Magical Express to Which Hotels First, is there a...

[jillyjill]

Is there a specific schedule which the Magical Express buses follow? Do buses go to all resorts in a specific order or are buses designated to cover a smaller group of resorts only?

I'm trying to decide if the Magical Express can get me to my resort early enough to have the rest of the day at a park or is a TOWN CAR rental a better bet.

We're going in late Sept. I get in at 11:45a, staying at Coronado Sp's and want to be at DHS's by 3 at latest, hoping for 2.

DO I get a town car that can take me right to the door without any other stops or will using DME service get me there within an hour?

ANYONE KNOW THE ROUTES THAT THE M/E BUSES TAKE?

Thanks JJ

 

[spicemom]

We got into MCO last year around 5:30 and got on ME fairly quickly. We were at AKL and our bus stopped at Pop, ***,ASM, CS then AKL.

 

[goofy4tink]

You will find that the routes vary. I've been on the DME bus to POP 5 times now...it has stopped at POP first, then CSR, then on to AKL four times. One time it reversed the order.
The bus stops at 3, maybe 4 resorts. Those resorts are grouped pretty close to each other. But, the resorts on a run may change from time to time.

Here is a breakdown of my times using various modes from MCO to WDW resort....
1. DME......average of 70 mins..most have been right around that time, one (when POP was last) took close to 90 mins, one or two trips took a bit less than an hour. But, the average has been about 70 mins from deplaning to resort checkin.

2. Towncar...with checked luggage....about an hour

3. Towncar...carryon luggage only...about 45 mins

4. Mears shuttle van....carryon only, about 75 mins


So, long story short, if you arrive at MCO at 11:45am, you 'should be' at CSR by 1:00, maybe a bit later, but certainly by 1:30 I would think...using DME. Remember to pack your carryon bags with anything you may need for the first few hours. YOu won't get your checked luggage for several hours after checking in at the resort.
If you use a car service, you can figure on getting to the resort by 12:45. YOu will have to go to baggage claim for your bags, which will add a bit of time..maybe 15-20 mins. 30 mins to the resort and there's your hour or so using a car service.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[spicemom]

We got into MCO last year around 5:30 and got on ME fairly quickly. We were at AKL and our bus stopped at Pop, ***,ASM, CS then AKL.

That starred area above should say AStar sports (i just now realized why it was "bleeped" out )

 

[Lewisc]

The other issue is transportation from CSR to DHS. Ask people waiting at the bus stop if you just missed the bus to DHS. Rather then waiting another 30 +minutes for the next bus you might spend the few dollars for a taxi.

 

[jillyjill]

Town Car vs. DME arrival times are so close. I guess I have to decide which is more stressful:

a)Waiting for the bags at the carousel
b)Waiting in Line at ME, waiting for the right resort bus and waiting on the bus ride for my resort.

Is that extra 1/2 hour of park time worth 60$ and all this anguish!?


Hmmm..something to obsess about
JJ

 

[jillyjill]

Are there cabs sitting at the resort or would I have to call for one and how long would that take? ANy idea the cost? Probably less than MCO to WDW!


I'm trying not to go crazy about this but I do like to get info on all my options.

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE FOR YOUR ADVISE! I Love the DIS

JJ

 

[Missytara]

I just find that it isn't really a vacation if I have to drive anywhere. I don't care if it takes me two hours to get there, I would rather go ME and enjoy the ride!

I go to POR the Saturday of T-giving and traditionally it has been quick, because they are hauling so many people back on that Saturday from the resorts. They say 2/3 of the people that are there during T-giving week leave on Saturday. I have ridden in buses only half full just so they could get back quickly and pick up more people.

On the way back, since they allot three hours, you are never in a rush.

 

[Lewisc]

Are there cabs sitting at the resort or would I have to call for one and how long would that take? ANy idea the cost? Probably less than MCO to WDW!


I'm trying not to go crazy about this but I do like to get info on all my options.

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE FOR YOUR ADVISE! I Love the DIS

JJ

I don't remember if CSR has a taxi line. It's a convention hotel and I'm sure a CM can quickly get you a cab if there isn't an available cab.

 

[goofy4tink]

Are there cabs sitting at the resort or would I have to call for one and how long would that take? ANy idea the cost? Probably less than MCO to WDW!


I'm trying not to go crazy about this but I do like to get info on all my options.

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE FOR YOUR ADVISE! I Love the DIS

JJ

There may be cabs outside the resorts. I find that there are cabs at the deluxes but not at the values or moderates. But you can have a cab called for..not a big deal. I think you will find that the cost will be under $20 and closer to $10 for some runs.

Okay....I feel I need to say this, and please understand where I'm coming from. I have 20+ stays in WDW under my belt. I say this with all due respect and consideration......try to slow down a bit. You're on vacation. Stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Stressing over getting to your resort more quickly or to a park faster is just not worth it. The bus system at WDW, resorts to parks, is very good. Yes, it can take a bit more time to get from one resort to another...so plan accordingly. Tell us where you need to get to, and from where, and we'll give you the best route and travel options.

But stop stressing over how quickly you can get to the resort. It's just not worth it. By the time you get to your room, you will have forgotten that it took you 32 mins longer to get there via DME than a towncar. But, you will have that $60+ still in your pocketbook!!

So, when you get off that plane, move right along down to level 1 and over to the DME counter. Hopefully, you won't spend too much time in line. You will be directed to the proper resort bus line..no need to wander around looking for your bus. Then, onto the bus and off you go. If you have good luck, you may even get to the resort in an hour, but plan on 90 mins. When you get there quicker than that you'll be thrilled. I would figure that you'll be at the resort by 1:15. You can freshen up (either in your room if it's ready, or in a restroom) and then head off to DHS. You may very well be able to be there for 2:00.
But please, take time to take it all in. Don't kill yourself rushing from point A to point B. You will miss so much that way. I see families doing that all the time....I overheard one dad telling his wife and kids that he had spent a fortune on this trip and they only had 6 days to do it all, so get moving!! There is no way you can see it all, do it all, on one trip. It just isn't possible. After so many trips, I still find something new to see or do on each trip.
Hopefully you will take my comments the way I intended them.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

we are using ME for the first time on Sunday morning. We arrive at MCO at 6:15 AM...... hoping to get to our resort without to many stops but it won't really matter as our room won't be ready..... We just want to get to the resort to officially start our vacation.....
I can report back with our schedule once we arrive.

 

[goofy4tink]

we are using ME for the first time on Sunday morning. We arrive at MCO at 6:15 AM...... hoping to get to our resort without to many stops but it won't really matter as our room won't be ready..... We just want to get to the resort to officially start our vacation.....
I can report back with our schedule once we arrive.

Have a great trip!! We're always interested in what times everyone has when using DME...be sure to report back here.

 

[ntsammy5]

forget about savinbg time to smell the roses --- save time to drink the beer!