Magical Express questions

[zippnby]

I understand the concept of this service but I have a few questions for people who have already used it.

1) How frequently do the shuttles leave? Do they leave every half hour, hour? How long am I going to be stuck in the airport waiting for the bus to fill up?

2) Did it run smoothly? Are there any glitches that can be avoided?

We are looking foward to using this service on our trip in August. But waiting around the airport with 3 kids whinning "When are we going to get there?" is not the way I want to start off my Vacation.

3) How long does it take for your bags to get into your room?


Thanks in advance for your help-

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Zippnby - if you look over a few pages of this board you will find lots of info on ME but here is my opinion:


1. I don't think there is a consistent schedule of how often busses run. In August we only waited about 5 minutes for our bus (going to Pop). Last week we waited about 20 minutes since we got there during shift change - we spoke to a few CM there and they said shift change can hold things up by but we still only waited 20 minutes. Taking into consideration we didn't have to pick up our luggage or rent a car or get a taxi/limo that is still excellent IMHO.

2. Other than the shift change there were no glitches I saw. On our return trip to the airport we were actually picked up by a van/taxi provided by ME. The driver explained to us that sometimes disney knows that ME will be late so they send cabs to pick up so you won't be late. I thought this was great! The taxi was even about 10 minutes early!

3. Bags to the room not only depends on ME but also the bell services desk at the resort. Our luggage was at the hotel for awhile before bell services could get to it (they say they were short handed). Still it was only about 2 hours. My advise - bring anything you need for that day with you in your carry ons (like a change of clothes, bathing suit, toiletries, meds, etc). Depending when you arrive at your resort you may have to wait for your room anyway, they will hold your carry ons for you if you have to wait and want to head to a park or just look around.

IMHO ME is a lot better than doing it yourself. Waiting on line for the bus with "are we there yet?" is easier than waiting at the luggage carousel and looking for your bags with "are we there yet?" then carrying your own bags and getting a car or limo.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have used DME several times now....every time it has been about 70 minutes from the time I deplaned to my resort check-in line. Even if there is a line at the DME Welcome desk, it has never taken me more than 5 minutes there. Then, when I have gotten to the bus line, for my particular resort, I think I have waited, at most, 10 minutes to board a bus, then another 10 minutes waiting for others to board. then it's about 30 minutes to the resorts.
I have had my bags in my room within 30 minutes of getting into the room.
I find it to be a wonderful service. My only issue is the return to the airport. I wish you didn't have to leave 2 hrs 45 mins. before your flight. If your luggage has gone on before you, I think you should be able to hop on a later bus....maybe about 2 hrs before your flight.