ME and wait times

[Kurby]

We've always driven down but are flying for our next trip and will be taking ME for the first time.

how does it work?

when we arrive do we have to wait for other flights until the bus is full - could we be sitting there for ages waiting?

is there different buses for different resorts or do they drive to all of them meaning you could visit every resort before getting to yours?

How long is the drive?

thanks

 

[gortman65]

We've used ME several times and have never had to wait more than 15 minutes for the bus to leave the terminal. Not sure if our experience is normal or not, but there it is.

Unless things have changed since last year, they typically group several resort destinations onto a single bus. For example, when we go to AKL the bus usually stops at Pop Century and CBR first. If I remember right, it took about 40 minutes to go from MCO to the front door of AKL.

My family loves riding ME. It might take a bit longer than other transportation options, but someone else is doing the driving and there's no additional charge. Plus my wife and I love watching the excitement on our DD's face when the welcome video starts!

 

[paults]

they try to fill buses going to resorts that are close together. Could be 3/4/5 stops. they will leave even if bus is not full.
It takes about 80 to 90 min from landing to resort if you go strait to the DME counter.

 

[cg1200]

DME is on the lower level of the airport and depending on which terminal you arrive in, you could have a long walk to the counter. There is also the potential for a bit of wait to check-in, however as long as you have your packet, this shouldn't take too long. One year someone in our party did not have their yellow tags and we had to wait 20 minutes to get one.

Overall, if we're going during a peak time we skip DME. Hiring a private car is by far the fastest but it will cost you another $125 round trip. 70-90 minutes is typical from landing to arriving at the hotel. With a private car, you're looking at half that (assuming your luggae doesn't get lost!).

 

[robhawk]

If you get a car/taxi then you have to wait to get your luggage. At least 20 minutes. Then you have to lug them to your car or taxi. Probably don't save much time at all. Plus with ME luggage is in your room in 3 hours. We travel with kids and big kids(in laws) so ME makes it so much easier

 

[cg1200]

If you get a car/taxi then you have to wait to get your luggage. At least 20 minutes. Then you have to lug them to your car or taxi. Probably don't save much time at all. Plus with ME luggage is in your room in 3 hours. We travel with kids and big kids(in laws) so ME makes it so much easier

It's a close call. If things go smoothly with ME it isn't too bad. And for free, you can't really complain. It's just there's a lot of variables that could add some significant delays. If you hire a car, really all you have to worry about is your luggage. I'm ok with paying a little extra for the personal service.

 

[Kurby]

so if we're coming from Canada - do they pick up our luggage? or is that only for domestic flights?

how much do you tip to have you baggage delivered to your room from ME and who do you tip? the driver or the bell hop?

 

[tinka-belle]

If using ME to deliver your luggage to your room from the airport, the tip is included in the rate Disney contracts with Mears. Bags will be placed inside your room if you're not there.

If taking bags yourself under the bus we tip $1 per bag to the bus driver when he takes the bags out at our resort, and again to the CM from bell services who brings the bags to the room.

 

[plutopuppy]

so if we're coming from Canada - do they pick up our luggage? or is that only for domestic flights?

how much do you tip to have you baggage delivered to your room from ME and who do you tip? the driver or the bell hop?

We are from Canada the ME takes your bags from the plane to your resort if you have the yellow tags on them. (We have always had to cart our luggage back to the airport on our way home as we fly Air Canada or Westjet which is a pain) but arrival with the yellow tags ME takes care of everything for us!

 

[supersuperwendy]

We have never waited more then 10 minutes at DME! We love Disney's Magical Express!

 

[texasteacher35]

For us, most of the time we have gotten on a ME bus within about 15 mins after arriving downstairs...the buses all make several stops...As PP's have stated, it's usually about 80-90 mins until you get to your resort...at most...