Magical Express Question...is it fast?

[DisneyJayhawk]

Contemplating renting a car vs. taking the airport shuttle. We're flying in Friday afternoon June 1st on Southwest. Anyone know from experience if you have to wait long on a bus? We're staying at the Wildernest Lodge. How many stops does the bus make? Does it go to each hotel or just the transportation center? Thanks for replying!!

[Drince88]

Staying at the Wilderness Lodge, you might have a couple of stops before you, but I'd think only 2 or 3 max. The bus will bring your directly to your hotel, not to the TTC or anything. Because they only have each bus stop at 4 or so resorts, there is a little bit of a wait, but it's usually not long at all.

You're coming at a more popular time of day, so I'd not think you'd have to wait more than 10-15 minutes, if that, for the bus to leave the terminal.

[Barberella]

^ Agree.

Since you're staying onsite, unless you have a need for a rental car (other than getting to Wilderness Lodge) I'd take Magical Express.

Even if you do stop at another resort or two enroute to Wilderness Lodge, generally it's only a few minutes before you're on your way again.

[GusMan]

For the several times I have done DME, from the moment I get off the plane to the time I get all checked in at the resort, its usually 1.25 to 1.5 hrs. Thats not bad for something that does not cost you extra.

Sure, there is the rental vs non-rental argument, but to be honest, even when I had my car on property, it just sits at the resort. My family did not find the time savings significant enough to warrant using it, spending $ on gas, and the like. But really, it comes down to a personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer.

[danyoung]

And just to prove that my friend GusMan is WRONG (hee hee), I always rent a car at the airport. I like having my own transportation to and from the airport. I always stop at a CVS drugstore on the way and stock up on munchies and fresh water. And while at the resort I don't have to wait anywhere for a bus - just get in my car and head for a park, where parking is free for on-site guests. At the end of the day I like to linger at the park as it slowly drains itself of people, and then just wander out to my car, now sitting by itself in the parking lot, and toodle back to my hotel. I do the busses here and there, but for the most part I make good use of my car.

But really, as GusMan said, it's all about personal preference.

[mkraemer]

And just to prove that my friend GusMan is WRONG (hee hee), I always rent a car at the airport. I like having my own transportation to and from the airport. I always stop at a CVS drugstore on the way and stock up on munchies and fresh water. And while at the resort I don't have to wait anywhere for a bus - just get in my car and head for a park, where parking is free for on-site guests. At the end of the day I like to linger at the park as it slowly drains itself of people, and then just wander out to my car, now sitting by itself in the parking lot, and toodle back to my hotel. I do the busses here and there, but for the most part I make good use of my car.

But really, as GusMan said, it's all about personal preference.

Yep, I'm with Dan on this one. And having a car onsite is my personal preference. One of the biggest reasons I really like having a car onsite (and I use it all the time to get from here to there) is the ability to go between resorts directly. So, for example, when I'm at the Boardwalk and I want to have dinner at Sanaa, I just drive to AKL Kidani Village. I like being able to stop at the grocery store, get water and sundries for my room.

However, when I'm there on business, I take Magical Express and use onsite transportation. Why? Because it gives me the guest experience that I can share with my clients. And sometimes that experience is really valuable when I give advice about room types and locations. For example, I have a vastly different opinion on the pirate rooms at Caribbean Beach when having a rental car vs. using onsite transportation regarding convenience.

[Drince88]

So, for example, when I'm at the Boardwalk and I want to have dinner at Sanaa, I just drive to AKL Kidani Village.

And that's why I DON'T rent a car. Granted it would be EASIER transportation-wise to do that -- but I like a glass of wine or two with dinner, and I don't drive after having more than a glass at dinner. My sister and I have compromised -- we'll take Disney transportation to dinner (in the Boardwalk to Sanaa example, boat or walk to the Studios, bus to AKL), but we get to get a taxi for the trip back to our resort -- we just include it in our budget for dinner.

[scoobydooby]

I have never used DME but it took us about 2 hours from landing to getting to POR last trip. We had a hire car but that was a lengthy circus (of our own creation really) and immigration from a UK flight is ugly. That context said I have read lots of trip reports where DME is faster than this.

If you don't want DME or a hire car then a town car is a great choice. We have used Tiffany town car twice and they were great both times.

We have stayed on Disney property both with and without a car. We mainly don't use it for the parks but love it when we have an evening meal at a resort to get to. Also good of you are doing universal etc.

That said our car next trip is 500 for 2 weeks with insurance (different for us Brits in a bad way). I am seriously considering cancelling it, using DME and just paying for some taxis which will definitely be less than 500. I am
Influenced by our Beach Club location and a lot of evening meals at Epcot.

Overall my opinion is you don't need a car if staying at a Disney hotel, but it's hard to give one up if you've got used to the convenience of having one too! I have previously said you don't need one. Having had one the last two trips I am now spoilt.

[danyoung]

If I were only concerned about transportation to and from the airport, I'd probably do the DME thing as well. But if I were to use it then I would have to be dependent on Disney transportation while at the parks, and I just don't want to do that. I love the boats and monorails. But the busses are really a pain, and I just hate waiting for a bus or standing in line with 200 people in front of me at the end of the day.

[tinkaparis]

While I really do echo what everyone else has said here, my thoughts are the following.

My DME the other week was 1 hour to and from the resort. It was super fast. As for renting the car, with gas prices the way they are and all of the rental car fees and the fact that I also like to have several beverages throughout the day or evening, I prefer taking the bus. It is just easier to not have to worry about parking and driving.
Also, taking the bus to MK is very easy because then you can bypass the TCC altogether. It is a personal preference though and every family needs different options but as far as DME, you don't have to wait long to get going.

[danyoung]

Also, taking the bus to MK is very easy because then you can bypass the TCC altogether.

It's funny that you'd look at this as an advantage, while I look at it as a major deal breaker. I really LOVE going to the regular parking lot and then picking up a ferry or a monorail at the TTC and enjoying the ride and seeing the MK getting closer and closer! When the bus drops me off right there at the MK I feel like I've missed an important part of the adventure.

[scoobydooby]

I just had the conversation with DH about dumping the car and using ME and a few taxis as we are eating at Epcot a lot, staying at BC and not going off site a lot. I thought he would jump on this but having now had a car at Disney I can confirm he is firmly on team Dan! The car stays.

[danyoung]

Wow - didn't even know I had a team!

[mco65]

I don't think you SAVE any time getting to your resort from the airport when you rent a car vs taking the DME. From the handful of times we have used DME, I don't recall having to wait an extraordinary amount of time..

[TinaMouse]

Here's an interesting one: If things get a little better on the job front next year, I'm going to take my mom and the boys for Mitch's graduation. I asked about a towncar (I'm super spoiled now and consider it a line item in the budget), but Mitch said, "NO! I want to go DME. It's part of the experience for me. It's like bookends for the trip." Well, ok then! Save $120!

[mco65]

I think DME, especially from the airport to the resort is part of the experience. Your disney vacation begins once you check in at the airport for the DME... so I get that.. Of course, simply walking from the concourse to your ground transportation is also part of the disney experience.. you can feel the magic once your in the concourse... pretty cool!

[GusMan]

"It's like bookends for the trip."

Brilliant description!

[DisneyJayhawk]

Thanks Everyone. I've decided to rent a car. I hate lines and don't want to wait hours on my luggage. I got a Premium Car on name-your-quote on Priceline for $30/day including fees! Parking at the Wilderness lodge will be free and easy. I also love the idea of hitting the grocery store and liquor store that first night after the kids go asleep.

[stan2u]

Thanks Everyone. I've decided to rent a car. I hate lines and don't want to wait hours on my luggage. I got a Premium Car on name-your-quote on Priceline for $30/day including fees! Parking at the Wilderness lodge will be free and easy. I also love the idea of hitting the grocery store and liquor store that first night after the kids go asleep.

Interesting what you hate to do, and how we all have different interpretations for the same event. On our last trip we skipped the luggage area at the airport and just walked down to the DME area. About 5 minutes later the bus was there. While riding to WDW we watched videos on the overhead screen and listed to Disney music. One stop at a different hotel, then on to ours. We were dropped off at the front door, checked in, and went up to check out our room (which was fine). We then made a quick stop at the grocery store in the building for some breakfast food, water, soda, wine, etc, and after stocking our frig headed out for an evening at Epcot. We "remembered" our luggage when we got back to out room and found it there. Never did have to worry about going out to find the car in the lot, driving to a theme park, parking the car and riding the tram in the heat of the day. Disney transportation dropped us of fat the gate. Didn't have to take the tram and walk out to our car at the end of the day, either. This was just too easy.

But in the past we've always gone the car rental route, and always appreciated how we were in control of our day. So to each his/her own!

[danyoung]

Stan, I know that we each have our own way of doing things, and I'm glad your way works for you. But what you didn't mention about Disney transportation is that you have to wait for your bus to come along, both at your hotel and at the parks. This is what I just can't stand, and having my own car eliminates this completely. At some parks I still have to wait a bit for a tram, but it's usually far less of a wait than waiting for a bus. Plus I like to change clothes immediately on arrival, and don't want to wait even a few hours for my bag to appear in my room. Waiting a few minutes at the airport for my bag is no big deal, and then I just roll across the street to pick up my car.

My way works great for me!!!

[petesimac]

Stan, I know that we each have our own way of doing things, and I'm glad your way works for you. But what you didn't mention about Disney transportation is that you have to wait for your bus to come along, both at your hotel and at the parks. This is what I just can't stand, and having my own car eliminates this completely. At some parks I still have to wait a bit for a tram, but it's usually far less of a wait than waiting for a bus. Plus I like to change clothes immediately on arrival, and don't want to wait even a few hours for my bag to appear in my room. Waiting a few minutes at the airport for my bag is no big deal, and then I just roll across the street to pick up my car.

My way works great for me!!!

And sadly the wait is getting longer because of the increasing number of people confined to motorized carts. I actually enjoy taking the bus, but after last year, I was ready to join team Dan. We may use my mom's car a few times this visit, especially the night we want to stay and watch Illuminations at EPCOT; the crowd following this celebration is particularly bus-clogging.

[Drince88]

especially the night we want to stay and watch Illuminations at EPCOT; the crowd following this celebration is particularly bus-clogging.

There are two tricks this - watch from between Canada and Mexico (I forget what those stores are called, but around them) and then BOOK it out of Epcot as soon/just before the show is over -- or take a leisurely trip around WS and/or shop.
If I don't do one of those, that's the time I'm most likely to use some of my taxi money (particularly since the taxis are right there when I stay at POFQ/POR - just taunting me!)

[tappenfeat]

Thanks Everyone. I've decided to rent a car. I hate lines and don't want to wait hours on my luggage. I got a Premium Car on name-your-quote on Priceline for $30/day including fees! Parking at the Wilderness lodge will be free and easy. I also love the idea of hitting the grocery store and liquor store that first night after the kids go asleep.

Glad you made a decision that makes you happy. We rent a car 90% of the time and sometimes we use the busses. It's no biggy, but we do prefer to have our own transportation to and from the airport. Like mentioned...different strokes for different folks!

Hava a magical trip!

[scoobydooby]

There's one more "trick"....stay at an Epcot resort and head out the International Gateway.

Yes! I cannot wait to be doing that. I will be the one with a smug face

[RMartin]

This has been a big debate with my family for our upcoming trip in Sept. I am not worried about the Airport as much as getting around the parks and dining reservations. We are also concerned with being smashed in when there is 8 of us. Anyone have advice for going Sept 6 - 12?