Magical Express

[missourimomof3]

After 18 months of planning to drive to WDW, we are considering flying for our Oct/Nov trip. Any opinions on using DME to and from the airport?

 

[Camonkeygirl]

We used ME last year for our first trip. It was so easy. Walk out of the security area at the Airport, there are signs directing you. Show your vouchers, and the employees will scan them and send you to a row, which corresponds to your Hotel. We even had them transport our luggage. Reversing the process, check in at the hotel about 3hours before flight, and had no problems. Drivers were good, no problems with luggage in either direction, and everyone was very friendly and helpful.

 

[KittyKat1978]

I have always used them and never had any problems.

Just know that they may/may not have several resort stops before yours. They usually have 3-4 resorts per bus and you won't know which resort you will stop at first until they leave the airport. You may also have to sit and wait a while for the bus to fill up.

Not sure if there is a science to it, or it's just who gets on the bus first is the first stop etc etc.

 

[noahdove]

I have used it and all I can say, it's easy and you get dipped in your visit taste of Disney Pixie Dust so very magical. So easy to find them as long as you follow the directions, and let the CM help you. We have never had to wait more than 5 minutes for the bus to leave and while you are riding, they have a TV going with Disney info and maybe even a short cartoon...Enjoy this special service that Disney provides...Happy Trip.

 

[Dani C]

As long as you don't mind a delay in getting checked luggage (unless you don't use the DME tags and retrieve it yourself at baggage claim) it really is a convenience. Yes, you may have to stop at a couple of extra resorts before your stop, but the bus is comfortable and as noted, you will have onboard entertainment by way of Disney cartoon shorts and the standard welcome videos.

 

[Kaiya]

We loved the idea of ME, but in reality it was just too slow. We arrived on our last visit about 7pm both excited and tired. ME was very easy to find in the airport as said above. We rounded the corner and thought "Great!There's no one else here! This should be quick...." Wrong. We lined up for POR resort bus and loaded soon after, only to sit for close to an hour at the terminal, waiting for others flights to arrive. After 8 hrs of flying we just wanted to get to the hotel. When approx 1/2 the bus was full we headed out. Unfortuneately, we then made 2 stops before POR The excitement had worn off, the kids were very restless, and we vowed to take a cab from then on.
When we arrive in a couple weeks, we'll do just that. Grab our carry-ons, make our way to the taxis and be at our resort in 30 mins. Yes, its $65 for a cab and ME is free, but when you're in for a few thousand $$s, its a drop in the bucket and will be so worth it for us.
So.... 2+hrs added to your trip.... or.... 30 min cab ride, swim at AK pool, dinner, and into bed for early morning MK? You decide.
Happy Planning

 

[siskaren]

Unfortuneately, we then made 2 stops before POR

The DME buses typically stop at 3-4 resorts. Also, waiting an hour on the bus before leaving the airport isn't typical. The time frame for getting from the gate to your hotel should be about 90 minutes.