ME is a joke

[Edd]

I don't think two hours is a bad time. I have noticed everyone gives you an average time of 80 minutes. That means 1/2 of the arrival times are over 80 minutes, so if 2500 out of 5000 arrive at their hotels between 60 minutes and 80 minutes, that is about the fastest that has ever been reported, than the other 2500 have to arrive at their hotels sometime between 80 minutes and 120 minutes (2 hours). The bus is not an express bus. It is free and you can't expect everything when it is free.

On the day before thankgiving, Mears uses the minimum amount of busses for Disney because the passenger count going to Disney is quite a bit smaller. Also the Disney cruise went out on Wednesday instead of Thursday. That is crucial in allotting busses. The planes are loaded with relatives, kissing cousins, and locals returning to Orlando. Added to that is the traffic out there and the confusion with traffic in the airport from local people picking up ther friends.

 

[goofy4tink]

First off- you all calm down. I was just giving a report. There were hardly any buses running. Much different than what we experienced in the past.

And thanks for that report. Many here get a bit peeved when someone takes DME to task. Not everyone has a great experience. I have had bad experiences with towncars, but that doesn't mean everyone is going to have that same experience.
All in all, two hours isn't bad..not if you're talking about from plane to resort, which I assume you are. It's not 'magical' but it's all relative I guess. It's a very busy time of year for travel, so that most likely impacted it.


I can't believe all the hugging and pixiedust tossing going on around here. What are you guys thinking???? I'm a bit concerned about it.

 

[JennSaint]

If it took 2hrs from landing to being checked in that's really not bad. It is the busiest travel time of the year. I would never travel Thanksgiving week and not expect delays.

 

[bavaria]

I can't believe all the hugging and pixiedust tossing going on around here. What are you guys thinking???? I'm a bit concerned about it.

Don't be - it was temporary insanity. I'm going to bed. Duds don't shine the light or I will be extra cranky tomorrow!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'm not sure why OP is upset. She says "Much different than what we experienced in the past." So you had one bad experience and you're giving up on ME? If you've had good experiences in the past, then you must know the delay was probably caused by the time of year you're traveling.

I had a bad experience a few years ago but gave ME a try twice more, and I was completely happy with it.

I guess everyone is just so excited to start their trip, and they've probably been traveling for hours already, that they get a little impatient. On the other hand, if OP actually spent 2 hours checking in at her hotel, I completely agree and would have been annoyed myself.

 

[Edd]

I wouldn't use "time of the year" as an excuse because there are many times during the year that the same situation exists. I feel that the average time put out by posters is somewhat diminished and over used, based on my everyday experience with the system.

Most passengers I have talked to have stated 90 - 120 minutes is a more logical time frame for bus service from leaving plane to arriving at the resort. I do not question that as I know 20 to 30 minutes of it would be the walk from the plane to the DME, depending on the airline you use, Southwest is the farthest from DME and almost, I believe I walked it as 4500 feet in the past, a mile to walk should you pick up your luggage and carry it on the bus, after the walk from the landing terminals.. Another hour to get signed up, be on the bus and finally arrive at your resort, time depending on the drop-off schedule for the resort.

 

[goofy4tink]

I wouldn't use "time of the year" as an excuse because there are many times during the year that the same situation exists. I feel that the average time put out by posters is somewhat diminished and over used, based on my everyday experience with the system.

Most passengers I have talked to have stated 90 - 120 minutes is a more logical time frame for bus service from leaving plane to arriving at the resort. I do not question that as I know 20 to 30 minutes of it would be the walk from the plane to the DME, depending on the airline you use, Southwest is the farthest from DME and almost, I believe I walked it as 4500 feet in the past, a mile to walk should you pick up your luggage and carry it on the bus, after the walk from the landing terminals.. Another hour to get signed up, be on the bus and finally arrive at your resort, time depending on the drop-off schedule for the resort.

Edd, I've used DME close to 10 times to date...and again this coming Sunday. I think I'm pretty qualified to give times..much more so than the 'average' WDW traveler.
Here are my 'average' times...
I usually fly either Jetblue or SW, both use the same area of the terminal.
10-15 mins from gate to DME checkin...depending on wait times for the tram.
1-20 mins in line at DME checkin counter. Longest time was last Dec, checking in at the same time the PopWarner families were checking in.
1-20 mins in bus line...most times it is about 5 mins, only one time was over 15 mins.
1-25 mins waiting on bus..again most times it is closer to 10 mins. Only one time was close to 25 mins.
30-40 mins to resort, depending on which stop you are.
I have had times of 55 mins (from gate to resort) and close to 90 mins (again gate to resort). But the vast majority of times have been closer to 70 mins.


Most people using DME are also tagging their bags and allowing DME to transport them...it is not a big deal if you arrive on SW. IF you choose to grab your own bags, when flying SW, then it's going to be the same with JB. It's your choice to take the extra time to get your own bags. The addtl time to get your own bags and then go back up to level 3 and cross over to Side B and then down to level 1 for DME just isn't the 'norm'.

I have used every method of transportation from MCO to WDW...except for taxi (not going there, ever). There is no one method that is going to meet each and every person's needs. DME works just fine for most people....but sometimes the wait times are excessive.
If someone doesn't want to take the chance of excessive wait times, then they are going to be much better off hiring a car service. Or, if they just don't want to travel with a huge group of others. But, for many people, the addlt cost of a car service is a cost they just don't need, or want. They choose to spend their money elsewhere. They don't care about a grocery stop, they don't care about having a vehicle all to themselves. The DME bus works just fine for their needs.
On the other hand, there are those who want the 'privacy' that a car service gives them. They like being able to stop and stock up on beverages and snacks or groceries for their meals. They like not having to listen to excited kids on a bus, they like going right to their resort.

It's all good....something for everyone.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would still like some clarification from the OP on what exactly took 2 hours. If it was 2 hours waiting for a ME bus or 2 hours just to check in at the resort, I would agree that that is an excessive amount of time to wait. But 2 hours from landing to check in is not excessive.

 

[Edd]

Di,

I would go with your times, but I know most of the passengers have children and you have probably not traveled with children for awhile. There is the bathroom, disputes, crying about the walk and scenery that will slow a family down. Most everyone looks for a bathroom when they get off a plane and guess what children don't wait. I have seen families (a majority) make it to the carousels 20 to 30 minutes after the landing time. Now if they are at Southwest and pick up luggage count 10 - 20 minutes waiting for luggage. Walk over to DME from SW, with kids is another 20 - 30 minutes through passenger traffic, by restaurants (McDonalds) and stores. That would take up the first hour of their arrival in Orlando.

A single person devoted to getting to Disney can make much better time if they know where they are. I highly dispute a family, with kids, landing in Orlando for the first time will find your times appropriate.

Also if you maxed out the times of each segment you stated than you would equal 2 hours of time from the plane to the resort. There are many familes, with children, who will take the max you state and more minutes before arriving at their resort.

P.S. I'd love to see you get a 5 year old walking, not carrying or strollers, from the plane to the carousels in 15 minutes. It takes me 10 - 15 minutes just walking steady to do that.

 

[TDC Nala]

Parents with children probably also realize that DME is not the fastest way to get to their resort. Those who still want to use the free service because it's free will do so nevertheless. Those who don't will pay what it takes for alternate private transportation.

The average time on ME is about 70-80 minutes and I don't have any idea (nor does it really matter to me) whether or not that includes the time it takes to walk from the gate to the ME desk. It's going to take time to walk anywhere in the airport - to the luggage claim, to the car rental areas, to the taxi stand.

I've had two experiences with ME (that's out of maybe 30 or 40 instances of riding it) that took 2 hours from landing or longer - once in the month of May and once in October, neither during traditionally heavy travel times. It's just going to depend on the circumstances each and every time you ride. If you and your party are absolutely certain you don't wish to have your transportation time depend on those circumstances, pay for alternate private transportation.

 

[aubriee]

Edd, I've used DME close to 10 times to date...and again this coming Sunday. I think I'm pretty qualified to give times..much more so than the 'average' WDW traveler.
Here are my 'average' times...
I usually fly either Jetblue or SW, both use the same area of the terminal.
10-15 mins from gate to DME checkin...depending on wait times for the tram.
1-20 mins in line at DME checkin counter. Longest time was last Dec, checking in at the same time the PopWarner families were checking in.
1-20 mins in bus line...most times it is about 5 mins, only one time was over 15 mins.
1-25 mins waiting on bus..again most times it is closer to 10 mins. Only one time was close to 25 mins.
30-40 mins to resort, depending on which stop you are.
I have had times of 55 mins (from gate to resort) and close to 90 mins (again gate to resort). But the vast majority of times have been closer to 70 mins.

The average time on ME is about 70-80 minutes and I don't have any idea (nor does it really matter to me) whether or not that includes the time it takes to walk from the gate to the ME desk. It's going to take time to walk anywhere in the airport - to the luggage claim, to the car rental areas, to the taxi stand.

I've had two experiences with ME (that's out of maybe 30 or 40 instances of riding it) that took 2 hours from landing or longer - once in the month of May and once in October, neither during traditionally heavy travel times. It's just going to depend on the circumstances each and every time you ride. If you and your party are absolutely certain you don't wish to have your transportation time depend on those circumstances, pay for alternate private transportation.

I go to WDW 4-6 times a year and have been using DME since the first week it was in existence. I travel at different times of the year and have also traveled alone with my easily distracted grand daughter. So far, knock on wood, it has never taken me even close to two hours to get to my resort. It's always been closer to about 70-80 minutes.

 

[goofy4tink]

Di,

I would go with your times, but I know most of the passengers have children and you have probably not traveled with children for awhile. There is the bathroom, disputes, crying about the walk and scenery that will slow a family down. Most everyone looks for a bathroom when they get off a plane and guess what children don't wait. I have seen families (a majority) make it to the carousels 20 to 30 minutes after the landing time. Now if they are at Southwest and pick up luggage count 10 - 20 minutes waiting for luggage. Walk over to DME from SW, with kids is another 20 - 30 minutes through passenger traffic, by restaurants (McDonalds) and stores. That would take up the first hour of their arrival in Orlando.

A single person devoted to getting to Disney can make much better time if they know where they are. I highly dispute a family, with kids, landing in Orlando for the first time will find your times appropriate.

Also if you maxed out the times of each segment you stated than you would equal 2 hours of time from the plane to the resort. There are many familes, with children, who will take the max you state and more minutes before arriving at their resort.

P.S. I'd love to see you get a 5 year old walking, not carrying or strollers, from the plane to the carousels in 15 minutes. It takes me 10 - 15 minutes just walking steady to do that.

Well, here we go, into the TMI area....I head to the potty almost every time I get off that plane. And sometimes, depending on the time of year, change some of my attire.
No, I haven't traveled with 'kids' for quite awhile now, but I don't travel much differently now than back then. We always stop off at the restrooms, we don't 'run' to the DME area..we take our time pretty much. Yes, if I just miss the tram, it does take a bit longer to get the next one, and there are always going to be those who are clueless and have no idea where they are going....and yes, I do go around them.

And yes...if all my times are 'worst case scenario', then yes, it could take 2 hrs to get from the plane to the resort. But, I have never had a worst case scenario....well, I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow now. I'm sure that my worst nightmares will come true then...after yapping on about my averages of 70 mins!!!
I'll report in tomorrow night, once I get all nice and comfy at AKL!!

 

[happymommy]

We only did ME once, just to experience it....wasnt the best so we stick to getting a car and driver from one of the transportation companies.....

We did that as well. Took it mid December last year.

It also took us over two hours just to reach our resort! Then still had to get checked in (we were at the BWI).

I considered getting out of line and getting a cab, but didn't have any cash on me (stupid me, I think many take credit cards!). My kids were so tired of standing in line, they were also hot and just tired. We had our luggage with us (we only bring carry-ons).

We took a cab for the return.

Yes, many folks love ME, but we didn't like it at all.

 

[seashoreCM]

You evaluate the time for Magical Express starting from when you get to the welcoming area.

 

[dburg30]

You evaluate the time for Magical Express starting from when you get to the welcoming area.

YOU may, but many of us also base it on 'deplaning' to 'debusing'

Now I dont count it from LANDING, but once I step off the plane the timer starts to me.

 

[safetymom]

Do you figure the time the same way if you are renting a car or taking a limo? I wouldn't start timing DME until I was at the Welcome Desk.

 

[Edd]

From the plane to the DME Welcome Center it is a 15 - 30 minute walk depending on the speed of your family or group.

 

[dburg30]

Do you figure the time the same way if you are renting a car or taking a limo? I wouldn't start timing DME until I was at the Welcome Desk.

IF I ever rent a car or use a car service at WDW, I would start it from the time I stepped off the plane, since I base my times off plane, it wouldnt be fair to figure it any other way. 3 of the 4 times, I was checked in and on the way to a park within 90 minutes from deplaning! One time it did take about 1:45 to get checked in from deplaning. While sure I guess to time DME, it would make more sense to do it from the welcome area, there are those like myself that start the timer earlier.. The one time I timed it basically to the minute, was 1:45, the first 2 times I didnt time it, but when I was off the plane about 10am and was on a bus, entering epcot from CSR, after checking in, by noon, well you know the stars were aligned for me that day. And that was our first trip to WDW so in that case it truly was magical!!

 

[dburg30]

From the plane to the DME Welcome Center it is a 15 - 30 minute walk depending on the speed of your family or group.

The first time we were there, we high tailed it. I had studied where to go, what to have ready etc etc, but again, that trip we literally 'walked on' to everything, right off the plane, right onto a tram, right onto an elevator, right thru DME checkin, right onto a bus, and it pulled out within literally 2 minutes. We had barely get seated before the bus was leaving. There were a total of like 20 people on our bus, with the majority going to AK. So we dropped off a few at pop, then CSR which was us.

 

[goofy4tink]

I start timing when I get off the plane, at the gate. And believe me, time it I do. I time each step of the way.....how long from plane to DME checkin, how long in the checkin line, how long in the bus line, how long sitting on the bus, and then how long to my resort. This is what I do so that I can report back here, with the most factual info I can get. Of course, I do get some pretty strange looks. One person actually asked me if I was working undercover for Disney!!!
And I do the same thing when using a car service or Mears..that way, it is comparitive.