Magical Express - still going?

[DisneyGuy]

Will the Magical Express still be running in February? I thought it was only for a limited time, but I used it in August, and we (my family and I) really liked it and we want to use it again.

Also, We want to stay at two different resorts - one being the Beach Club, and one being the Swan - But, seeing that the Swan does not offer the service how do we go about this? Do we only get it one way? CAN we get it one way or do we have to stay at a "Disney" hotel the WHOLE time to get it?

thanks in advance.

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, it will be up and running in Feb. Should be the case until Nov '06, then they most likely will start charging for the service. As far as being at the Swan goes, technically you aren't entitled to use it as the Swan isn't a WDW owned resort. I don't think the buses even stop there. I guess it depends on which resort you are staying at when you first get to WDW. If it's BC,then you're all set. If it's the Swan, you might just be out of luck. Since the DME don't stop at Swan/Dolphin (at least to the best of my knowledge) you wouldn't be able to use it for your stay at the Swan.

 

[dudspizza]

You are only entitled to use it one way. The S/D are not official Disney hotels and are not part of ME.

If you start onsite, then you can use ME when you get there and would have to find a way back to MCO when you leave the S/D. Reverse that if you start at the S/D.

Good luck.

Duds

 

[DisneyGuy]

thanks! we'll probably stay at the Beach Club first that way they can handle the luggage when we get to the airport - I think Magical Express GOING to Disney works the best - not that coming home is more difficult, but there is a little more work baggage wise if you use an airline that does not allow you to check your luggage at the resort.

 

[ncbyrne]

We are using ME one way to CSR. We will be renting a car onsite once we arrive at WDW. We save a full day's rental cost by doing this, and we get to have someone else handle our luggage. We will be moving offsite for the last few days of our trip and will be returning the rental car, with our luggage, to MCO. Works out best for us.

 

[cjb71870]

It is still going on, but taxi drivers are trying to get it stopped. They say it 's taking away alot of business. But, Disney pays big bucks to do it.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Does anyone have a list of airlines you have to use to get the ME services?

TIA!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You can use DME no matter which airline you fly!

For arrivals, all travelers get the exact same services:
Reserve DME in advance
Attach one yellow luggage tag (which you will receive with your DME packet) to each piece of luggage you will be checking at your home airport
Go to airport. Check in for flight. Hand over luggage you are checking. Wave goodbye - you will not see these bags again until some time after you get to your Disney Resort room
Go through Security. Board plane. Let Captain fly you to Orlando.
Get off plane. Take tram to main airport. Follow waving Mickey hands (while they exist) or signage to Terminal A, level 1.
Get in DME line. Check in. Go to line for your resort's bus. Board bus. Let driver drive you to your resort.
Get off bus. Enter resort. Check in. Go to (most likely ready) room. Drop off carry-on luggage. Go off and do something - swim, visit a park, have a meal...
Go back to your room. Wave hello to your checked luggage. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

For your return trip:
ALL Disney resort Guests may use DME - a packet with your specific information will be on/under your door the day before departure.

If you are flying United, Ted, Delta, Song, American, JetBlue or Continental (participating airlines):
Check in at Airline checkin counter at resort. Give them your luggage (or have Bell Services bring it down) Wave goodbye to checked luggage, you won't see it again until you get to the luggage carousel at your home airport.
Show ID. Get boarding passes.
Be at DME pickup three hours before departure or as directed in your DME packet.
Board bus. Let driver drive you to MCO. Get off bus. Go through Security. Board plane. Let Captain fly you home. Get off plane. Go get your luggage. Go home. Start planning next trip.

If you are flying any other airline, you can still use DME! You simply bring your luggage directly to the bus, where the driver will load it underneath the bus and unload it when you get to the airport. Go to your airline's checkin counter, self-check kiosk (yes, you can do this even when checking luggage) or Skycap area. Check in. Go through Security, yadda yadda yadda.