Magical Express question/opinions

[goofy4tink]

Whuh? I'm new to all this! What does that mean?

RAC (resort airline checkin) is available to those flying home on participating airlines. Not all airlines do participate in this program...Southwest for instance. IF you are flying out on one of those airlines, you could be able to head down to the lobby of your resort and check your luggage right there, and get your boarding passes issued. It is essentially curbside checkin, just a long way away from the airport. The only issue is this....you must be completely checked in (as in walking away from the counter) no less than 3 hrs before your flight departure. The RAC counters open at 5am...so, those flying out at 7:30am and after should have no issue using this service. But, if you're flying out at 7, no way can you use it...not nearly enough time to get done with the process.
If you aren't able to use RAC, then no biggie. You just take your bags with you, to the DME bus. Then, when you get to MCO you just check your bags the 'old-fashioned' way, and then head to security.

Let me ask you a question....if you are going to pay at least $50, plus tip, for one-way(over $100 r/t) with a car service, why isn't grocery delivery in your budget?? You would pay for the groceries, plus a delivery charge of about $10-15 and a possible tip. And you aren't wandering around an unfamilier grocery store, and the bags are delivered right to your room.

ok, now THIS is just the type of helpful info that a complete Disney newbie like me needs!!!!!
This never even crossed my mind!! I did request a fridge in our room, and yep, I was wondering how the heck I was going to fill it. LOL!! (I'm actually giggling at myself as I type this..)
Ok, forgive my complete ignorance, but how does that work?? I have never done it.

Each resort has it's own gift shop. Within that gift shop you will find various groceries. Pretty much the things you might need for a short stay. You can head there and buy what you need and then bring it back to your room with you. Be careful though...be sure to check out the size of your fridge first. They aren't all that big.

Those staying in the villas, with full kitchens, or even studios with toasters and microwaves, tend to use grocery delivery services, since they tend to cook more extensively while there.

 

[TinkerbellsMom0923]

We have taken ME many times and love the ride. It is so smooth and easy to take. Last year we arrived at 6p at the airport and had my luggage by 8pm. We stayed at Pop. 2 years ago, I arrived a day later than the rest of the crew and my flight was delayed by 5 hours. We didn't get in until 3am and ME had the bus waiting after I got my luggage. We leave tomorrow for CBR and are again taking ME.

 

[mlittig]

We have used Disney's Magical Express for our last three trips and we love it It is very convenient and is a wonderful way to start the magic as soon as you land

 

[Lglchick]

Let me ask you a question....if you are going to pay at least $50, plus tip, for one-way(over $100 r/t) with a car service, why isn't grocery delivery in your budget?? You would pay for the groceries, plus a delivery charge of about $10-15 and a possible tip. And you aren't wandering around an unfamilier grocery store, and the bags are delivered right to your room.

Can you tag your bags and then not ride DME??
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788
This should answer any questions you might have.

I think we're gonna use ME and the grocery delivery service. Unbeknownst to me, DH apparently was reading through one of my many Disney books and read pretty much what you stated about the cost of car service and then tacking on the cost of groceries. He's a numbers man, and even though he's given me the reins on planning this trip, he can't help but look over my shoulder once in a while.

Hey, we're learning as we go along here and that's why I'm loving this board more and more each day as we get closer to leaving.

And a great big GULP! at the thought of getting an entire family up and out the door before 4:45 A.M.!!!!