What time was your magical express pickup / flight time ? I know it is generally 3-4hrs but I keep getting close to 4 hours for domestic travel

[disneymagicgirl]

We do this every trip as we have no need to sit at the airport for so much longer than needed. We usually aim for a pick up time of about 2.5 hrs before are actual departure just to be safe, but always still have more than enough time to eat at the airport.

I do the same. Been 8 times this year and haven't cut it close yet.

 

[kaytieeldr]

but always still have more than enough time to eat at the airport.

Until that time you don't. But 2.5 hours is better than two hours. At least it you had a similar experience to a PP (spend an hour on property on the bus while it picks up at other resorts), then 35-ish minutes to the airport, then up to security, you might have 45-50 minutes to get through security and to the gate before they close the plane.

Two hours, like the "genius" suggestion, leaves about 25 minutes from the DME drop off to the plane.

 

[brockash]

Until that time you don't. But 2.5 hours is better than two hours. At least it you had a similar experience to a PP (spend an hour on property on the bus while it picks up at other resorts), then 35-ish minutes to the airport, then up to security, you might have 45-50 minutes to get through security and to the gate before they close the plane.

Two hours, like the "genius" suggestion, leaves about 25 minutes from the DME drop off to the plane.

Oh we've definitely spent our fair share of time picking up other guests on property at multiple resorts and sitting in traffic, but either way we've aways had plenty of time at the airport. Like I said nothing, even leaving 3.5 hrs ahead of time, is a guarantee, but 99% of the time changing your ME pickup time to something around 2-2.5 hrs. prior to actual departure time will still give you enough time. I agree if it's going to cause you lots of anxiety/stress; it's not worth it, but everyone is different and there have been a ridiculous amount of ppl. that this has worked for multiple times, so I'd also say stating it's "dangerous" is a pretty big exaggeration.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We got picked up 3 hours and 15 minutes before our flight in November. We barely made it in time. We had pre-check, thankfully, as the security wait was one hour. As luck would have it the plane was delayed, so we were able to relax a bit once we got past security.

DME made 4 stops after picking us up. EVERYONE had baggage to be stored. Our driver disappeared into POFQ for 5 minutes looking for someone??? Then he says it would be a 45 minute drive to the airport. Thankfully I had Waze up and could see it wouldn't be. When I say I almost had a panic attack on that bus I am not exaggerating. I am a nervous traveler.

I will never take DME again. This past trip was the nail in that coffin. Don't assume 3 hours is too long. In the past we got there super early, but this one experience was enough to keep me from using it again. I don't care if it was a random, odd experience.

 

[Jeterdog2004]

Bad advice. You don’t know if first or last resort to be picked up at. There could be traffic. Lines at airport to check in. TSA lines in Orlando can be horrendous. Families with no clue what to do can slow lines. If you missed your flight are you willing to pay the fee? Disney won’t care or do anything because you gave wrong information.

I have tried it now several times. We have been picked up last, been on a bus that has just completely stopped for some sort of technical difficulties (longest magical express ride I’ve been on in either direction), dealt with a toddler going through security with all of his belongings and strollers and whatnot, checked luggage, etc, and never come close to having an issue. That being said, I’m very comfortable with just walking onto a plane. I’ve never been one to get to the airport and sit and wait at the gate. Everyone has a different travel style. I was just offering a tip if people wanted to cut it a little closer and avoid paying for an Uber.

 

[Jeterdog2004]

Oh we've definitely spent our fair share of time picking up other guests on property at multiple resorts and sitting in traffic, but either way we've aways had plenty of time at the airport. Like I said nothing, even leaving 3.5 hrs ahead of time, is a guarantee, but 99% of the time changing your ME pickup time to something around 2-2.5 hrs. prior to actual departure time will still give you enough time. I agree if it's going to cause you lots of anxiety/stress; it's not worth it, but everyone is different and there have been a ridiculous amount of ppl. that this has worked for multiple times, so I'd also say stating it's "dangerous" is a pretty big exaggeration.

agreed. We have done the 2-2.5 hour pick up approach and have never been close to being stressed, even with plenty of things going wrong. People have different timelines with their airport travels though, I just don’t get stressed by minimized airport time.

 

[Angienharry]

Someone on Facebook gave me this genius tip, as long as you don’t mind having less time at the airport, give the magical express a later flight number. They don’t actually verify that you are on the flight you give them. So I always give a flight one hour later than mine, and that way I get picked up 2 hours prior to my actual flight. I have tsa pre check and don’t mind getting to the airport an hour or so before take off.

Thanks so much for this advice! We are in the same boat with TSA pre check and figured we’d just take an Uber instead. So glad to know this is an option!

 

[kaytieeldr]

To be clear, it's not so much an option as a gamble.

 

[yankebabie]

both my trips in 2019 was around the 3 1/2 mark

 

[Bjkandma]

If we are talking "holiday" travel times, I definitely would caution any one trying to go less than 3 hours. Got Magical Express at correct timd. By the time we got off Magical Express, through security and to gate, plane was already boarding. I had "priority" boarding and missed it.

 

[Lilsia]

We have always had out pick up time 3 hours before. I am just fine if it has to be a bit earlier. I am just sitting there at the resort waiting for them anyway, so I am OK being at the airport early. That way we can walk around and get some food. It would be a big PITA if I missed my flight since we always have to connect.

 

[nkereina]

Everyone's risk tolerance with flights is different. There are the people who arrive probably too early and people who like to arrive at the airport and time it so they have little to no wait time.

Personally. I'd rather not run through the airport Home Alone style because of one of the many unforeseen variables that can cause an unexpected delay, so I always overestimate and arrive early. I think the 3 hour DME window (+/- 15 mins) is about right so we don't have to rush and have time to grab a snack and use the restroom. If we have to sit and wait before boarding, so be it. The time we spend waiting at the airport is rarely enough time to have done anything back at WDW anyway.