ME transportation?

[DeeCee735]

We are starting to put the final plans in place for our January trip and I have some questions about using Magical Express.

How far in advance do I call to make arrangements? Do I call MS? How early will they pick us up to bring us back to the airport on the way home and what do we have to do differently at the airport when we leave from home, if anything?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Another general question, since we haven't flown as a family in alot of years, and when I fly alone I only bring a carry on, I'm wondering how early we have to get to the airport if we DONT use ME with checked luggage. It's been a long time and if we choose to use a car service once we get to MCO, than we'll be using a cab from home to JFK, so I need to know how early we'll have to be there, and leave home, with checked in luggage.

Thanks,

 

[tink too]

How far in advance do I call to make arrangements? Do I call MS? How early will they pick us up to bring us back to the airport on the way home and what do we have to do differently at the airport when we leave from home, if anything?

You can add ME to your reservation as soon as you know your flight details, so if you have all that information already, you can add ME whenever it is convenient. You add the ME transportation service through MS.

You'll receive special luggage tags which you should attach to your luggage before you leave your departure airport. This enables the ME staff to identify your luggage and collect it for you.

I believe you are advised of your return pick-up time once you have checked in to your resort. We did not need to use ME for our return to the airport as we took a cruise after our WDW stay this year, but this is what we were advised.

I can't help with airport check-in times with hold luggage since we are "foreigners." For us in the UK, check-in times are at least 3 hours before departure time for a long-haul flight, but I do know that internal flight check-ins are a lot less. I'm sure the US is similar, but can't confirm for sure.

 

[Lynne M]

For JFK, I'd want to be at the airport at least two hours before my departure time. It's a huge, busy airport, and lines can be long.

When I lived on LI, I used to fly out of MacArthur (ISP) whenever possible. It was a much easier experience. I know you already have your tickets for this trip, but it's something you might want to consider for future trips.

 

[castleri]

If you want ME to handle your luggage you need to call and make the arrangements in time for them to send the luggage tags so they know to pick up your bags. Depending on what airline you are flying you may be able to check your bags at the resort for the return triip. MS can probably tell you which airlines participate in this program. We fly SW so have to take our bags on the bus for the return trip to the airport and then get them checked in at curbside or the ticket line. I can only comment on leaving Providence with checked bags and we allow an hour and half or more before flight time to check bags, get through security and get to the gate. Hopefully someone who flies out of JFK can help you with numbers for there. We also plan to be at the airport at least and hour and a half at Orlando when returning. With ME they pick you up about 2 1/2-3 hours before flight time which works out so you may have time for a bite to eat or some last minute shopping if the security lines are not too long.

 

[DeeCee735]

We live 10 minutes from JFK, just over the border of Queens and Nassau County, in Nassau County. So to drive to the Islip airport would take just as much time as waiting in line at JFK, if not more, therefore, it's easier just to go to the closer airport. If ever I'd fly Southwest for lower fares, than making the drive would be worth it. Thanks for all the info.

I think we are going to cab it to the airport, hire a car service at MCO, stop in Publix for some food items and be picked up alittle less than 3 hours prior to the flight on the return.

Can't wait 61 days and counting WOO HOO!

 

[Lynne M]

Oh, yeah, JFK makes much more sense for you. I lived in Melville, so ISP was easier for me.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you! And thanks for your input and info.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just a thought for you...it seems you are planning on using DME for your luggage only, and you are getting a towncar service to get you from MCO to your resort and then back again, right? If so, have you considered using DME for the people in your party, and then using a grocery delivery service for your groceries?? A towncar will cost you about $130, r/t, for up to four guests. A grocery delivery service will cost you about $12-15 delivery charge, plus a tip. Then the groceries are delivered right to your resort, and refridgerated until you can get into your villa.
It should take about 70 mins (average) to get from your plane to your resort using DME. Your bags will arrive in your room/villa about 3 hrs later...after checkin. You can pretty much give a time for when you want groceries delivered.
The savings is substantial if you use a grocery service vs that 30 min grocery stop with the towncar.
Just a thought.