Disney Magical Express not so EXPRESS About This Page:

[valegirl5292]

This was our first time staying on Disney Property and using the magical express, and I as wondering if our experience was how magical express normally is or did I just arrive on a bad day. We arrived at MCO on 12/2 at 12:30pm, after our plane being delayed 1 1/2hrs. When we finally found our way to the Disney Welcome center, we had to wait on line just to check in there and then wait on another line to board the bus. We finally arrived at CBR at 2:40pm. Does it usally take that long to reach your resort, has anyone else had a bad experience with DME, I not sure if I would use it again. Thanks

[Jookiba]

Alot of it depends on how many people are waiting ahead of you to check in, how long it took you to navigate around the airport and FIND the DME desk to check-in, and what time of year you're traveling. In peak/holiday seasons, yes it can take a while. Bad storms? You betcha. There's all kinds of things that can throw a kink in the works.

I've used it before and will be using it again in four weeks. I think it's a great service and I'm very thankful for it that it's still free. Taxi/towncar service back and forth would run at least $120.

[FanOfMickey]

It really does depend on how busy it is and such. I see you arrived on a Sunday which is a popular traveling day. Your flight was delayed so that added to the amount of people who were checking in for ME also.

I have used it a few times before and never had to wait that long. But I also usually fly on a weekday.

Sorry it was so long for you

[Mares75]

We arrived on a Sunday around 11:00 or so and the wait at the airport was not long at all...less than 20 minutes I would guess. I think it also depends on where you are staying. We were at the All-Stars and that bus pretty much only goes to All Star resorts. I've read where some of the other resorts may take longer because your bus will stop at up to 3 ? additional resorts. So if you're the last of 4, it could take quite a while. We loved DME and definitely plan on using it again.

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry you had a bad experience

[janicelovesmickey]

it depends on the time of day you arrive, and the day itself, in Sept we waited about half an hour, in october, i arrived at night, got right on it. there was only one other person besides me. Being you arrived on a sunday, with all the other travelers could be a reason.

[iamgrumpy]

Sunday is a busier travel day and if you landed at a popular time then it is possible to take a little longer. They do try and get people out as fast as possible but they can only go as fast as many buses that are available. Sorry it took you longer to get to the resort.

[tinker_me_happy]

UGH! Just when I thought I had FINALLY decided! I have been going back and forth between rent a car and do DME w/ occasional taxi to do the resort to resort dining. Thought I was ALL SET with rent a car, then totally changed my mind and was DEFINATELY ALL SET with DME/taxis. Now I read this and I'm back to being unsure. I didn't realize there was so much to deal with when getting ON the DME. Plus the airline I plan to fly doesn't participate in the luggage (airline to resort) part so we would still need to wait for our checked luggage and get that ourselves.. I'm sorry you had a difficult time with DME. I guess I have a lot more thinking to do.

[graygables]

Originally Posted by tinker_me_happy

Plus the airline I plan to fly doesn't participate in the luggage (airline to resort) part so we would still need to wait for our checked luggage and get that ourselves..

If your airline isn't "participating", all that means is that you can't check your bags at the resort for your return trip. DME will still pick them up at the airport and deliver them to your room without your having to claim them, just make sure your DME tags are on your bags.

As far as the airport return, even if your airline IS participating in the resort check-in, does NOT mean that it is always working. One of our trips, we were on Continental, and all of their resort check-in systems were down and it really messed up my plans. Point being, don't DEPEND on it returning to the airport anyway.

to the OP, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I'm arriving Sunday and hope we don't have the same issues.

[tinker_me_happy]

Originally Posted by graygables

If your airline isn't "participating", all that means is that you can't check your bags at the resort for your return trip. DME will still pick them up at the airport and deliver them to your room without your having to claim them, just make sure your DME tags are on your bags.

THANKS!!! (That definately helps with the thinking process - doesn't make it easier, but I'm GLAD I wouldn't have to wait for the luggage when we arrive!)

[twoWDWfools]

We used it last year and only waited about 20 minutes in total. Did arrive on Sunday but it was 10am so that may have helped.

Liz

[Tonichelle]

We got right on the bus this past June... but I had researched just where it was supposed to be and my dad has a wonderful gift of direction (I will be so lost in 09 when I try to remember how to get there! OY!) and he took care of it and we were on the bus so fast I didn't have time to get my camera out and document it! *whew*

[TMWIlson7196]

We just used DME last week. It took us about that long just to get to our resort. By the time you find where to check in at the desk and stand in another line waiting for the bus and then the bus makes many stops. We didn't get our luggage until we were at WDW for 6 hours and then my DH had to call the front desk to find out where our luggage was. We used it on the way home also. We didn't even think we were gonna make it to the airport. Our DME driver feel asleep at the wheel. My DH had to wake him up. Talk about a scary ride. But we finally made it to the airport and made it home.

[tkmom1972]

the last time we used DME it took a while to get on the bus and it did make stopes at other resorts but for me i didn't care my DD got a power nap and was much better to handle after a long morning of traveling

[Linda S]

Hey folks, I don't want to seem unsympathetic but the DME is a very nice Free perk that Disney is giving to anyone who wants to use it. Buck up little campers its only a couple hours. Relax and leave the driving to them. (As long as they stay awake....lol)