Why Is ME Back To MCO So Screwed Up?

[GenieCat]

Not sure why we are talking about a transportation issue on the Podcast board http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1460586, but I agree that we are much nicer here!

Our ME in Oct 2006 from the airport to the Poly was fine. The bus was half full, and we were able to spread out. The trip back to the airport a week later was a very different experience.

The bus was about 20 minutes late. When it did arrive, the driver apologized, and explained that another driver had skipped this stop 20 minutes before. He was the trainer, and was working overtime to cover the route. Now there were two bus loads tired vacationers, and only one bus. The driver had called for another bus which he assured those who were left behind, would arrive very soon.

During the ride to the airport, he regaled his captive audience about what a terrific dad, husband and soldier he had been, the worthy causes he supported, ruminated on why the other drivers could not carry their share of the routes, and ended with a plea for a charity.

The driver's tirade sounded somewhat rehearsed, so I'm certain that we were not the first victims. Everyone was just glad to arrive at the airport, and escape.

 

[jjpenguin]

Haven't had any problems with the return to MCO yet (3 times ME). At first I thougt it was a pain that it picks you up 3 hours beforehand, but quite honestly with international check in and the lines for security you almost need that time. I just chill out and relax, MCO is not a bad airport if you have a long wait, plenty to see and last time DH and I played games in the arcade they have there

 

[Twilightlover]

I don't know the answer, but thanks for posting this. I've never used ME, we always use a town car service, but I was thinking about trying ME in October and now seeing this, we won't. I thought they had worked out alot of the kinks, but I guess not. The car service may not be $$$ free, but it is hassle free.

Don't let this post sway you. Technically you are paying for something you aren't using. Just seems foolish. The ME was 10 minutes late for us no big deal. You really do have to consider that it is picking up people with TONS of luggage and nothing beats not having to worry about your luggage once you get on the plane to Disney, getting tot he parks and having your luggage there when you get back to your room. My husband and I loved the ME it made things easy and less expensive. Plus you do need that time to get to MCO, check in and go through security. We had to wait for about 45 minutes but it was nice because i was able to use the airports wireless and check email from the week.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Maybe we were just a victim of the circumstances...we left on a Sunday (probably one of the busiest departure days) and we were picked up @ POP (which I know was booked to capacity). Since DH hates to drives when we're on vacation I know we'll use ME again -- I'll just cross my fingers that the next experience is a little more organized.

 

[klam_chowder]

For us, ME did arrive at Coronado Springs late, and there were lots of people needing to get on. I only felt bad for the driver as he was obviously harried but still dealt with guests politely. I made sure DH tipped the driver when we got off.

However, we checked out on New Year's Day and as one can imagine it was bizzy. We ended up at the airport early, but that allowed us time to grab a bite before we regaled ourselves to mount the security queues - in this case the early arrival was warranted. Now THOSE security queues were horrendous!! It was all the pushy and queue jumpers all stacked together in one small space Even DH, who isn't into all-things-Disney, commented, "Can we go back to the Mouse World?!" Having seen MCO, I wish they would contact WDW to learn about processes & logistics!

For our arrival, the ME service to CS (on Christmas Eve) was excellent. Even tho, the bus was late for check out and we stood around waiting for a bit, it was probably still quicker than queuing for a rental car and having to return it. Overall, I thought it was a great complimentary service.

On our next trip we're staying at Dolphin and not having ME is going to be such a hassle.

cheers,