Magical Express

[charmedlife3517]

How long is the total process from landing to arriving at your resort when you take Magical Express? I have an 11:35 ressie on my arrival day. I arrive at 8:20 and the rest of my party will arrive at 9:30. We are staying at Boardwalk and our reservation is at Epcot. Do you think I will have enough time to make the reservation or should I cancel?

TIA

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

I think you may be ok depending on the line to check in at your resort. The 9:30 crew may be pushing it though.

 

[chartle]

Theoretically yes but any delay (flight, ME, traffic, etc) can make you late.

Most would advise you not to make an ADR within 4 hours of landing.

 

[stargazertechie]

I think you'll be ok. I normally hedge on 90 minutes for DME service. The 9:30 crowd might be rushed though

 

[goofy4tink]

Average time, from gate to resort, runs at about 75 mins. You could very possibly make an ADR that is at 11:30ish. But, if your flight is delayed, then you will have issues. And for the group that is arriving at 9:30?? Probably barely doable.
If you arrive, ontime, at 8:20, you will most likely be at BWV by 10ish. Those arriving at 9:30 will get to BWV by 11ish...again, most likely. It will take about 15-20 mins to walk from BWV to the restaurant in Epcot, depending on which one it is. So, those arriving later would have to drop their bags and head directly to Epcot with you.
I seldom make any ADRs less than 4.5 hrs after my flight arrives. The one time I did, I was supposed to depart at 8:15, arrive at MCO by 11:15. I had somewhere to be at 1:30. No problem, or so I thought. I was staying at BLT, the function was at the CR....a short 10 min walk would get me to where I needed to be. BUT.....our flight was cancelled due to mechanical failure, and we never left Boston until 11....just about the time we should have been landing!!! I got to the CR just as the function was ending!!!
So, plan accordingly.

 

[heidijanesmith]

I think it was about 60 min from our plane landing to checking in at the YC this Aug. I have heard, as the other posters have said it can take 60-90 min depending on when your bus leaves the airport.

We did online check in and was given our keys with in 2min of walking in the YC lobby.

Walking from the Boardwalk to the IG entrance is about 5-8min, depending on your room. I am not sure where your reservation is in EPCOT, but if it is in Future World, and if you are short on time I would take a cab to the front of EPCOT. Walking to Future World, Coral Reef took us (from YC to CR) about 30min. We took a cab once and it took 6min and cost $12.00 with out tip.

Hopefully you will make it

 

[charmedlife3517]

Thanks everybody. The reservation is at Le Cellier if that helps.

 

[ciao_gina]

How long is the total process from landing to arriving at your resort when you take Magical Express? I have an 11:35 ressie on my arrival day. I arrive at 8:20 and the rest of my party will arrive at 9:30. We are staying at Boardwalk and our reservation is at Epcot. Do you think I will have enough time to make the reservation or should I cancel?

TIA

It has always taken a long time for us. You didn't mention whether you will be waiting for your checked luggage or carry on.

When you have your luggage and wait for the bus for Boardwalk, get on and wait for it to fill up then maybe 20 minutes to get there check in, change clothes??, get to Epcot then it may be close.

I do remember being irritated at how long it took. In fact this time we fly in so late at night that we are taking a cab to AKL.

 

[disneyag]

I have taken DME the past few trips and it has taken between 75 and 90 minutes from getting off the plane to driving up to our resort. (That includes a restroom stop at MCO!!)

 

[heidijanesmith]

Thanks everybody. The reservation is at Le Cellier if that helps.

Le Cellier is close to the IG, so that will help your commute time. Walking to the IG is faster than the boat, so don't wait around for it.

 

[TDC Nala]

Because the reservation requires a credit card hold, I'd be cautious. Any delay and you will probably miss it. That goes doubly for the later-arriving group. However, you can show up without them and avoid the no-show payment.

There's no way to fully anticipate how long any specific DME ride will take.

If the Epcot boat is there and loading when you approach at BW, you may want to take it. If it isn't, walk it.

Another hint: If you are running late and you are not using the dining plan and don't have to pick up your park tickets, skip checking in. Have lunch, then come back and do it. Remember you will need to store your carryons unless you want to bring them into the park with you (not sure wheeled luggage can go in). If you're on the dining plan and have package tickets you don't have a choice; you must check in and get your keys before going to lunch.

 

[nkereina]

What day of the week are you arriving on? In my experience, whenever we have arrived on a weekend, it takes much longer on DME. Last trip, we arrived on a Saturday morning and took a good two hours to get to the resort. First trip, we arrived on a Thursday morning and it took about 90 minutes. It will take at least an hour more than likely, so I'd probably push back your ADR or cancel it. If your whole party isn't there, you will be charged for the no shows based on some reports.

 

[TDC Nala]

If your whole party isn't there, you will be charged for the no shows based on some reports.

According to Disney itself on its website, this is not the case. The party will not be charged for no-shows if any of them honor the reservation; only if nobody shows up.

 

[Alesia]

According to Disney itself on its website, this is not the case. The party will not be charged for no-shows if any of them honor the reservation; only if nobody shows up.

This is not always correct. If it's a fully prepaid ADR (like CRT) you will be charged the full price for the number of people you made the ADR for. If you make an ADR for 5, but only 3 show up, you pay for 5. This isn't the case at Le Cellier, though.

 

[TDC Nala]

Le Cellier isn't a prepaid ADR, but yes, if we were talking about a prepaid ADR that would be true.