Wait time at MCO for ME

[surfer_ed]

In the past I rented a car for 2 days, and dropped it off at WDW. Allowed us to drive directly to the resort and pick up a few provisions. Always take ME home.

How long a wait is it at MCO for Magical Express going to WDW? We are arriving Friday October 5th and have DS 11 mo and DD 3 years.

Debating if I should rent a car for the first few days or go with ME and save some $$.

 

[salmoneous]

Figure 60-90 minutes from the time you get off the plane until you are at your resort. Average seems to be about 70 minutes. This covers getting to ME, checking in with ME, getting on a bus, waiting for the bus to leave, waiting for potential drop-offs at other resorts, etc.

The flip side is you don't have to pick up your luggage, wait in line for your rental, get the rental, etc.

 

[J and R's mom]

I really like using magical express BECAUSE we have little ones. On our last trip my girls were 1 and 3. Both of them consider the bus ride just as exciting as the rides in the parks. I think they like not having to be in the car seats.

I have never waited at the airport longer than 20 minutes for ME. My shortest wait was 5 minutes. The ride over to WDW is pleasant (especially if they have the TVs working) and doesn't take much longer than driving your own car. I've been the third (and last) resort stop each time I used the service (when staying at BWV). The stops typically don't take that long and you're let off at the lobby entrance.

They'll store your carry-ons (and strollers) in the comparments below the bus and take them out when you get to the resort.

 

[IndianaMouseLover]

All of the estimated times the OP are stating are pretty much right on the money. How long you wait on the bus to fill up and leave, I think, depends on the time your plane lands a the airport. If you land in the morning or afternoon this is a prime flying time so the buses will tend to fill up faster. If you are one of the later flights it may take longer to fill up the bus as, I would think, not as many people arrive at that time as they do others.

We absolutely love ME. Honestly, I would not go out of my way of paying for a rental car and use that money towads something magical while at WDW. This is "FREE" and I am not willing to pay for something else if I can get the same thing free. Maybe I am just tightwad.

 

[DVC Grammy]

We've been using ME a few times a year since it began and have never had to wait at MCO for the bus to fill up, regardless of which resort we booked. (We do arrive at MCO early, and we don't fly during peak season, though.)
Coming back from WDW is usually more crowded!