Magical Express, Turned away by 407-W-Disney

[melkimmom]

Just called 407-W-Disney to book Magical Express for arrival May 23 and was told that they couldn't help me because I booked thru DVC. The lady told me that she was not even sure I could get this done. She adviced me to call DVC tomorrow and talk to them and told me again "I am not even sure if you can do this because you made the reservation thru them." Can anyone help me understand what is going on? and How this works?

Thank you.

 

[LIFERBABE]

ME through Member Services.

I checked on this a couple of weeks ago and MS was more than happy to assist. Just give them a call in the morning.

 

[Divamomto3]

You can book Magical Express through DVC Member Services. They offered it to me when I booked my August trip, but I wanted to see some reviews on it first. If I have to wait around MCO a long time, I'd rather pay $90 for my Tiffany Towncar man to be waiting for me in baggage like he always has been without fail, every trip to WDW. Member Services said I could book Magical Express at any time before my August departure. I believe you have to do it through DVC if that's who your ressie is with, so they can link your pickup with your hotel room. CRO has no record of you so they can't link your luggage to your villa. HTH

 

[fkj2]

Because ME wasn't available yet, officially, I used Mears shuttle on 4/23 for transportation from MCO to SSR.

On the return, I called Mears the required 24 hours in advance for pick-up the following day and was awaiting the shuttle, when a new Dis ME bus pulled up. The driver exited and asked if anyone was waiting for Mears to take them to the airport. Several of us were and he had all of us give him the luggage and directed us to board the bus. I explained I wasn't a ME guest and he said it didn't matter as long as I was waiting for Mears service.

It was a smooth ride. The bus is themed, just like Disney. The seats are upholstered in red with gold stars. The driver dropped off those guests on one side of the airport and then drove the rest of us to side B for our airlines.

I'm sure the rental car companies will be groaning but it's going to save me $26 round trip next time, let alone the hassle of handling the luggage at the airport. I think though that you're supposed to schedule ME at least 21 days in advance.

 

[newholidayx2]

thank you - I didnt realize we could book now for Aug thru MS

 

[DVCDAVE]

I haven't paid much attention to Magical Express developments since it was announced. Does it cost anything ? Is it two way service, both from and to the airport ?

 

[allicat]

I, too, am considering Magical Express for our Aug. trip. Can somebody explain what it means if you are using a "non participating airline" as I believe Southwest isnt partcipating.

 

[Asuneda]

Mears runs the buses for Disney's ME and Cruise line.

 

[DVCDAVE]

OHHHHH !!! We almost always fly Southwest, I guess that counts us out,.........

 

[lllovell]

You might want to call MS to make sure that SouthWest is still not participating. Since the program has been introduced, MANY airlines that originally passed are NOW participating according to some posts in other sections of the DIS.

Now I just need a better airfare!!!

 

[spiceycat]

go visit the transportation board - Tyler (chip n' dale express) is a WDW bus driver who have been explaning this system to disers

You put on the luggage tags that ME send you - then your luggage will get in your room....Magical! While you just hop on the bus to your resort.

the nonparticipating is when you are going back - you must take your luggage to bell services and then when ME bus comes load it in - then you need to check the luggage in at the airport - you can still ride the ME bus - but your must take care of your luggage.

Participating - you bring your luggage to the airline counter in the hotel lobby - that is all....

and the best yet - it is FREE to WDW resort guest and this includes DVC members and guest.

I have flown since 1999 - but I am flying next Saturday!!!

I promise to come back and say if the ME was a great benefit or I would rather rent my own car next time.

I got a nice rate on my Delta flight $101 so I am definitely flying.

 

[CarolMN]

I, too, am considering Magical Express for our Aug. trip. Can somebody explain what it means if you are using a "non participating airline" as I believe Southwest isnt partcipating.

You can use ME no matter what airline you use. The only thing you can't do if you are using a non-participating airline is check your luggage in with Disney before you go home. You just have to bring it with you on the bus back to the airport and check it wiht your airline yourself.

You can still take advantage of the free ME shuttle service (both ways) and you will still get special luggage tags to put on your checked bags before you leave home. Disney will collect your bags (no matter what airline you use) when you arrive at MCO and will transport them for you to your WDW resort room. (This will be separate from the bus you will ride on to your resort). If you want more details on the service read the threads on the Transportation Forum. Look for Chip'nDaleExpress' posts - he's a Disney bus driver and has posted some good stuff on the projected routes. It doesn't sound half bad to me and I expect it will be a lot quicker than the "regular" Mears shuttle service.

If your trip isn't for a while yet, keep an eye on the reports by those who are using it first. I'm sure any bugs will be worked out.

Best wishes-

 

[melkimmom]

I am flying with Airtran. I did not see this airline on the list. I called today and they had no trouble helping me. Member Services told me that I would received the tags but if I didn't not to worry. I will be helped anyway. I let you know how it went. Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Do you have to be present in your room when your bags are delivered?

What about tipping?

 

[spiceycat]

go ask Tyler (chip n' dale express) - he acted like the luggage would be deliver to your room even without a tip?????

I asked about tipping the bus driver - and he say only if he gives great service????

no one will refuse a tip.

I am going next Sat, May 14, and I haven't received my luggage tags and I don't think they will arrive - I am told to go to Level A - terminal 1 - to the Magical Express counter (should be next to the Disney Cruise Counter) - to give this person my luggage receipts and a description of my luggage I am taking a picture. I am also going to put my DVC sticker on my luggage...

So when I get back on the 21st I will say how it went.

But since a bunch of people are going down this week - I think everyone will know before I leave.