 12:10 AM because hotels rent rooms by the night and in this case the night would not have ended until 6 AM when the computers roll over to the new day. You wouldn't have been able to check into your room until after 6 AM so technically while it was after midnight it was still the previous "day" when you didn't have a hotel reservation.

I had a voucher for the 12:10 am arrival. I typically arrive at 5am. The prices just weren't very good. I knew I couldn't check into the room the night before. I truly just intended to sit in the hotel lobby, rather than the airport and read my book while waiting for my other friends to arrive. I thought it might be a little safer. No big deal (other than the 20 dollars). They felt bad about it and I didn't complain. Just went to the Mears counter, paid for a new voucher and got on the bus to my happy place.

 

[purple figment]

I truly just intended to sit in the hotel lobby, rather than the airport

Yep, I'd rather sit in the lobby of the resort than the airport, too...or since we usually stay at one of the Epcot resorts I would have probably walked over to the International Gateway and stared longingly.

 

[kmchisholm]

I am glad to hear about the Mears option - makes me feel better than the other rumor of $75. Do you happen. To know how I can arrange, is it just through their website?