Magical Express Question

[100%Disney]

When using ME, what time would you need to be at your hotel, and ready to leave if your flight is at 5:30pm? I thought I had read something about ME leaving for the airport about 3 hours before your scheduled flight, and do they tell you the times that you need to be ready when you check in? Also, does Disney check flights to see if your departure time was changed or do I need to check with the airline?

 

[RMAMom]

ME will schedule your pickup 3 hours before your flight and they recommend that you arrive at the ME stop 15 minutes early. So for a 5:30 flight you will want to be at the ME stop at 2:15

 

[100%Disney]

ME will schedule your pickup 3 hours before your flight and they recommend that you arrive at the ME stop 15 minutes early. So for a 5:30 flight you will want to be at the ME stop at 2:15

Thanks, and do you know if they watch departing flights to see if your flight time changed?

 

[Allison]

Thanks, and do you know if they watch departing flights to see if your flight time changed?

No, that is your responsibility.

 

[RMAMom]

I have never had my ME time change for delayed flights.

 

[Sweettears]

No, that is your responsibility.

And I don't believe that you have the flexibility to change your ME pickup time.

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Jillpie]

ME will schedule your pickup 3 hours before your flight and they recommend that you arrive at the ME stop 15 minutes early. So for a 5:30 flight you will want to be at the ME stop at 2:15

And I'd like to add to this, if you're at a park, I'd be at the bus stop on the way back to the hotel no later than 1:15 or so, that way it gives you time to stop at Bell Services to pick up any carry ons you left there for the day. And remember, ME buses wait for nobody if you're late!

 

[Polydweller]

And I'd like to add to this, if you're at a park, I'd be at the bus stop on the way back to the hotel no later than 1:15 or so, that way it gives you time to stop at Bell Services to pick up any carry ons you left there for the day. And remember, ME buses wait for nobody if you're late!

And just to add to make sure the OP understands the procedure, miss your assigned bus time there is no guarantee you will get on the next one. Further, the busses only stop at a resort if there is someone scheduled to be picked up. So give yourself a lot of time to get there or you'll probably end up taking a taxi.

Not trying to scare the OP but since it isn't a scheduled service it's important to make your arranged time.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

When using ME, what time would you need to be at your hotel, and ready to leave if your flight is at 5:30pm? I thought I had read something about ME leaving for the airport about 3 hours before your scheduled flight, and do they tell you the times that you need to be ready when you check in?

It's usually not exactly 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. There are typically 2 pickups per hour from each resort. So it's 3 hours plus or minus up to 15 minutes.

That makes sense if you think about it. A resort could have guests with flights leaving at 5:15 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 5:25 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 5:35 p.m. DME would not send 5 different motorcoaches to pick them up.

You'll get a sheet with your pickup time on the day before you check out.

Also, does Disney check flights to see if your departure time was changed or do I need to check with the airline?

If you're asking if Disney uses the current scheduled departure time instead of the scheduled time when you made your reservations a few months earlier, the answer is yes. That's why it's very important for DME to have your correct flight number but not your departure time.

If you're asking about delays on the day of the flight, the answer is no. Your pickup time is set the day before. Even if DME had a way of rescheduling your pickup time and reaching you 4 hours before your flight, airlines seldom have accurate delay information that far ahead of time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Plus, your airline wants you at the airport in advance of your printed/scheduled departure time. I've seen flights expected an hour late suddenly revert to being on time.

 

[sam_gordon]

And I don't believe that you have the flexibility to change your ME pickup time.

Actually, I think you do, PROVIDED you want to be picked up EARLIER.

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to be able to go to an early breakfast and the park until around noon, then we would head back to the hotel, eat a quick lunch and wait for the bus. Does that sound doable on 12/23? I'm not sure what the crowd and bus situation would be that close to Christmas.

 

[Alesia]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to be able to go to an early breakfast and the park until around noon, then we would head back to the hotel, eat a quick lunch and wait for the bus. Does that sound doable on 12/23? I'm not sure what the crowd and bus situation would be that close to Christmas.

You should be fine, but I would definitely leave the park at noon. It's going to be ridiculously busy and it's better safe than sorry.