Renting and using ME

[Jennyvelaz]

Can we still use ME and rent a car? I was kicking myself trying to get a rental fare (they've been quite higher than in the past) when I realized I don't have to rent for luggage space if I use Magical express...anyone done this? Any issues?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

On resort check-in day, Disney does not permit you to use Disney's Magical Express as a "luggage only" transfer service. Somebody has to ride on the motorcoach from the airport if you want Disney to make your bags "magically appear" in your room a few hours after you arrive.

On resort check-out day, Disney does permit you to use Resort Airline Check-in (RAC), regardless of how you're traveling back to the airport — as long as you're on a RAC-participating airline, and as long you check in at the RAC counter 3-12 hours before your flight. The RAC counter is open from 5 AM to 1 PM, so RAC won't work if you have a very early flight.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

Good advice, thank you! I don't think SWA participates in the resort check-in at least not last time we tried. If they do then we ride back with the ME?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Good advice, thank you! I don't think SWA participates in the resort check-in at least not last time we tried. If they do then we ride back with the ME?

Southwest does nor currently participate. There have been rumors on this board that Southwest will join the list, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Traveling back to the airport, you can have your luggage loaded into the luggage hold of the Magical Express motorcoach — but only if you're a passenger on that motorcoach. At the airport, the driver will return your luggage to you, and you'll check in for your flight as though you arrived at the airport by taxi or private car.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

Thanks for your input. After talking with DH, we are going to ride packed with luggage in an affordable rental, not an expensive minivan, and forego the bus trip. We did the Mears shuttle twice in our lives and it was twice too many! He doesn't like going to each resort not knowing our "stop." We thought with our luggage we would need a van but we think we can be squished for for two airport trips. Thanks for your help!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

We did the Mears shuttle twice in our lives and it was twice too many! He doesn't like going to each resort not knowing our "stop."

I won't try to talk you out of a rental car. There are advantages to a rental car, just as there are advantages to a towncar/limo service and to Disney's Magical Express. It all depends on your preferences and what your transportation needs will be during your WDW stay.

However, for the benefit of others reading this thread, I'd like to point out that Disney's Magical Express is not the same as the old Mears shuttle service. Yes, Mears Transportation owns, maintains, and drives the Disney's Magical Express motorcoaches for Disney, but that's where the similarity ends.

Disney's Magical Express (DME) service is a much higher volume service (carrying 5-10 thousand guests each day), with a larger fleet, snazzy new deluxe motorcoaches, more departures, fewer stops, a price of zero, onboard video, and an absolutely terrific inbound luggage service that lets you bypass baggage claim entirely. Because you can bypass baggage claim, you can be on a motorcoach to your resort while others on your flight are still waiting for their luggage to appear on the baggage claim conveyor.

DME does not wait for motorcoaches to fill up before departing. Each DME motorcoach can supposedly serve up to four resorts, but many people on this board report being the first or second stop; a few are on a coach that makes a third stop; a fourth stop is very unusual.

 

[cjnix29]

We were in the same boat...what we are doing is taking the ME and then getting our rental car at the CCC. I was able to find a rate the same as it was at MCO, and on check in, my husband will go get the car while I check in and get settled.

 

[tmt martins]

We got a great rate ( for what others had at MCO ) at a DTD hotel location .

So we will take ME both ways and rent a small get around car for our stay I think it's the best of both worlds and we can shave a day off the rental as we can get it a bit later and drop it off a bit earlier.

I watch CCC and the Dolphins' Alamo and Nat prices as well.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Also - you can have part of your party ride ME and all your luggage will go while one can go get the rental car and meet up with you. We love the idea of the luggage service and my DD will think the ME bus is an adventure of it's own so her and I are taking the bus while DH picks up the rental and meets us at our resort.