Magical Express to Pop Century?

[Condorman]

As I understand it, of the four groupings of resorts that ME delivers to, the one that goes towards the MGM-Epcot area drops off at Pop Century first. Has anyone else had this experience? Can anyone list the order of drop-offs?

 

[dis_danny]

Don't know the published order, but it seems the drivers can use their discretion based on the number of people destined for each resort. When we used ME in late August, there were only people from CBR and PC on the bus. There were more from CBR so he stopped there first. All things considered, I think it only added about 10 extra minutes to the trip.

 

[Tissa]

I took ME to POP in June and we were the first stop.

 

[jjan]

We have taken it 2x while staying at Pop and we were first both times. It was a great service.

 

[Condorman]

Thanks for your replies. Just trying to optimize our time between arriving at MCO and getting to the parks.

 

[CleveRocks]

The list of groupings you're referring to is outdated. Actually, it was never put into use. There are no preset groupings of resorts, and there's no preset order of drop offs. The drivers, from what I've read here, are instructed to drop off at the closest resort first, and so on. Since thee's no way for you to know in advance what other resorts will be on your bus, there's no way for you to know where in the order your resort will be.

Dispatching is a dynamic, fluid situation based upon need.

I know the groupings were never used because I used DME on May 8, the 4th day of operation. I knew them by heart, and the bus queues/groups had no resemblence to that listing of groupings or regions. For example, my bus stopped first at CBR, then one of the All Stars, and then AKL last. But in subsequent posts in the days and weeks following my return from WDW, I saw all kinds of different combinations, but not the exact combination I experienced.

I really think it's smart that they group resorts based on need, because that's the most efficient way to do it. I think they realized in advance that set routes would have led to delays, inefficiencies, and then massive complaints.

If the DISboards are any barometer, there seem to be very, VERY few complaints about DME, and lots and LOTS of positive reviews. I loved DME. 53 minutes from line to CBR. On the way back, an empty bus pulled up, we got 3/4 full when I boarded, and we went straight to MCO, no stops.

-- Eric

 

[Camping Griswalds]

How long are they going to be offering Magical Express? We're going in Jan of 06. Also is it only offered to package bookings or can you still get it if you have a room only resservation? Thanks

 

[jjan]

How long are they going to be offering Magical Express? We're going in Jan of 06. Also is it only offered to package bookings or can you still get it if you have a room only resservation? Thanks

It is offered free (as of now) with any Disney resort stay, no package necessary. It is supposed to last for free through the big celebration (so January would be fine) and who knows after that.

 

[binky503]

How long does it take to get to Caribbean Beach Resort after you land at the airport. Are there lots of other stops? Thanks

 

[CleveRocks]

How long does it take to get to Caribbean Beach Resort after you land at the airport. Are there lots of other stops? Thanks

In response to you, I'll quote myself from a few posts above this:

There are no preset groupings of resorts, and there's no preset order of drop offs. The drivers, from what I've read here, are instructed to drop off at the closest resort first, and so on. Since there's no way for you to know in advance what other resorts will be on your bus, there's no way for you to know where in the order your resort will be.

Dispatching is a dynamic, fluid situation based upon need.

I know the groupings were never used because I used DME on May 8, the 4th day of operation. I knew them by heart, and the bus queues/groups had no resemblence to that listing of groupings or regions. For example, my bus stopped first at CBR, then one of the All Stars, and then AKL last. But in subsequent posts in the days and weeks following my return from WDW, I saw all kinds of different combinations, but not the exact combination I experienced.

I hope that helps.

-- Eric