Magical Express

[Babsy]

Sorry, but I said that they bring us 4 hours before (Meaning that is about when they pick us up). we had a 7:00 am flight once so they picked us up at 3:00 am. We went straight to the airport and were there not long after 3:30 am. there was no one at the Air Canada check in counter until 5:00 am so we couldn't go through security. we were sitting outside security waiting with our bags to get checked in for almost 1 1/2 hours. There was no point to this. We check in (at 5:00 am), go through security and go to the gate. We really didn't need to leave at 3:00 am.

Flying to Canada we do not do anything different than Americans do flying domestically. All our customs occurs on the Canadian end of the journey. So why do we need to be picked up four hours before the flight? Especially at that hour of the morning. An extra hour starting a long day of travel really hurts at 3:00 am especially when you KNOW that it is pointless.

 

[kjs1976]

Our ME bus to the airport, from POFQ) was about 20 min. late on our trip this past May. This concerned me at first because I knew we could still potentially pick up at OKW and SSR. We only picked up at SSR and it was quick, and then went on to the airport. Had our counter had a long line an had the security line been long, it could have been an issue. I like to err on the side of caution when going to MCO for the whole rig-a-ma-role to get to the gate. We've experienced long lines at both so I never know. We had about 45 min to spare when getting to our gate, but I was nervous until we got through security,

 

[maxiesmom]

There was another poster I quoted who mentioned sitting at the airport for 4 hours. I think you got mixed up in that somehow.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I am with those who have never had a problem getting there in more than enough time with DME all 4 times I have used it.

 

[Dis703]

We've always been to the airport well in advance. We do check in at the resort though and check our bags as well. This recent trip we missed the first ME bus because by the time we got to the Custom House (we had to call for a van for our luggage) we missed it by no more than 2 minutes. So obviously they weren't waiting around for no shows. But they had another bus 30 minutes later and we were able to take that one which was 2 hours and 25 minutes before our flight. Still got to the airport with an hour and 45 minutes to spare. We did have to check our cooler at the airport but that took very little time to do.

 

[maxiesmom]

We've always been to the airport well in advance. We do check in at the resort though and check our bags as well. This recent trip we missed the first ME bus because by the time we got to the Custom House (we had to call for a van for our luggage) we missed it by no more than 2 minutes. So obviously they weren't waiting around for no shows. But they had another bus 30 minutes later and we were able to take that one which was 2 hours and 25 minutes before our flight. Still got to the airport with an hour and 45 minutes to spare. We did have to check our cooler at the airport but that took very little time to do.

Be careful. Unlike the bus ride TO your resort, you are scheduled for a specific bus back to the airport. And you need to be at the bus stop 15 minutes before the time you are assigned, as that is the departure time from your resort. You were very lucky they let you get on the next ME bus by, as that is not a given.

 

[Julylady]

I'll play. My family has taken Magical Express from and to the airport at least 20 times without incident. Even with an occasional delay we have never been super pressed for time at the airport. Pickup time at the hotel has ranged between 3 hrs 15 minutes and 2 hrs , 45 minutes. If we get the 3 hrs, 15 minutes, I assume we will be stopping at at least two additional resorts. I have usually been correct. Here is an easy way to schedule an earlier pick up time. I typically fly Delta into DTW. I just check the Delta schedule and look for a flight leaving about an hour prior to mine. It can be to anywhere! Then call ME and tell them you are on that flight. They never check and you will get an earlier pick up time.

 

[Dis703]

Be careful. Unlike the bus ride TO your resort, you are scheduled for a specific bus back to the airport. And you need to be at the bus stop 15 minutes before the time you are assigned, as that is the departure time from your resort. You were very lucky they let you get on the next ME bus by, as that is not a given.

I'm aware thanks. I just had totally not anticipated how long it would take to pack and to get bell services to get our things. We rushed so much we left things in our room too.

We missed it last year because as we were headed back to the resort my 2 year old started vomiting all over the boardwalk. They sent us in a Taxi (which was very nice of them to do) only to find out upon arrival our flight was delayed 5 hours! That was way to early to be there and I was so peeved we didn't know better and ask to take a later bus.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've only had DME issues when staying at POR.
Both times were going to the airport to catch the flight home. The first time: The bus took so long on the stops (POR was picked up first) that I got to the airport only an hour before my flight home and spent nearly 45 minutes getting through security. The flight was already boarding when I got to the gate.

The 2nd time the bus was 20 minutes late, POR was the first pick up again so then we had to go to the other resorts and load up that again we got to the airport an hour before my flight left but luckily the security wait was only 30 minutes so I had time for a quick bathroom stop and a quick grab a snack and water stop before getting to the gate.

I think that is too close to cut it and I decided the next time I stay at POR and fly in, I will be either renting a car or using a car service.