Time it takes to get to Grand Floridian from Airport using ME?

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

Does anyone know, on average or about, how long it generally takes to get to the Grand Floridian from MCO using the Magical Express?

TIA!

 

[OKW Lover]

There's no difference in going to the GF or any other WDW resort time-wise. Reports are in the 60-75 minute range from the time you deplane. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

 

[beccasmom]

It also depends on what other resort you might stop at. When we were staying at BLT, the ME bus stopped at the Poly and WL first. You also may have a wait at the airport. We've rarely waited in line, but it has happened a few times.

 

[goofy4tink]

Figure on 90 mins, from the gate to resort checkin. If you arrive sooner than that, you'll be thrilled. On the other hand, if you plan on it taking 60 mins, you're going to get very cranky when you're still on the bus at the 80 min mark.
It all depends on how things shake out. I have had total times of anywhere from 50-90 mins....usually going to the same two resorts!!!! Just depends on how long I wait for the bus to get there, then how long I'm waiting on the bus, then which resort we stop at first, second and third.

 

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

Thanks for the help!

 

[msheriffm]

Figure on 90 mins, from the gate to resort checkin. If you arrive sooner than that, you'll be thrilled. On the other hand, if you plan on it taking 60 mins, you're going to get very cranky when you're still on the bus at the 80 min mark.
It all depends on how things shake out. I have had total times of anywhere from 50-90 mins....usually going to the same two resorts!!!! Just depends on how long I wait for the bus to get there, then how long I'm waiting on the bus, then which resort we stop at first, second and third.

If you give the ME a pick up time will they automatically be there at that time?

 

[LilyWDW]

If you give the ME a pick up time will they automatically be there at that time?

You don't give them a pickup time.

At the airport, you head to the ME area and are directed to where you will be picked up. The bus may or may not already be there, so you might have to wait. Then you might have to wait until they feel they have enough people on the bus in order to dispatch it.

At the resort, you will be given a time that ME will be picking up. This is about 3 hours before your flight, plus or minus 15 minutes. You will be assigned this time.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you give the ME a pick up time will they automatically be there at that time?

Nope...the buses run every 20 mins or so. You aren't put on a specific bus..so you can use the restrooms, grab a bite to eat, whatever you want before heading down to the DME area. Once you get there, you get checked in and directed to the appropriate bus line where you will wait for the next bus to come along for your resort. Could be there already, or it could be a 20 min wait..no way of telling. Hence the 'plan on 90 mins and be thrilled if it takes just 70 mins' idea.

 

[CleveRocks]

As far as the order of drop-offs (on your arrival day), there is no pre-set order of drop-offs ... just because someone experienced a certain order doesn't mean that is "the" order. In fact, each individual driver decides the order of drop-offs, there are no rules.

Well, there is ONE rule, but it's due strictly to logistics. When Polynesian and Grand Floridian are on the same bus, Poly MUST be dropped off first.

As far as which resorts are grouped together on a bus, that also changed from day to day, or more accurately from hour to hour. It's all based on reservations data ... they group resorts based on what will be most efficient at that exact time.

 

[OKW Lover]

Well, there is ONE rule, but it's due strictly to logistics. When Polynesian and Grand Floridian are on the same bus, Poly MUST be dropped off first.

I've seen this mentioned before but never understood the rationale. Can you enlighten me?

 

[CleveRocks]

I've seen this mentioned before but never understood the rationale. Can you enlighten me?

I'd be happy to!

If you can picture it, both resorts are on the right side of the same dead-end road. If the bus passes Poly and stops at GF first, it would then approach Poly with Poly on the left side of the road. For whatever reason, the left turn into the Poly complex is very tight, too tight for a full-size motorcoach to make the turn in one swoop ... it would have to enter using a K-turn (you know, turn in, then back up and cut the wheel the opposite way, then go forward again), and you can imagine how dangerous and disruptive that would be.

So this means that ANY full-size bus, be it DME or Disney Transport, absolutely must go to Poly first if it is also going to stop at GF.

 

[Lewisc]

The way I understand it the rule is if the bus has any guests staying at the GF then the GF is suppose to be the first stop. An exception is made for POLY guests as per the reason given by Clerocks.

That means if there are guests for POLY, Contemporary and WL, but not for the GF, POLY doesn't have to be the first stop.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd be happy to!

If you can picture it, both resorts are on the right side of the same dead-end road. If the bus passes Poly and stops at GF first, it would then approach Poly with Poly on the left side of the road. For whatever reason, the left turn into the Poly complex is very tight, too tight for a full-size motorcoach to make the turn in one swoop ... it would have to enter using a K-turn (you know, turn in, then back up and cut the wheel the opposite way, then go forward again), and you can imagine how dangerous and disruptive that would be.

So this means that ANY full-size bus, be it DME or Disney Transport, absolutely must go to Poly first if it is also going to stop at GF.

Thanks. I went and looked at this on Google Maps and it really doesn't seem like its that tight, especially as the island before the guard shack is cut back. These are the Google Maps coordinates: 28.403851,-81.582713
But then again I'm not a bus driver.

Oh, and I'm not trying to argue. I've read your posts on here many times and I know you to have good info. Just seems strange.

 

[Lewisc]

It's not clear if it's impossible for a motor coach to enter POLY making a left turn, if it's more difficult to make a left turn (need both lanes clear?) or if it's just awkward driving POLY guests past their resort so guests at Disney's flagship resort get dropped off first.

If Disney really wanted to provide a 5* experience for GF guests they'd use a towncar or limo exclusively for GF guests.

 

[CleveRocks]

Having eye-balled it at ground level, it seems pretty tight to me ... not that I've ever driven a bus before!

But I (actually "we" ... he posted it here on The DIS, he didn't tell just me personally) got this explanation years ago from Tyler, a former (still present???) moderator and contributor here who worked as a bus driver for a while.

 

[CleveRocks]

As far as GF supposed to be dropped off first, I'd always read that, too. And not that it's NOT a rule, but I experienced it being violated 2 months ago. It was late at night, there were only three families. The first was dropped off at Port Orleans French Quarter, the second (my family) was dropped off at Contemporary, and the third and last family was dropped off at Grand Floridian.

When I first heard what resorts were on the bus, I figured for sure that the GF family would be first. Nope, not that time.

 

[Lewisc]

As far as GF supposed to be dropped off first, I'd always read that, too. And not that it's NOT a rule, but I experienced it being violated 2 months ago. It was late at night, there were only three families. The first was dropped off at Port Orleans French Quarter, the second (my family) was dropped off at Contemporary, and the third and last family was dropped off at Grand Floridian.

When I first heard what resorts were on the bus, I figured for sure that the GF family would be first. Nope, not that time.

At least 2 posters, who at least claim to be, DME drivers said the rule is GF first but some drivers disregard the rule. It's not good for tips to drop off the GF guests then back track to drop off guests at "lesser" resorts.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

At least 2 posters, who at least claim to be, DME drivers said the rule is GF first but some drivers disregard the rule. It's not good for tips to drop off the GF guests then back track to drop off guests at "lesser" resorts.

1) If there are other Deluxe resorts on the same bus, they get dropped before GF
. . . WL
. . . Contemporary
. . . Poly
2) We have been on such buses going to GF.
3) It is a matter of logistics and road routes.
. . . you CANNOT get to GF without passing WL-CR-Poly
. . . you must go around the MK parking lot
. . . going to GF first then back tracking is bad news
. . . for every stop after GF, it is a left-hand turn
. . . thus, you are turning INTO traffic
. . . this is can be permanent employment for lawyers if an accident
. . . not to mention how it would slow down or hold up traffic

NOTE: Buses must make a left hand turn into MK from resorts. They
wish it was different, but it cannot be helped.

 

[Lewisc]

1) If there are other Deluxe resorts on the same bus, they get dropped before GF
. . . WL
. . . Contemporary
. . . Poly
2) We have been on such buses going to GF.
3) It is a matter of logistics and road routes.
. . . you CANNOT get to GF without passing WL-CR-Poly
. . . you must go around the MK parking lot
. . . going to GF first then back tracking is bad news
. . . for every stop after GF, it is a left-hand turn
. . . thus, you are turning INTO traffic
. . . this is can be permanent employment for lawyers if an accident
. . . not to mention how it would slow down or hold up traffic

NOTE: Buses must make a left hand turn into MK from resorts. They
wish it was different, but it cannot be helped.

1. More then one bus driver posted about the GF first rule.
2. It was posted some drivers didn't follow the policy.
3. Not good guest relations to have to back track after dropping off GF guests first.
4. Possible safety issues.
5. Sounds like the policy has either been repealed or is being ignored by a significant number of drivers.