which disney resort is the LEAST expensive but includes ME? Is that even possible?

[colbybug]

Hello! We (me, DH, and DS5) are going on a 7 day cruise in November and just thought we should consider going to WDW for two days beforehand. Of course, we want to do this with as minimal of a hassle as possible. I am clueless! I have never been to WDW and my only experience has been landing at Orlando International and going on the Disney Magic! Here are my questions:
1) Does the Magical Express pick up for all of the hotels?
2) I am assuming from what I have read that WDW is huge and spread out so it is better to stay on site to maximize what little time we will have there. What is the most affordable Disney property?
3) What transportation could take us from our hotel to the port? Does Magical Express do that?

Thanks SO much in advance for any replies. I have spent alot of time on the Disboards but only on the Disney Cruise Line section.

Kathy

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

ME is available at all Disney resorts. Disney also has onsite transportation that will get you around the "World'. As far as getting to the port I'm not sure, but if you are on a Disney cruise I do believe they have buses for that too.

 

[dancin Disney style]

1) Yes, ME is for ALL Disney resorts. When they pick up at MCO they will put guest from 3 or 4 resorts on the same bus and drop them off.

2)You are absolutely right! WDW is very large and staying on-site will allow you to maximize your time there. Also, if you stay off-site you will need to rent a car (an extra expense). The least expensive resorts are the 4 value level properties. The Pop Century and the All Star Sports, Music and Movies. The price is based on the season you are travelling in but these 4 will all be the same price. The only difference is if you stay in a preferred or standard room. The rooms are exactly the same, the prices are not. A preferred room just has a slightly better location on the property and is about $12 more per night.

3)DCL provides transport from the resorts to the port. I don't know if there if a charge or not.

 

[TammiMcMan]

3) What transportation could take us from our hotel to the port? Does Magical Express do that?

If you're talking about a Disney cruise, there is DCL bus service that goes back & forth between the port and Disney, I believe it's $49 per person. You can purchase the transfer through the Disney cruise website or it may be easier to call them and book it. The DCL bus does not pick up at every resort though, so once you have decided on where you'll be staying, you'll need to find out the closest pick up point and what time you need to be there with your luggage.