Going in November - Have some questions

[spock]

We're going in November and staying at All Star Music. The first night we get in is EMH at MK so we want to basically drop off our luggage and get to the park. We're trying to decide if it's worth renting a car because it might actually get us there faster than waiting for the Magical Express bus. Or we might just take a cab. So my questions are...

1. About how long does it tend to take once you get to the Magical Express bus and they drop you off? Is it a lengthy process? I've never done it before. Also, does it go straight to your resort, or do you stop at a bunch of resorts (I'm guessing if so, All Star might be a lower priority than say, Polynesian or something).

2. About how much does it cost to take a cab from the airport to WDW?

 

[stevehousse]

Don't now how much a cab would be but the first part of your question really depends on a few things, timing of flights and busses is what it comes down to. There r different busses designated to different resorts that do all share. I want to say that all 3 all star hotels share a bus line and I don't believe they share with any other resort? It can usually take anywhere from 1-2 hours from landing to arrival at the resort for check in. Most of the time though it is usually that 1-1 1/2 hours.

 

[Rob562]

I've averaged about 70-75 minutes from the time I step off the plane to the time I step off the bus at my resort. Though I've always been the first or second stop on the DME bus... (A DME will make a maximum of 4 stops)

Renting a car would take about the same amount of in-airport time as DME. Also, the DME rules say that at least one person has to take the bus in order for them to transport your luggage. So if you planned on using the yellow luggage tags that's something else to consider.

Personally, if getting to EMH a little earlier was the only reason for taking a cab or renting a car, it wouldn't be worth the expense for me.

-Rob

 

[englanddg]

We're going in November and staying at All Star Music. The first night we get in is EMH at MK so we want to basically drop off our luggage and get to the park. We're trying to decide if it's worth renting a car because it might actually get us there faster than waiting for the Magical Express bus. Or we might just take a cab. So my questions are...

1. About how long does it tend to take once you get to the Magical Express bus and they drop you off? Is it a lengthy process? I've never done it before. Also, does it go straight to your resort, or do you stop at a bunch of resorts (I'm guessing if so, All Star might be a lower priority than say, Polynesian or something).

2. About how much does it cost to take a cab from the airport to WDW?

I would just stick with Magical Express.

If you did the ME luggage handling, you won't need to worry about your luggage, it will "appear" in your room.

If you didn't (as I don't), then it takes about 10 minutes or so to get checked in (assuming you did the online check in) and get your bags to your room.

It's not a lengthy process to get checked in at all, especially now with MBs and MDE...just do it all online.

The MDE busses are based on volume, not priority of stays (hence, you may actually be better off with a value MDE bus than a deluxe).

I wouldn't waste any money on a taxi, but it would cost around 100 bucks, since you asked.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

We have been using DME since it first started and we love it. Wouldn't do it any other way. I also think you should stick with DME. We always take a 7:30am flight into MCO so we typically land by 9:30am and we let DME handle our bags. We are usually at the resort within 90 minutes after landing. We stay at POR/POFQ so we have always shared with Old Key West and Saratoga Springs on DME. It is very rare that any one resort will have its own DME bus.

Not sure about the cab fare. We never use a cab. But it is roughly a 30-45 minute ride from MCO to WDW.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

You don't state what time your flight lands, so its difficult to say what your best option is. If you landed around midday then your priorities would be different than for a flight landing around 6pm.

Essentially, the question is - would I pay to hire a car (when I already have free transportation) for the sake of a couple of hours in the park, then the answer is no.

 

[MorganKelly]

A taxi can be quite costly - around $80 or so the last time we went that route, and that was quite a while ago. And if you hit traffic? Yikes.

DME is pretty efficient from our experience, but there are many variables - what time are you arriving, when are you visiting in November (around the holiday you'll obviously have more crowds to deal with). The buses stop at nearby resorts - so chances are good you will be making at least one other stop, most likely at the other All Star resorts. Yes it does take time to make the other stops.......I am always happy when our stop is first on the route. You do have the option of bringing your luggage with you on the bus, but of course you'd first need to make a stop at baggage claim. And I would suggest you consider resort online check in. It is another time-saver.

 

[spock]

Thank you for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it!

 

[BigRedDad]

My experience with DME is it takes about 75 minutes from deboarding the plane to getting to the resort. This assumes you are not getting luggage from baggage claim. After that, it is the amount of time to check-in. If renting a car, this all takes about the same amount of time if not longer. Taking a cab or other service will get you there a little faster, but cost more money (~$100 round trip). I don't see a huge time saver in it.

If timing is such a huge issue, I would just plan on getting there earlier on a different flight.