Magical Express Questions

[kidsicet]

Can anyone tell me about the Magical Express bus? We've got an Oct. trip planned, but are considering sneaking in an August trip where we'd stay on-site for the first time to take advantage of free dining. We have free airline tickets to use, so it's a deal hard to pass up.

How does the bus work at the airport? From what I gather, you get off the plane and get on a bus, and Disney takes care of our luggage. But I've read about lines you have to stand in. Where are they, and what do we do?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

How does the bus work at the airport? From what I gather, you get off the plane and get on a bus, and Disney takes care of our luggage. But I've read about lines you have to stand in. Where are they, and what do we do?

There are two lines:

First you check in at the "Disney Welcome Center" (Disney's Magical Express counter) on the ground transportation level on side "B." The line can look long, but it moves quickly.

Then you're directed to a queue for motorcoach to your resort. If your motorcoach happens to be loading at the time, you might just walk through the queue and out the door to your motorcoach. But, more often, you'll have to wait until a motorcoach to your resorts begins boarding. In a way, it's like waiting for WDW transportation buses with WDW; sometimes you're luckier than other times.

In any case, it's likely you'll be on your motorcoach around the same time that other passengers on your flight are finally getting their bags at baggage claim.

 

[Doodles 33]

I have done this once and was skeptical, but all worked out well. You get off the plane and go to the Disney area (they should include a map with your Disney info). You can always ask someone in the airport if you cannot find it. When we were there, there was a line, but it moved very quickly. They request that one person from each party go on the line. They give you your boarding pass if I recall and you go to a another area right near the ticketing agents where they tell you which bus to get on. We were told the wrong bus, but I quickly noticed and went to the correct one. Then you see a little 'movie' (helps pass the time). And the next thing you know you get dropped off at your resort. Somehow, the luggage does indeed magically appear. I would always suggest, no matter how you travel that you keep anything of major importance with you. If you arrive early and your room is not ready, you can always check that carry-on with the concierge.

 

[goofy4tink]

You have to reserve your DME in advance...unlike other 'shuttles' you are not able to just walk up and get on board. So....be sure to make that reservation. Then, about 5 weeks before you depart, they will send you an info packet, with yellow luggage tags in it, 2 pp. It will have directions to the DME welcome center. You arrive on Level 3 of MCO, DME is down on Level 1, Side B.
Anyway....you will put a yellow luggage tag on each piece of checked luggage before handing it over at your home airport. Then, when you get to MCO, just head down to Level 1 and to the welcome counter. No need to stop at baggage claim. It shouldn't take long to checkin...only one person has to do it, the rest can wait all nice and comfy in the lounge area, across from the checkin counter. Your vouchers will all be stamped for the bus, and you will then be directed to the appropriate bus line for your resort. Get in that line and wait to board your bus. Hop on the bus, watch the fun movie and before you know it, you're at your resort. You can expect your checked bags to arrive in your room up to three hours after resort checkin. Be sure to take anything you may need for the first 6 hours of your stay in your carryon.

I have used DME over 5 times now...always been a good experience. My average time, from deplaning to resort checkin has been about 70 mins. Usually it is around an hour but one time it took close to 90 mins but that was the last of three resort stops and each stop took awhile because a lot of guests had brought their luggage to the bus with them...so it had to be off-loaded.

Any other questions, feel free to ask us.