Magical Express to Pop Century

[MommytoPayton&Max]

Anyone have any recent experiences that they want to share? How long did it take? Did you stop at other resorts like Carribean Beach first? How about the return back to the airport?

 

[Mrs. Squirrel]

We just got back on Saturday 9/3 with a group of 10. Used ME for arrival and departure. Absolutely no problems with either. It was easy to use and well organized. We arrived in Orlando on 8/28 at 11:30am. We were greeted by many CM's waving large Mickey hands directing us to the ME transportation counter. After check-in, you wait in a que designated with a sign for each resort. There was a Disney CM walking around telling jokes and stories while we waited. The buses loaded with a combo of passengers as they were needed. There were quite a lot of us going to POP that morning, so our bus was only POP folks, but I saw that for some resorts with fewer people waiting, they were combined onto a bus. We departed the airport at about 12:30am and arrived at POP by 1:10pm. Your luggage goes to the resort via a different mode of transportation. We ate lunch at POP's food court and our luggage was in our rooms before we were even ready to hit the parks! (Although we had packed a change of clothes and bathing suits in our carry-on in case it took a while to get our luggage). It was pouring down rain when the luggage arrived and they had it covered with a plastic sheet to protect it, which was a nice.

The night before departure, ME left a hanging envelope on our door indicating what time the bus was leaving for the airport. This will bum you, because they get you there plenty early (we are the cut it as close as possible gang)! Our plane departed at 7:50pm on 9/3 and our return bus was scheduled for 4:40pm. We flew American Trans Air, which is not one of the prefered airlines, so we did express check-out (highly recommended) and took our bags to POP's holding area. From there, we enjoyed a park until about 4:00pm. We got our luggage out of storage, gave it to the driver when the bus arrived, and boarded. The return trip takes longer, as we had folks on our bus that departed from both A and B terminals. The B's were dropped off first, then us A's. Again, because we were not on a prefered airline, we took our luggage to the ticket counter, but airport porters were there with carts for assistance. The return was very smooth and efficient.

The buses are new, very clean and comfortable. Plus, they show you an informative Disney themed movie with arrival and departure information along the way. We were very glad that we used ME. My DSis who was with us went with just her family and some friends last year and they used a town car service. She indicated that they got to their resort no quicker by the time you add collecting your luggage and transporting it to the town car pick-up area. She especially loved the hassle free aspect of ME. Plus, there is no way you are going to miss your flight! The early airport arrival ended up being a blessing for us, because there was a problem with our e-tickets which took the airlines a long while to clear up.

Hope this helps!

 

[nrsldy]

I also have been wondering about ME. I will be traveling with my 3 DGC and staying at POP. I want to be able to get to the hotel and back to the airport with as little problems as possable.
Most of the reviews have been very positive. Thanks.

 

[peanutgirl]

We used Me Aug. 18 and 28. We arrived at 10 pm we were in bed by midnight and luggage was there at 12:15. The way back was just as easy but be at the stop the 15 minutes before your time like they tell you. POP was the first stop and i think it usually is.

 

[rantnnravin]

We arrived at MCO at 4:00 pm on 8/26, waited at ME check-in for about 5mins, walked directly onto a waiting bus and were at POP before 5pm. We got checked-in, dropped our carry-ons at our room, went to Epcot for dinner and our bags were in our room by the time we returned at 9:45pm.
Our flight back on 9/1 departed at 7:50pm and our scheduled ME time was 4:40pm. We had bell services pick-up/hold our bags and went to MK until about 4pm. When we got back to the resort, we requested our bags and got on the waiting ME bus. We arrived at MCO and were checked-in by 5:45. Our longest wait for the entire trip was the security line at MCO--about 30mins. We were waiting at the gate by 6:30. (which is too bad, since Southwest doesn't assign seats, you want to be there early.)

we would definitely use the service again. We really loved not having to deal with our bags when we arrived and are tempted to fly a participating carrier to have the same option for the return!!
big thumbs up!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

good thread! i was curious about this and am excited to be spending my vacay at the POP AGAIN!! woo-hoo!! we arrive on the 15th of October!!

 

[kimmbagley]

Our flight back on 9/1 departed at 7:50pm and our scheduled ME time was 4:40pm.

Okay, I'm not liking the sound of this! I wonder what time we will have to board the bus for a 3:49pm flight any guesses?

 

[MommytoPayton&Max]

Our flight out of Orlando is at 1:55, so I am guessing the bus will get us about 10:45-11:10 (yuck!!).

If I wasn't going with my mom, I would probably use the taxi back to save an additional hour, but she is a worrier....especially about the airport. The last couple times we flew home from Orlando, the security was the biggest hold up. I flew SWA so I did the quick curb side check-in....it is quite worth it to me for the $5-$8 tip. So, I will probably live with leaving that early. Stinks though.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Your bus will be scheduled approximatly 3hrs prior to flight departure time, give or take. This is to allow for any additional resort stops, and the two terminals at the airport. Also, keep in mind that it can take 30-45 minutes to get to the airport from Disney (when going the speed limit).

It is designed to get you to the airport at the recommended 2hrs prior to departure time. Why? Becuase security can sometimes take a long time to get through.

 

[CarolynNC]

I flew Southwest in August and used ME. I arrived at 8:40am and was checking into POP around 9:30am. Although there were no large Mickey hands to point me in the proper direction I headed downstairs and found my way to the ME desk. My bus departed shortly after I boarded and POP was the first stop. My room was ready. I dropped my tote and went to the food court to purchase my mug, get a drink, and a danish. By the time I returned to my room my luggage was there.

My return flight was scheduled for 8:40pm and my pickup for ME was a little less than 3 hours prior. The bus arrived on time and we went directly to the airport. POP must have been the last pickup. Since I had to check my luggage and make my way through security I was very glad we had plenty of time. There were very long lines for security screening.

 

[MommytoPayton&Max]

Thanks so much for that info! It is quite helpful!