Use ME or not?

[threeboysmom]

I am all confirmed with ME for my upcoming trip next month. I am concerned still about the amount of time it will take to reach my hotel and then the return 3-hour before flight pick-up time. Well, my mom who lives about an hour from MCO just offered today to pick us up at the airport and then return us to the airport when we leave. I told her I would think about it. I hate to inconvenience her, but getting to our hotel in 30-45 minutes as opposed to two hours sounds VERY GOOD! Also, being picked up 2 hours before flight as opposed to 3 hours sounds VERY GOOD!!

Which would you do? Would you grab the extra hours at Disney having someone pick you up directly at MCO, or would you just go ahead with Magical Express hoping for the best?

 

[Lewisc]

You're saving about an hour returning to MCO and probably a little less when you arrive. You'll have to allow 15-30 minutes to get your luggage.

You'll be saving about an hour each way. Your mom will spend an hour getting to MCO and then an hour to go back. Basically your mom spends 2 hours so you can save one hour.

I'd have your mom take you ONE WAY and treat her to a meal.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I agree with Lewisc. Take DME from the airport to Disney (really, having her pick you up won't be significantly faster than using ME, plus you don't have to worry about waiting for your luggage, loading it into the car, taking it out at your resort, checking it with Bell Services, tipping the bellperson when your luggage is brought to your room... On the other hand, you will save substantial time if your mom drives you back to the airport. You'll be able to spend more time at Disney, just as you want!
Also, I'm not 100% sure but I think I've read that if you're flying home on a participating airline, you can check your luggage through to the plane right from your resort lobby without riding DME on the way back (you can't do this on your way to Disney - if you're not on the bus, I believe they won't ship your bags to the resort for you).

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Also, I'm not 100% sure but I think I've read that if you're flying home on a participating airline, you can check your luggage through to the plane right from your resort lobby without riding DME on the way back (you can't do this on your way to Disney - if you're not on the bus, I believe they won't ship your bags to the resort for you).

That's correct. A guest can use Resort Airline Check-in (with participating airlines), even if the guest is not using Magical Express for transportation.

It's always a good idea to try to be at the airport 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. With Magical Express, that means leaving leaving 3 hours before flight time. With a rental car, it means leaving 2 hours and 45 minutes before flight time (to allow time to return the car). With a taxi, towncar, limo, or ride in someone's car, it means leaving 2 hours and 30 minutes before flight time. If everything goes well, you get to the gate way too early. But if there are delays on the road, at security, or anywhere else, you'll be grateful for the extra cushion of time.

 

[dthogue]

Do you have children? My DD wanted to ride the bus back to the airport so that's what we did - it was a fun and relaxing way to end the trip.

Tammy

 

[goofy4tink]

I've used DME twice now and it has yet to take me more than 1 hr. 15 min., from touchdown to resort check-in. 1st time...arrive MCO at 11:50 a.m., on bus at 12:15, checking in at BCV at 1:00. A week ago...arrive at MCO at 10:30, check in at Pop at about 11:40ish. I wouldn't trade it for anything.