Magical Express

[snoopybabe]

Love ME. I drive my kids crazy because I'm always singing Magic Bus by the Who on the way to the airport. We've never had any trouble & the lines move fast.

 

[karly05]

I've only used it twice, but love it and wouldn't go without it. I always pack anything needed for the first 24 hours in my carry-on along with anything I wouldn't want to lose. Both times took right around 90 minutes from gate to check in (I was the last stop both trips), but I don't mind that. It's just nice to be in the "Disney Bubble" and have everything taken care of!

I've never arrived in the evening so haven't paid much attention to this, but there is a cutoff point (9 pm? 10 pm?) after which you will have to collect your own bags at MCO.

 

[DisGirl819]

We have used it countless times. It's really painless and easy.

 

[Yellosno]

Only thing that I have ever encountered when using ME was a slight fear of being on the same bus as a Brazilian tour group this past summer, they got their own bus and my slight fear was over. Definitely a great perk to staying on site would definitely recommend it to anyone.

 

[GatorBoyz]

Quickie........sunblock in carry on ? Ok to clear security.

 

[corneredbycorn]

Quickie........sunblock in carry on ? Ok to clear security.

As long as it's 3oz or less and fits in your quart sized plastic baggie.

You can take hockey sticks and baseball bats on the plane now, but you still can't bring a full size bottle of sunblock. :-/

 

[mlittig]

I absolutely love using Disney's Magical Express

 

[seashoreCM]

Regrettably, YMMV.

Unless the following buses were full as well, in which case we would have had to hire a taxi which would have been an unplanned expense. The point is Disney made a mistake and didn't want to own up to it. There was a bus that arrived before and after our scheduled time and nothing in between so its insulting to be told we missed our bus when we were standing out in front of Pop for nearly two hours and know for absolute certainty that there was no 4:45 bus.

At T+15 you go in and tell the concierge to telephone Magical express and ask (not in these words) "Where's my bus" and, if no bus is forthcoming almost instantly, to pay for a taxi for you. He can grab the $60. or so from the nearest till. This is called the A.P.L. procedure. (It is tricky if there is only one adult in your party because the bus could arrive while you are inside. If the concierge says you missed your bus and you did not, deny that using as few words as possible (don't mention "insult" and "mistake") and ask again for him to pay for a taxi.)

Or, if you ended up hiring the taxi yourself, write (using snail mail) to Disney asking for reimbursement. It's also okay to memorize things as well as Dumbo does and press the issue on your next visit.

I don't think so. Your bus is scheduled to pick you up three hours before your flight. Even if you couldn't get on your bus at 5 pm, for a 7:45 flight, you still had plenty, PLENTY time.

I beg to differ. Seven forty five minus five is less than three so if you can't get on that bus then (I hate to think of what might happen next).

Trip reports (not singular) do exist of guests on the correct bus having to run for their plane. Ergo I do suggest requesting a DME bus back to the airport 3-1/2 hours before your flight as opposed to just 3. Requests for earlier buses are always granted when you meet the deadline of morning of the day before the day you will leave. For those concerned about sitting around the airport for hours, think about having your last meal there having skipped same in favor of more sleep or more park time while you were still at Disney. And here you have until T+45 for things to somehow fall into place before taking semi-drastic action as suggested above.

 

[TwinkleKS]

We actually decided to make a second trip to the World in 6 months because we love ME It is soooo super easy when you have three preschool / toddler age kids. I can't pack light ... I try, it doesn't work. We will start the trip at a small regional airport, so no issues getting the bags to check in. Then we arrive in Orlando and ME magically gets the bags to the hotel room. So we don't have to figure out who to haul three kids (in two strollers) and three - four suitcases.

 

[ARAITHEL]

Only thing that I have ever encountered when using ME was a slight fear of being on the same bus as a Brazilian tour group this past summer, they got their own bus and my slight fear was over. Definitely a great perk to staying on site would definitely recommend it to anyone.

This would scare anyone!

 

[Bullseye]

I rent a car at the airport yet my DW and DD's still take ME just so we don't have to mess with retrieving the luggage. The worst thing I've ever experienced with ME is luggage arriving later in the day, but otherwise it's a great perk.

 

[spacemountainmom]

Love, love, love ME! It is both the best and worst ride at Disney.

The first time we used it, you had go to the desk first and then get sent to the right bus. Each time since, we walk up and get in line for our resort and are on the bus within about 15 minutes. We've gone straight to the resort and also had to make stops at other resorts, but it always goes pretty quick and smooth.

We ship our stuff instead of checking bags so it's even easier. Grab your carryon and go! Highly recommended!

 

[danceintherain]

Sometimes, depending on the nature of the valuables and the size of your traveling party, you do not have a choice but to pack certain items. I'm not talking about earrings and diamonds though

I once packed a Disney heirloom box in my checked bag for this reason.

Quickie........sunblock in carry on ? Ok to clear security.

As long as it's under 3 oz

Packing for the next 24 hours or so is a good idea for ALL travel. I've had airlines misplace my luggage twice. The most recent required me to purchase some items to get through until they found it and got it to me (I think it took around 3 days). Obviously, in that case, I "needed" more than 24 hours worth of clothes, unless I wanted to wash everything every day, but it did save me from having to make a shopping trip on the way from the airport. That's not something you want to do, even if it's on the airline's dime.

We actually decided to make a second trip to the World in 6 months because we love ME It is soooo super easy when you have three preschool / toddler age kids. I can't pack light ... I try, it doesn't work. We will start the trip at a small regional airport, so no issues getting the bags to check in. Then we arrive in Orlando and ME magically gets the bags to the hotel room. So we don't have to figure out who to haul three kids (in two strollers) and three - four suitcases.

I second this. Every time I think about traveling somewhere else it gives me anxiety, because traveling with kids can just be so frustrating (and I only have one). Disney makes it so easy, and makes me actually WANT to check bags, because I won't have to deal with them hardly at all.

We've used ME twice, and it has worked perfectly both times. My sister is coming with us on our next trip, and I think I'm most excited about her riding ME. She's been to Disney before, but she's never stayed on property, so I'm trying to convert her. It's just the best way to build up your excitement!

 

[eeyoresmom]

As previous posters have already mentioned, we also have not had any issue with ME. I will say though that on a few occassions we had to wait 20-30 minutes or so to board the bus and then wait for it to depart. In addition, it is customary to tip the bus driver when removing your bags. Always bring a change or clothes or essentials in your carry-on as it may be 2-3 hours before your bags arrive to your room. If arriving late evening - probably best to leave the tags off your luggage and cart it to the bus where it will travel wit you to the resort.

If arriving after 10 PM you HAVE to pick up your own luggage and bring it on ME with you.

 

[seashoreCM]

The worst thing I've ever experienced with ME is luggage arriving later in the day, but otherwise it's a great perk.

Don't forget that the performance goal of Magical Express is for your luggage to get your room within three hours of when you can.

This is for arrivals before 10 PM and without mishandling by your airline. You are not obliged to go wait in your room. This is different from when you change resorts mid-vacation (split stays), where luggage is normally not brought up until you are in your second room and call and wait and tip.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I love DME My only suggestion is to pack an outfit, maybe bathing suits and a towel if you want to use the pool, or anything that you need for a few hours in your carry on bag

 

[Jazzerfan]

Always used ME and never had any issues. Always greeted and wisked away right to the bus. It takes just a few minutes to depart to the resort area, but it was nice to catch your breath after making your way through Orlando airport. In addition, not having to worry about your luggage is the other great perk! Love it and wouldn't travel to Disney any other way.

 

[Tormania]

The worst thing I've ever experienced with ME is luggage arriving later in the day, but otherwise it's a great perk.

I'm confused by this as it is well known in advance when to expect your luggage, it's not a secret.

That's almost like complaining about a 3hr flight taking 3 hrs to complete.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm confused by this as it is well known in advance when to expect your luggage, it's not a secret.

That's almost like complaining about a 3hr flight taking 3 hrs to complete.

I was on a DME bus once with a guy who went ballistic when they driver commented about how our bags would be delivered to our rooms within 3-4 hours of check in. Apparently he had no idea the bags wouldn't be there right away! And this was the same guy who was yelling at his wife about making dining reservations, so they both had their cell phones out, trying to score a princess meal.

Some people don't like to do any research, and especially with regards to a trip to WDW, the lack can bite you.

 

[DisneyBelle27]

I've used it a bunch of times and have always loved it!!

Only negative experience was my very first time when I didn't think ahead enough and forgot to pack a travel-size sunscreen in my carry on. That stuff is not cheap in the World! But anyway, that was user error not DME error!