Change in Plan, Now for Some Questions

[Bowler Hat Girl]

My next trip to the World is only a two-night stay (preceding a work convention that just happens to be in Orlando--can I just say how much I love my job???). It's for the last week of this month, and up until a few hours ago, I was booked at the Swan. I had really wanted to stay within walking distance of Epcot, but I couldn't bring myself to stay at one of the "big" deluxe hotels there just for me and just for two nights. The Swan was reasonably priced, so I booked it. But I also really wanted to use DME and to stay somewhere familiar since it's my first solo trip. I found out earlier today that a standard room at AKL for those two nights was essentially the same price as staying at the Swan! I LOVE the AKL, and it was really a no-brainer to make the switch. Now I get animal viewing, great restaurants, Victoria Falls, zebra domes, and my tied-for-#1 favorite lobby!

However, I did just give up my easy walk to International Gateway, so I have some transportation questions. The only other time I stayed at AKL, I drove down and had a car to go to the parks. So, first question: any idea how long it takes DME to get to AKL? Does it normally stop at all the values and CSR down that way as well? (I'm just trying to plan ahead--I certainly don't mind time on the DME to get me excited to get where I'm going!) My second question is how are the busses at AKL? I know this is something that can vary--most people seem to dislike the bus service at POR, but the one trip I used it, it was fabulous. So I guess if everyone comes back and says it's great, that's awesome, and if everyone says terrible, I'll know what I'm in for! If I try to get to Epcot on EMH morning, are the lines going to be crazy? Fine if yes, just don't want to miss any FP+s!

Other questions: I've NEVER made a WDW resort ressie this late in the game (I'm one of those "is it under 500 days yet, can I book now?" kind of people). At 17 days out, will my DME info get here in time? I'm pretty sure the magic band will (they seem to ship quickly), but I feel like I may be right on the cusp of DME information's typical arrival.

Thank you in advance!

 

[disney4life2008]

Relax Your DME information will be overnighted and MB likely the same - I have booked 10 days out and my DME packet was here within 48 hours. In regards to FP+ you will be fine making reservations immediately upon booking. Just make sure you confirm everything before day of for the park you visit as reservations will be gone once the park opens up that day.

DME does not share the same bus with the values (Coranado does). AKL may actually have its own dedicated bus but I am not sure.

 

[Skibum1970]

Per Allears.net, AKL has its own dedicated bus service. Typically, deluxe resorts only share with other deluxes and AKL is all by itself. Travel time to/from the airport via DME is roughly 30 minutes. Even if you don't get your DME information, you can use your MagicBand to check in or you can simply check in by name at the DME entrance. Very simple. Just did it myself after changing my resort two days prior to leaving. So, don't fret about your DME. Only change could be that you will have to tote your luggage instead of having Disney ship it for you from the airport to your room.

I think that DME packets arrive within a week and a half. May be faster for you since you are closer to your departure date.

 

[journ116]

My next trip to the World is only a two-night stay (preceding a work convention that just happens to be in Orlando--can I just say how much I love my job???). It's for the last week of this month, and up until a few hours ago, I was booked at the Swan. I had really wanted to stay within walking distance of Epcot, but I couldn't bring myself to stay at one of the "big" deluxe hotels there just for me and just for two nights. The Swan was reasonably priced, so I booked it. But I also really wanted to use DME and to stay somewhere familiar since it's my first solo trip. I found out earlier today that a standard room at AKL for those two nights was essentially the same price as staying at the Swan! I LOVE the AKL, and it was really a no-brainer to make the switch. Now I get animal viewing, great restaurants, Victoria Falls, zebra domes, and my tied-for-#1 favorite lobby!

However, I did just give up my easy walk to International Gateway, so I have some transportation questions. The only other time I stayed at AKL, I drove down and had a car to go to the parks. So, first question: any idea how long it takes DME to get to AKL? Does it normally stop at all the values and CSR down that way as well? (I'm just trying to plan ahead--I certainly don't mind time on the DME to get me excited to get where I'm going!) My second question is how are the busses at AKL? I know this is something that can vary--most people seem to dislike the bus service at POR, but the one trip I used it, it was fabulous. So I guess if everyone comes back and says it's great, that's awesome, and if everyone says terrible, I'll know what I'm in for! If I try to get to Epcot on EMH morning, are the lines going to be crazy? Fine if yes, just don't want to miss any FP+s!

Other questions: I've NEVER made a WDW resort ressie this late in the game (I'm one of those "is it under 500 days yet, can I book now?" kind of people). At 17 days out, will my DME info get here in time? I'm pretty sure the magic band will (they seem to ship quickly), but I feel like I may be right on the cusp of DME information's typical arrival.

Thank you in advance!

1. DME is a shared bus service: Typically, DME makes up to 4 stops, 1 at each resort category, and can take about an hour to complete. AKVillas are our home resort, and we have taken DME several times…and AKL was always our last stop, making our DME bus ride a little over an hour. If you're in a hurry, you can grab a taxi or schedule a personal car service…this will shave 1/2 the time.

2. AKL busses do not share with any other resorts, other than its own: Jambo House & Kidani Village. Park busses stop at Kidani first, then onto Jambo. DTD busses go in the reverse direction. Busses begin running 1 hour prior to that parks' opening…so, if EP is opening at 8 a.m. for EMH, the bus will stop at Kidani, then Jambo beginning around 7 a.m.. If you're trying for a morning EMH AND you want to get to the park ASAP, be at the bus stop 1 hour 5 min. prior to park opening. The park busses tend to run 20-30 min. between pick ups, unless it's really, really busy, as it usually is in the morning hours. CM's are on hand during those hours to communicate with drivers and get time estimates. You can always ask him/her when the next bus is arriving for wherever you're going.

As for how long it takes to get from AKL to the parks: AK - 5 min.; EP - 15-25 min.; HS - 15-25 mi.; MK - 25-40 min.; DTD - 20-30 min.. Plan accordingly, and give yourself an extra 30 min. to get anywhere. Unfortunately, the bus service here is the biggest gripe…but we always seemed to manage.

3. Lastly, you can call the DME line and inquire on what to do IF you do not get your new packet prior to leaving: 866-599-0951.

I hope any of this helps and enjoy your trip!!

 

[sissa216]

Enjoy! If you don't happen to receive your DME packet, there are no worries. When you check your luggage, just keep the claim ticket. When you arrive in Orlando, give it to the CMs at the DME desk- they'll arrange for your luggage to be picked up.

 

[Bowler Hat Girl]

Thanks, everyone! I'm so excited about this switch, and now I feel a little more prepared. My magic band shipped already, so I would bet DME will be here in time. It sounds like the bus situation will be easy enough to manage, and if getting to AKL from the airport takes longer than expected, I'll just have to eat lunch at the Mara instead of Sunshine Seasons. It probably sounds like overplanning, but WDW planning is one of my favorite hobbies, so thank you for your help!