Magical Express Questions

[doriemg]

Hello,

We have a trip scheduled to Disneyworld in November and had some questions about Magical Express. I appreciate any help anyone can offer.

First question is once you arrive at the Magical Express lounge at the airport, about how long is the wait to get a bus and about how long is it once you board the bus before it leaves for the resorts? Reason I ask is we bought tickets for the last Mickey's Not-So-Scarey Halloween Party on November 2? Our flight gets in at 5:30pm and the party starts at 7:00pm so we were hoping to get to the resorts as early as possible in order to be at the party when it starts. We're hoping that Magical Express will get us there in time but we may just have to rent a car if there's any chance that it might take a long time.

Second question is can you do Magical Express only one way, meaning can I use it when we arrive at the airport but use another means of transportation to get back to the airport at the end of our trip?

Third and final question, about how much would be considered a standard tip for the driver? Thanks all.

 

[RMulieri]

It can take 90 mins once you land at the airport to get to the resort.All depends on how long you wait for a bus, how many stops ahead of your resort( more than one resort drop off is on each bus).you still need to check in and then get to MK.Personally I think You are going to cut it way too close.What if your flight gets delayed or cancelled?

 

[PHLtoMCO]

I also think you might be cutting it a little close. What if your flight is delayed? That will really throw your night off.

Last year my sister and I arrived at the airport at 8am and we walked right on the DME. No wait, bus was already there and he left with my sister and I being the only two on the bus. No stops at all, just right to the Poly. We were there in no time! 3 weeks ago when we went, we landed at 7pm and had to wait for the DME. We were also the third stop on the bus, so it took longer than last year. I would say that this situation would be the norm and what happened to my sister and I last year will be less likely especially with your flight landing at 5:30pm. I guess my point being it really could go either way as to when you'll arrive at the hotel. I really do hope you make it! If all goes well, you may just have to arrive at the party later if you don't make it at the start time.

Is there any way at all you can adjust your flight for an earlier arrival time?

 

[Polydweller]

It can take 90 mins once you land at the airport to get to the resort.All depends on how long you wait for a bus, how many stops ahead of your resort( more than one resort drop off is on each bus).you still need to check in and then get to MK.Personally I think You are going to cut it way too close.What if your flight gets delayed or cancelled?

I agree with you on all of this, especially for an extra cost event. Even renting a car by the time you get your bags and the car, the drive to your resort would be at least an hour. Checking in and getting to MK about 1 more hour. I don't think even rushing you could get into MK in less than two hours and likely longer.

I suppose you could drive directly to MK and pay for parking ($14). But then you have to checkin after the party. It all feels like a real rush. I'd try for an earlier flight if that's possible.

To answer another of your questions. Yes, you can use ME one way. Just let them know at least 1 day in advance before a return trip.

 

[Missytara]

For future reference, you can find all the answers to ME questions on the Transportation Board.

 

[TDC Nala]

Our flight gets in at 5:30pm and the party starts at 7:00pm so we were hoping to get to the resorts as early as possible in order to be at the party when it starts.

The only way you are going to possibly make it by 7 or even shortly after 7 is if you are staying at a monorail resort. Not only do you have to get to your resort via DME, taking into account possible flight delays and how long DME might take, but you then have to check in to your room (if you need your dining plan or you have luggage coming via DME, you have to be checked into your room; otherwise you can wait to check in if you'd like to) and get Disney transportation to MK.

Second question is can you do Magical Express only one way, meaning can I use it when we arrive at the airport but use another means of transportation to get back to the airport at the end of our trip?

Yes.

 

[Jestocost]

It can take 90 mins once you land at the airport to get to the resort.All depends on how long you wait for a bus, how many stops ahead of your resort( more than one resort drop off is on each bus).you still need to check in and then get to MK.Personally I think You are going to cut it way too close.What if your flight gets delayed or cancelled?

I agree with the time estimate but would add that it applies only if you use the DME luggage transfer service or have only carry-on bags. If you choose to collect your own bags and have them on the bus with you to the resort, you should add at least another 20 minutes to the timing.

I also would agree that you probably will not make it to MNSSHP by the time the party officially starts at 7 p.m. (recognizing too that in the past you have been able to get in as early a 4 p.m. with just a MNSSHP ticket). For planning purposes, you probably should assume that you would arrive at the park for the party no earlier than 8 p.m. If that's not a big deal, go for it. If you don't want to get to the party late, then I would go with another plan.

 

[doriemg]

Thank you all for your answers. Unfortunately we're unable to do an earlier flight. My sons have 2 days off from school in November and we're planning this trip around their school schedule. The school system gets a little snitty if you take your kids out for any extra days so we're tied to the flight time we have.

We've been to Disneyworld many times in the past but have never taken Magical Express so we're familiar with how long it will take to get a rental car and get to the resorts. We also know to skip Rt. 4 and take the Bee Line to get there faster. The money for tolls is negligible. We might just be better off doing that again but will give it some thought before we decide.

Once we get there I don't think it will be a problem getting to Magic Kingdom. We're staying at the Contemporary and can walk there. I think the trip takes about 10 minutes on foot. And really, if we don't make it there right when MNSSHP starts it's not that big of a deal. I think we'll still have a great time. We just wanted to be able to take in as much as we can in the allotted time.

And finally, thanks for the tip about the Transportation board. I assumed it was just for transportation in and around Disneyworld. Didn't realize it included outside stuff as well. Will definitely check it out further.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your answers. It's very much appreciated!

 

[gwynne]

Thank you all for your answers. Unfortunately we're unable to do an earlier flight. My sons have 2 days off from school in November and we're planning this trip around their school schedule. The school system gets a little snitty if you take your kids out for any extra days so we're tied to the flight time we have.

We've been to Disneyworld many times in the past but have never taken Magical Express so we're familiar with how long it will take to get a rental car and get to the resorts. We also know to skip Rt. 4 and take the Bee Line to get there faster. The money for tolls is negligible. We might just be better off doing that again but will give it some thought before we decide.

Once we get there I don't think it will be a problem getting to Magic Kingdom. We're staying at the Contemporary and can walk there. I think the trip takes about 10 minutes on foot. And really, if we don't make it there right when MNSSHP starts it's not that big of a deal. I think we'll still have a great time. We just wanted to be able to take in as much as we can in the allotted time.

And finally, thanks for the tip about the Transportation board. I assumed it was just for transportation in and around Disneyworld. Didn't realize it included outside stuff as well. Will definitely check it out further.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your answers. It's very much appreciated!

Have you considered booking a car service? They pick you up at baggage claim, grab your bags and then drive you straight to your resort. My experience-it's fast and easy. You can ask on the Transportation board, or search "car service" there.
If you have questions feel free to PM me.

 

[doriemg]

Thanks Gwynne,

That's actually a great idea. I bet the cost for a private limo would end up being the same or even less then a rental car for 5 days. I'm definitely going to check that option out. I hate these whirlwind trips but unfortunately that's what we have to do until our kids are grown and out of school. Either that or we go in the summer during the height of the season with the crowds and heat.

 

[saskdw]

Thank you all for your answers. Unfortunately we're unable to do an earlier flight. My sons have 2 days off from school in November and we're planning this trip around their school schedule. The school system gets a little snitty if you take your kids out for any extra days so we're tied to the flight time we have.

We've been to Disneyworld many times in the past but have never taken Magical Express so we're familiar with how long it will take to get a rental car and get to the resorts. We also know to skip Rt. 4 and take the Bee Line to get there faster. The money for tolls is negligible. We might just be better off doing that again but will give it some thought before we decide.

Once we get there I don't think it will be a problem getting to Magic Kingdom. We're staying at the Contemporary and can walk there. I think the trip takes about 10 minutes on foot. And really, if we don't make it there right when MNSSHP starts it's not that big of a deal. I think we'll still have a great time. We just wanted to be able to take in as much as we can in the allotted time.

And finally, thanks for the tip about the Transportation board. I assumed it was just for transportation in and around Disneyworld. Didn't realize it included outside stuff as well. Will definitely check it out further.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your answers. It's very much appreciated!

Being that you are staying at CR it is possible you could be at MK by 7pm or shortly after, but alot of things would have to go right. We've been quite lucky with ME. We've used it 3 times arriving in late afternoon like you and always been at our resort with-in an hour. But we always pretty much walked onto the bus and had it leave right away and it was the first stop all 3 times. We have landed at 5:30pm and been checked in at CSR eating dinner by 7:15pm. So as long as your flight isn't delayed you should be able to be there by 8pm anyway. Being able to walk over from CR will save you alot of time. So it is possible, but no guarantees everything will go smooth.

 

[saskdw]

Thanks Gwynne,

That's actually a great idea. I bet the cost for a private limo would end up being the same or even less then a rental car for 5 days. I'm definitely going to check that option out. I hate these whirlwind trips but unfortunately that's what we have to do until our kids are grown and out of school. Either that or we go in the summer during the height of the season with the crowds and heat.

Things must be alot different where you are. School system isn't going to dictate to me when I take my holiday's. If we decide to pull our kids out for a week because thats when our holiday is, thats just the way it is.

 

[rainynight]

I also think you're cutting it too close. Flights are frequently delayed or changed. Heck, a few months after purchasing our flights we got an email saying our return flight has been changed, we were originally scheduled to leave Orlando at 4:35pm and now it's after 8pm. Of course that means more time at Disney, but still...you just never know with flights.

 

[gwynne]

Thanks Gwynne,

That's actually a great idea. I bet the cost for a private limo would end up being the same or even less then a rental car for 5 days. I'm definitely going to check that option out. I hate these whirlwind trips but unfortunately that's what we have to do until our kids are grown and out of school. Either that or we go in the summer during the height of the season with the crowds and heat.

It's much less than a rental car, and you don't have to deal with stopping by the car rent location, tolls, etc. I used Tiffany Towncar. I read about others that had used them on the transportation board. I was in Orlando last month, and I thought their service was wonderful. I spent some time downtown Orlando, transferred to Disney, and then needed transport to the airport again. They helped me with all of my transport needs. I am booking them again in Oct.

I hope you all have a wonderful vacation!

 

[LilyWDW]

What would bother me more then anything is having a nonrefundable, prepaid experience on my travel day... especially with it being that tight of a difference. If there is a delay, then you are simply wasting your money (if you bought tickets ahead of time). I would say this for a party night or for a CC hold reservation.

 

[Susieo]

Don't forget to do Online Check-in, every minute may count!

Have a great time!

 

[Polydweller]

Thank you all for your answers. Unfortunately we're unable to do an earlier flight. My sons have 2 days off from school in November and we're planning this trip around their school schedule. The school system gets a little snitty if you take your kids out for any extra days so we're tied to the flight time we have.

We've been to Disneyworld many times in the past but have never taken Magical Express so we're familiar with how long it will take to get a rental car and get to the resorts. We also know to skip Rt. 4 and take the Bee Line to get there faster. The money for tolls is negligible. We might just be better off doing that again but will give it some thought before we decide.

Once we get there I don't think it will be a problem getting to Magic Kingdom. We're staying at the Contemporary and can walk there. I think the trip takes about 10 minutes on foot. And really, if we don't make it there right when MNSSHP starts it's not that big of a deal. I think we'll still have a great time. We just wanted to be able to take in as much as we can in the allotted time.

And finally, thanks for the tip about the Transportation board. I assumed it was just for transportation in and around Disneyworld. Didn't realize it included outside stuff as well. Will definitely check it out further.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your answers. It's very much appreciated!

Oh that changes things a bit. You have a much better chance staying at the Contemporary of getting their reasonably early though 7:30 to 8:00 is probably a good planning estimate. And ME could work.That presumes an on time flight. Yes the walk is about 5-10min so 20 after leaving your room.

Hope it all works out for you.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I stayed at CR on my last trip. The DME bus was at the airport when we checked in, but we had to wait for it to fill up. And THEN we had to go to WL, Poly, and GF before heading to CR. It was over an hour trip...you may be cutting it close.

 

[davedmaine]

Can you book the ADR for another day? That seems like it'll be your best and only option

 

[saskdw]

Can you book the ADR for another day? That seems like it'll be your best and only option

What ADR? They are going to MVMCP. Tickets already purchased.