Magical Express

[MarieS]

For those of you who have used Magical Express have you found it convenient to use with someone in a wheelchair? We have driven in the past, but this time I will be flying by myself with my son age 10 who uses a wheelchair. I understand when I book, I need to ask to have a lift bus, but is there anything else I should be aware of?

Our airline is not on the list and I am concerned about handling the return trip due to having all the luggage. Do you know if there is baggage check-in where you are dropped off? If not will there be sky caps available to help with luggage?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Piper]

I did the ME last year in July--flying solo. It was great to have the luggage taken care of!! I did have to wait a bit for a lift bus (even though I had a "reservation")

 

[SueM in MN]

Our airline was not one of the participating ones the first times we used Magical Express. You get dropped off at the check in level, so it's not that bad. Also, if you won't be going for a while, it's possible your airline might be added by the time you go. They are still adding airlines.

Even with a reservation for a lift bus, there may be a bit of a wait, but passengers who are not needing a lift bus also have to wait a bit. Here's a picture of the lift.

 

[mrsksomeday]

We flew Southwest for the last 3 trips, my dbf is in motorized wheelchair. We have used ME each time and had no problems. Here he is on the lift:

You can get a cart for the luggage right where they drop you off, or you can do like we did and pay someone to take the bags and they will show you were to go. We had a great time and will fly Southwest and use ME in November when we go back.

 

[MarieS]

Thanks so much for the info and pictures! I am one of those people who likes to be well prepared. LOL I am a little nervous about the flying part of our trip since I have never taken my son on a plane since he was a baby. We will be flying Southwest and meeting other family members at the resort who are flying in from different locations. I always seem to take a ton of luggage to WDW because I never know what supplies we will need so I am glad to know there will be people who can help. I didn't want to have to struggle with a cart and a wheelchair in an unfamilar airport.
DISers seem to always have the info we need--thanks!

 

[LauraVV]

We used them last month. They were great. They picked up and delivered our luggage but we the airline wouldn't take it from ME on our return. We had one of the people at the airport help us with the luggage.

 

[dclfun]

Usually the short wait time is due to the lift busses being staged outside the actual boarding area on one side of the airport. When you arrive, they call the lift bus specifically for your party rather than sending them out with those who don't need one and then not having availability when you show up. As DME ( if you've given your flight info) keeps track of incoming flights and has a daily manifest, they know when to expect you in the staging area but still don't call the bus til you arrive. Some people may stop for snacks, restroom breaks, etc. and don't go directly from the plane to get on the bus. The w/c guest will board first as is required by law and the rest of the family will join him/her once the w/c is secured. I love DME and finding my luggage magically in my room. Of course bring a day-bag for immediate essentials. DME is a great way to start a stress free vacation.---Kathy

 

[MarieS]

Are there signs as you leave the concourse to direct you to the Magical Express area? I know in other airports I have been to the shuttle busses are near baggage claim.

Thanks for all the testimonials--I feel more at ease about this now.

 

[packerbeth]

Not sure if we really need another photo, but here's my son. We had a great experience using ME and will be using it again in April. We did have to wait a bit but it was a Saturday morning and the place was packed. The loading and unloading was a piece of cake; such great service for people with special needs. Can't wait to go back!

Are there signs as you leave the concourse to direct you to the Magical Express area? I know in other airports I have been to the shuttle busses are near baggage claim.

Thanks for all the testimonials--I feel more at ease about this now.

I found this area very difficult to find the first time. You have to go to the main airport area, then take the elevator (sorry I forget up or down - I'm sure someone will be able to confirm). Once you get to the correct floor, there are CMs there to direct you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are basically three levels at Orlando Airport.

The main level is #3. This is departures drop-off, ticketing, security and the trams to the airside terminals.

Level 2 is baggage claim

Level one is rental car counters and all ground transportation, including Magical Express

Tunnel level has tunnels to the parking garage.

 

[MarieS]

I found this area very difficult to find the first time. You have to go to the main airport area, then take the elevator (sorry I forget up or down - I'm sure someone will be able to confirm). Once you get to the correct floor, there are CMs there to direct you.

I love seeing the photos--thanks!

packerbeth and Cheshire Figment--thanks for the info on how to find ME. I'm feeling more prepared now.

 

[SueM in MN]

the first time we rode DME, we wandered around for about 15 minutes looking for signs. Then, we noticed that our DME paperwork had some directions on it and we found it pretty quickly then.
Here's a link to the Orlando airport map. It shows the levels that Cheshire Figment mentioned. On Level 1, DME is in the area marked with an "S".

 

[MarieS]

Thanks Sue! I book marked that link.

 

[SonicGuy]

Just an FYI of caution - We used DME in September with our 2 DD's - both of which are in wheelchairs. We had to wait almost 1 1/2 hours for a bus, and then when it came it was not a DME bus, but a Mears bus. The driver was an IDIOT! There was basically an area where a set of seats fold forward creating a latch down system for the chairs. Well, the ones in front of DD17 did not lock into place and kept sliding back and hitting her in the legs. By the time we got to the Polynesian she was black and blue. We complained to a guest service agent at the main lobby of the Polynesian and basically got "Sorry for that."

On the return trip it was an actual DME bus and the ride was pleasant. Not having to handle our bags - 10 in total - was absolutely amazing! We did end up renting a van after 2 days however, because the few times we tried to use the bus system we just about wanted to cry. We started taking taxis but gave up and just rented a van. Fortunately, staying at the Polynesian allowed us great monorail and boat access to MK and EPCOT, but the others were disastrous.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[pugdog]

The drivers on the DME buses ARE Mears employees. So you will see a mix of DME, DCL and Mears buses depending on how busy they are.
You should have never waited that long, 2/3rds of the buses have lifts. I would have gone and asked about it after 30 minutes of waiting. We have never waited more then 20 minutes.
As far as drivers not knowing how to do things we have also run onto that and that is a Mears issue.