Question re DME to resorts and Bus to Cruise Line

[polkadotladybug]

I am just wondering for the future - we have airfare credits due to a cancelled trip and are wondering how to use them. I have a few questions regarding the DME to the resorts/cruise line. (It would be a trip to WDW OR the DCL, not both - so it would be strictly transportation from the airport to either and back - if that makes sense - we are not considering a land/sea - either via Disney or do it ourselves)


1)If you book a stay at a Disney resort, but already have the airfare separate (not a package deal) - can you still use DME to the Disney Resort and back or is it just for package buyers?

2)How often do the DME buses run from the airport to the Disney Resorts?

3)Does the Magical Express run to the port for the Disney Cruises or is that something different?

4)Is transportation to the port free from Disney? If not - how much is it?

5)If it is free, is it only for package holders or can you just book the cruise and ride the bus?

6)How often do the buses run to the port from the airport? Hourly?

SOrry if my questions are confusing - LOL!

 

[Wazzo]

1)If you book a stay at a Disney resort, but already have the airfare separate (not a package deal) - can you still use DME to the Disney Resort and back or is it just for package buyers?

2)How often do the DME buses run from the airport to the Disney Resorts?

3)Does the Magical Express run to the port for the Disney Cruises or is that something different?

4)Is transportation to the port free from Disney? If not - how much is it?

5)If it is free, is it only for package holders or can you just book the cruise and ride the bus?

6)How often do the buses run to the port from the airport? Hourly?

SOrry if my questions are confusing - LOL!

1) DME is for anyone staying at a Disney resort, so no, you don't need to have booked airfare through them.

2) This one I'm not sure about, but I've wait times to leave are approximately 15 minutes. The line up at the counter can be long, but I don't think you have to wait long for the bus.

3) Yes, DME works for the DCL port too.

4) Yes, it was free for our cruise, there and back.

5) I think as long as you're on a DCL cruise, you get the bus.

6) The buses at the port are ready to go when the ships dock, so I'm sure they have it coordinated with the ship docking.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[kaytieeldr]

3, 4 & 5: Port transportation is provided by Disney Cruise Line, separate from Magical Express (although sometimes the DCL buses are used for DME).
Port transfers are NOT free. They may be included in a cruise's total cost, so passengers may not realize they're paying extra, but you do pay.
There are a variety of ways to get to and from the port - DCL transfers, town cars, some people rent cars at the airport and return them to locations near the dock.
Check out the Disney Cruise Line message board for more information and help http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

 

[CleveRocks]

3) Yes, DME works for the DCL port too.

Just to clear some stuff up here ....

DME and DCL are close cousins. They might even be fraternal (non-identical) twins. But they are not exactly one-and-the-same-thing.

If you are going to or from the port for a Disney Cruise, you will NOT be using DME. You will be using DCL transportation. Both use Mears drivers and Mears buses, and both are managed/dispatched/run by Disney, but they are not the same exact system.

DCL transportation was around long before DME ever started. They are separate entities.

DME ONLY runs from MCO to resorts and vice versa.

 

[seashoreCM]

DME and DCL passengers and also Mears paying customers might be commingled on the same bus. This may result in what appears to be a DME trip going to the Swan or Dolphin where many DCL guests stay.

Ground transportation is initially included in your DCL package on line quotation. There is an inconspicuous box to click and delete the ground transportation and the price goes down a little.

If you are using DCL ground transportation, you will never miss the cruise. If you choose some other transporation and there is a mishap, you could.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm