what is quicker.... Mag Exp or car service?

[AliVal]

We are arriving at 7:30PM and I know my kids ill be starved and want to go eat and do somthing the minute we arrive, so I was thinking it just might be quicker for us to get a car service rather than the Magical Express. But would that mean that we must wait at baggage claim for our bags, correct? Magical Express gets them for us if we go that route, correct?
Thanks!

 

[Missytara]

It depends on the time of year that you are going, but figure at least 90 minutes from the time that you land until you would arrive at the resort.

I would grab something at the airport to eat on the plane, and then no one will be famished when you arrive at the airport. That way you can relax and leave the driving and picking up the bags for someone else; take the ME.

 

[Tozzie]

On average it takes 70-90 minutes to arrive at your resort I have done it in I have taken Magical Express about 6 times the longest it has ever taken me is 75 minutes the shortest was 50.

 

[Edd]

Car service is definately faster. Depending on the situation car service can get you there 30 to 60 minutes faster than DME. For example; meet your driver at the escalator, with just carry-ons or let Disney take care of your luggage, and the driver will meet you , escort you down stairs, less than 5 minutes walk, load his vehicle and than be on your way to Disney, straight to your resort, 25 minutes. The trip from the plane takes everyone about 15 minutes so no time gained between DME and Car service.

Disney transportation includes waiting in line to sign up and get on the bus. There is also waiting for the bus to load and than the chance you take whether you are second, third or fourth on the list for arrival at your resort.

 

[goofy4tink]

My times, as best as I can remember, to date...

DME....average of 70 mins from plane to resort

Towncar...carryon bags only, about 45 mins from plane to resort

Towncar....checked bags, about an hour or so, from plane to resort.

Mears shuttle.....last Sept, carryon bag only, about 75 mins.


As you can see, the towncar is faster if you have carryon bags only. If you have checked baggage, you need to wait at baggage claim, which adds about 15 mins.
Can you hire a towncar service but send your luggae with DME? Officially, no. But many do it. It isn't what Disney 'wants' you do do. But to be perfectly honest, I would rather see guests do that then to drag their bags to the bus with them..which slows down the process for everyone on that bus.

Depends on what you want to do in order to save about 30 mins...if that.

 

[Lewisc]

Bring food on the plane. You said your kids will be "starving" when you arrive. What happens if your flight is delayed? Maybe weather related. Saving 30 minutes with a car service isn't the answer if your flight is delayed an hour or more. Afternoon thunder storms delays flights.

You could just grab something to eat at MCO, before you go to DME. Makes more sense to let your kids eat closer to their regular meal time, bring food on the plane.

Bring some sandwiches. You don't want to bring food from home? Most airports also sell food, frequently past security. Subway, at least in airport locations, will provide the dressing in packets so your sandwich doesn't get soggy. Some airlines sell food.