pro / cons of using the magic express

[Mrs.viv07]

transportation from airport to the hotel

good things bad things? anything?

thanks!

 

[NUguyinCrew]

This will be our first time using ME. From what I understand from friends and family who have used it as recently as June, its a great way to avoid car rental as long as you have no problem staying on site. I figure Im at Disney and using ME for that express reason so why not?? My only complaint though depends on which airline you fly. We are on southwest and them, along with a few other airlines, make you transfer you bag to the ME pick-up by yourself (ie - go to baggage claim, drag bags to desk, get on bus). We'll see how it goes. Im excited nonetheless.

 

[Kae]

My only complaint though depends on which airline you fly. We are on southwest and them, along with a few other airlines, make you transfer you bag to the ME pick-up by yourself (ie - go to baggage claim, drag bags to desk, get on bus). We'll see how it goes. Im excited nonetheless.

But that is only for the way to the Airport & it is Because of Curbside checkin. For Airport to Resort Just put your ME tag on your bag & it will get to your resort-for all Airlines.

Kae

 

[NUguyinCrew]

I just got off the phone with disney and they said (as of 20 seconds ago) southwest DOES NOT participate in ME and you MUST pick up your own bags at the baggage claim area. I had to call to make sure but that is the case.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

Unless they have changed it since May, then Disney is wrong. I took Southwest and put my ME tags on my suitcase, and they brought the suitcase to my room. AFAIK they do that for every airline.

However, going back on SW (or any other non-participating airline), you will need to take your suitcase to the bus and then to check-in with you. No big deal.

 

[Cars2006]

We went last September it was great we didn't have to lug our luggage around especially with an 18th old. We just followed the large helpful Mickey hand. The only con was the wait. When we arrived it was about 1/2 hour wait for our bus. Then they did several drops offs at other resorts. So ds got a little cranky waiting. We did have snacks and toys for him but he wanted to run around.

Leaving was another stoyr. The was over an hour and we got in line early. The line went as far back to the food area at ASMo. After a 1/2 with a little movement I sent DH to get us breakfast lucky he got back in time. Most of the wait was due to you need everyone in your party present. They need to check tickets and passports, Visa etc. So people would send someone to stand in line while they would go to the gift shops, food or a butt. Then they had to be either pulled out of line or they made frantic call for them to hurry back.

Then the CM would start pulling people out of line who flights were leaving soon to go first. These were mostly people in the way back who took there time to check out. This got people who were waiting a long time . I guess when the vacation ends so does the politeness .

But we will use it again. The confusion could have been due to the early stage of the Magical Express and hopefully the kinks are worked out by now since it has been over a year.

 

[NUguyinCrew]

Debating between testing the system (using ME tags) and taking the extra 10 minutes to get my own bags, Id rather be for sure that I have clothes for my stay. Its just odd that Disney says one thing and southwest does another. Maybe its MCO's dealings, I dunno. Im not sure who to even call now to find out...MCO? Southwest? Not that I dont trust the people on this board, I just want to have someone who is in a position of authority (over my bags) to tell me for sure that using a ME tag is ok on southwest.

 

[Mousema]

If you have received the ME tags, it has been cleared between Disney and your airline. Your flight days and times are listed in your ME booklet. I'm glad ME is available.

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

I don't think there are any cons about ME. I think it's fantastic, convenient, and they should have thought of it sooner! The best part about it (in my opinion and especially if you have little ones) is on the way TO your resort b/c they play an intorduction video during the 20mintue or so trip including all of our favorite Disney characters. It's just a little something that makes the ME extra special than other transportation and gives it the Disney touch!

 

[SweetSally]

Unless they have changed it since May, then Disney is wrong. I took Southwest and put my ME tags on my suitcase, and they brought the suitcase to my room. AFAIK they do that for every airline.

However, going back on SW (or any other non-participating airline), you will need to take your suitcase to the bus and then to check-in with you. No big deal.

I totally agree - We used Southwest for our trip this past June/July and that's exactly how it worked for us.

We've used ME three times and have found it to be very convenient. But patience is a must with the entire process - airport wait, stops at additional resorts and very early pick up time to return home (understandably).

Overall, I would recommend it.

Whatever you choose - Enjoy your trip

 

[Wigit12]

I just got off the phone with disney and they said (as of 20 seconds ago) southwest DOES NOT participate in ME and you MUST pick up your own bags at the baggage claim area. I had to call to make sure but that is the case.

The CM may have misunderstood your question. Southwest is not a "participating airline"--meaning you can not check your luggage AT the hotel for your RETURN flight.

They will still transport your luggage to your room when you arrive.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

Debating between testing the system (using ME tags) and taking the extra 10 minutes to get my own bags, Id rather be for sure that I have clothes for my stay. Its just odd that Disney says one thing and southwest does another. Maybe its MCO's dealings, I dunno. Im not sure who to even call now to find out...MCO? Southwest? Not that I dont trust the people on this board, I just want to have someone who is in a position of authority (over my bags) to tell me for sure that using a ME tag is ok on southwest.

Here is a good thread that explains it from (I believe) a transportation CM:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

He's also a moderator of the Transportation Board.

 

[NUguyinCrew]

Here is a good thread that explains it from (I believe) a transportation CM:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

He's also a moderator of the Transportation Board.

Sheesh, why cant disney just tell you that when you call? Definitely the best explaination Ive had, disney included. I guess Im sold on using the tags now.

 

[anbouk]

Well, our experience wasn't that great on our most recent trip. We had to wait FOREVER for the bus arrival. Not so easy when you have a toddler fussing, hungry, thirsty, and HOT!!! Finally, after boarding, we had at least a 40 minute ride thru traffic, to reach hotels. Of course, the hotel we chose wasn't one of the first stops! We feel we wasted our energy and TIME, of course. This time around we opted to get a private car vs. all the aggravation and was told we will be at our Disney Hotel in NO TIME!!! JMHO

 

[disneyde]

how many hours before your flight do they take you to the airport....we have a 1:30pm flight back and I have a rental car (for part of our trip) to return at 8:30am (not at MCO) do you think I should pay the extra $50 to return it to MCO?