What's your opinion of Magical Express

[whatisgoofy?]

Last time we went to WDW, Magical Express didn't exist...so we're just curious about opinions about the service. We like the sound of it, but heard there were a few complaints about lost luggage. We have no need to rent a car, since we'll be staying on-site and don't mind WDW transportation...and if we can avoid the additional cost of shuttle/towncar that'd be great...we just want to know how reliable Magical Express is. Thanks for your input!

 

[NJRRK]

Took it twice, once in 2007 again in 2008. No issues, no problems, no complaints. Just remember it's public transportation.

In 2007, when we got to the hotel we went met friends and spent the day in MK and by the time we got back to the hotel the luggage was in the room. That could have been 10 minutes or 6 hours, so I can't comment on that time.

In 2008, we checked into our rooms and went from the CR to the Poly for some lunch, took the boat to the MK, then the monorail back to the CR, about 2½ hours total. When we got back to our rooms the luggage was there, so that was well within the accepted time frame.

Our two experiences were great, your mileage may vary, offer not valid in Bergen County NJ on Sundays.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have used DME 2/3 times a year since it started and never had issues with bus service or luggage.

Buses are clean and confortable and my luggage has always been in the room when we return from the parks/DTD or the pool.

 

[tazlikesrobots]

Love it! Love it! love it! Every time we've used it, I've been at the resort check-in desk within an hour of our arrival at MCO! Would highly recommend it!

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Well have used ME for all our trips to WDW......It is a excellent service, just check and be there on time for the trip back!

Now that said........99.9% of thwe time the service is excleent, but like eveything human.........there is the rare times somthings goes wrong and the Diz gets a immediate report and after we get the deitals sometimes, not always, but somtimes its the guests fault IE they were late to meet the bus that takes them to MCO...........Some people in my mind like the attention.

AKK

 

[ppony]

I really like it to go from MCO to our resort (we've done that 3 times) but the one experience I had going from the resort to MCO I hated becuase we cut catching our plane SO close, and we even got on the earlier than scheduled bus. I'd prefer not to have an anxiety attack, so this time we'll take the ME to the BCV. When we swap resorts, I'm going to walk over to the Dolphin after breakfast and while they DH and kids are getting the luggage to bell services and rent a car for the remainer of our trip and return it at MCO. Less stress for mom (me), which means less stress for everyone!

 

[sam_gordon]

A couple notes on timing...

Generally, you're at your resort within 90 minutes from when you step off the plane. It's usually closer to 70 minutes, but plan on 90.

Your luggage will be in your room ~3 hours after you CHECK IN.

If you land after 10pm, you will have to take the luggage with you on (under) the bus.

You will be picked up (assigned) for the return trip 3 hours before your flight departs +/- 15minutes. You'll need to be at the ME pickup point 15 minutes before your assigned time, ready to go (bathroom done, shopping done, etc). Do NOT miss your bus.

Providing you are there at the correct time, if no bus has arrived by 30 minutes after your assigned time, let someone at the hotel know. IMO, if your bus hasn't arrived within an hour of your pickup time, tell the hotel you need a cab. They should take care of this anyway (again, my opinion).

Don't let me scare you, as Tonka mentioned, 99.9% of the time everything goes just fine. I would have no problem using DME on any future trips.

 

[dburg30]

Disney wants you to be a captive audience, therefore they dont want people to dislike the DME... I love it and dont know what I would do if they got rid of it.. I dont want to drive from mco to wdw.... and not having to deal with luggage is AWESOME

 

[a742246]

It's Disney's best free service. Use it every time without problems.

 

[tripletsmama]

LOVE it!!! We do curbside checkin at our home airport so essentially my DH takes the bags out of the trunk and that's the only time we deal with them the whole vacation! Not stopping at baggage claim and lugging 5-6 suitcases through the airport is 100% worth it to me. I'm trying to remember how many times we used the service and I'm thinking it's 6. One time out of 6 we had a slight delay with tracking the luggage down, but nothing major. They told me it had something to do with another family with the same last name staying at our resort.

 

[whatisgoofy?]

Fantastic! Thanks guys...I think this will save us a nice chunk of change on transportation!

 

[Alexander]

You get what you pay for. There are going to be issues, but that's what you get for free. If you want flawless (which isn't ever guaranteed) you are going to need to pay for a town car or rental car.

DME is my least favorite means of travel because everything is out of my control, however, we will use it in August as it is just DS (6) and I traveling and we are in no hurry to get anywhere.

 

[MuchLovedMama]

We love ME. Was actually bummed that we may have been missing out on it this time cause we thought we were going to have to drive. Not only do we get to fly and do ME this time but we have 8 other people going with us this time and they're all really excited to use ME for the first time. Very clean and comfortable. Enjoyable ride too.

 

[MHSweb79]

We've used ME and also rented cars. To me, ME is quite a good service and would not hesitate to use it any time we don't need the added expense of a car.

As for luggage, if you are worried about it, you are welcome to go to the baggage claims area first and pick it up. You can then bring it on the bus with you.

We have never had any luggage issues with ME other than needing to change into shorts first thing (we are from R.I. so we often leave in jeans & sweatshirts and swelter as soon as we land). Now we bring a change of clothes in a carryon and store the suitcase with Bell Services if we arrive before our room is ready.

 

[MsHershey]

LOVE it!!! We do curbside checkin at our home airport so essentially my DH takes the bags out of the trunk and that's the only time we deal with them the whole vacation! Not stopping at baggage claim and lugging 5-6 suitcases through the airport is 100% worth it to me. I'm trying to remember how many times we used the service and I'm thinking it's 6. One time out of 6 we had a slight delay with tracking the luggage down, but nothing major. They told me it had something to do with another family with the same last name staying at our resort.

What is this curbside service you speak of? I have never flown and will be flying for the first time in September. How do you find out about this service? I will be flying out of Birmingham, Al. How much does this service generally cost? Do you drive up directly to the curbside, deposit your luggage, and then park your vehicle in the extended parking? Any details that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tripletsmama]

What is this curbside service you speak of? I have never flown and will be flying for the first time in September. How do you find out about this service? I will be flying out of Birmingham, Al. How much does this service generally cost? Do you drive up directly to the curbside, deposit your luggage, and then park your vehicle in the extended parking? Any details that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

At our airport, there are airport employees standing by the curb where you would drop passengers off. They help you load your luggage onto a luggage cart and wheel it over to an outside counter where they check you in. While DH is showing his ID to check in, I sit behind the wheel (can't leave the car unattended). As soon as he's checked in, he parks the car in long term parking and the kids and I check in and sit inside and wait. This eliminates us having to ride the bus from long term parking to the terminal with 3 kids and all of our luggage. They don't charge for the service, but it is definitely expected that you tip appropriately.

 

[klmall]

We've had good experiences with ME even when we used it flying Southwest before SW was part of ME.

Only awkward time was a return to MCO when the bus driver apparently didn't know the route so people had to help him find his way but it worked out okay.

When I used it earlier this month for my solo trip it was so pleasant. No way would I rent a car just for me for 5 days! I don't mind being back at the resort three hours ahead of time since I knew that and planned a late flight back home that day. I still got a character breakfast in the MK and then 5 hours in Epcot before my bus came to ASSports.

 

[scootch]

Love it, no issues at all!! Wish they just did the free service for disney cruise also.... gotta pay for it

 

[goofy4tink]

You get what you pay for. There are going to be issues, but that's what you get for free. If you want flawless (which isn't ever guaranteed) you are going to need to pay for a town car or rental car.

DME is my least favorite means of travel because everything is out of my control, however, we will use it in August as it is just DS (6) and I traveling and we are in no hurry to get anywhere.

And the funny thing??? I have had more issues with car services than I have had with DME!! I have had to go in search of drivers, both at MCO and my resort. I have had drivers tell me no grocery stop will happen, even though one was promised.
I have always had good service with DME. Is it the fastest mode of transportation to WDW? Nope. But, having said that, here are my average times with various modes of transport..
DME...between 55 and 85 mins, most in the 70 min area.

Car service..carryon bag only.....45 mins.

Car service...checked luggage.....60 mins.

Mears shuttle.....to Dolphin, carryon only....85 mins.

I have never had an issue with my bags not getting to me in a timely fashion..well, there was that one time at POP, but that was a Pop issue, not DME. So, as you can see...a car service, with baggage, takes just a little less time than the average DME run.
So, for me, time really isn't an issue.

Issues with luggage??? IF it's upon arrival, and the bags are late?? It's one of two things...the airline misdirected it, or the resort was slow in delivering it. There is seldom an issue of DME luggage handlers sending bags to the wrong place. And if/when that happens?? Takes a very short time to realize the mistake.
For your departure back to MCO?? it's the RAC system that is taking care of the bags if you check them at your resort. There have been one or two cases of bags not making it to the plane ontime, but that just doesn't happen often.
And yes, a lot of guests feel that 3 hrs prior to flight departure time is excessive..but in all reality? Not really. You have an addtl 30 mins at the airport to worry about if using DME.

 

[Suelala]

Nothing but praise for it! How wonderful to skip baggage claim. Nice bus, and we dont have to drive! Best of all, it's free!