Magical Express Question

[bray]

We will be there Dec. 18-22 staying at OKW. Last December, we used Florida Tours. It was great!

Would you recommend FL Tours or the Magical Express? We were not planning on the expense of flying but due to the hurricane, we can't count on finding hotel and gas along I-10 from Houston to Florida.

When do the busses run for Magical Express? Is it a shuttle van or a large bus like the ones that take you to the cruise terminal?
Is there anywhere you can find this info on the disney website? Also, do you have to book your vacation through Disney or would our DVC membership work?
Thanks

 

[ncbyrne]

I can't answer all of your questions, but this is all there is about Magic Express on the Walt Disney World website:
Disney's Magical Express Service
With this complimentary service, which is available to Disney Resort Guests during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, you simply attach the personalized luggage tags we send you, check your bags at your hometown airport – and your vacation starts the moment you land at Orlando International Airport!
Bypass baggage claim when you arrive and board deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches to Walt Disney World® Resort. You won't even have to think about your bags, which will "magically" appear in your room upon check-in.
Save on transportation costs, tolls, and more - the service is complimentary.
When your vacation's over, you and your bags are taken back on deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches from your Disney Resort to the Orlando International Airport.
Guests traveling on participating airlines (domestic flights only) can receive their return airline boarding passes and check luggage at their Disney Resort. Bypassing airport check-in is just another benefit of Disney's Magical Express.
Book at least 10 days in advance. Pet carriers are not included.

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, DME uses very nice new buses, and if they have to they will use the DCL buses as well as Mears buses. I believe they run about every 20 minutes or so throughout the day and night. If arriving very late it may be an issue getting a bus, but I'm not so sure.
I book DME through MS when I'm staying on points. The first time we used DME, last June, we arrived at BCV but were leaving from POR. MS had no problem booking it both ways. And there were no mistakes either, which surprised me. I booked DME in August when I stayed at POP with Disney directly, when I booked my room.
You can book directly on the DVC member site. It was a wonderful experience both times I have used it. Very similar to the towncars, without the hefty price. I can deal with sitting on a bus with a bunch of other people if it will save me over $100 and get me to WDW in a timely fashion, which it did.