Was this a typical DME experience?

[Bowler Hat Girl]

So I've only used DME for one trip now, and I wondered if this was how it usually goes. If it is, fine, it's still better than driving back to MCO and handling the luggage myself, but I was curious if this was not how it normally goes.

We had a 2:20 flight out of MCO. Our DME time was 11:20, which is what I was expecting. We were departing from the Contemporary. The DME showed up on time, loaded up all the people and carryons, and made rounds to WL, the Poly, and GF. By the time we got to our gate (and through very light security lines), my flight was starting to board. So my question is, does it usually take that long to get to MCO? Someone else on the bus was starting to panic because his flight was boarding by the time we arrived at the airport (before even going through security). The video on the DME talks about getting there in plenty of time to eat, shop, etc., and that was NOT my experience.

I'm going to be using DME again in November and departing from the Boardwalk--am I likely to have that kind of timeframe again? Like I said, I don't mind (as long as I know that going into it). I had planned for the family to eat at least a fast food lunch at MCO that day last time, and instead, we were kind of famished by the time we got back home. If this is the norm, I'll just make sure we all eat BEFORE getting on the DME next time! Thanks!

 

[olinecoach61]

We have used ME many times and have never had that experience. Not the way I would want to end vacation either!

 

[Monty]

Definitely not the norm. I'm often bored to tears at MCO because of the ridiculously early arrival. I don't complain because the obsessive-compulsive in me would be mortified if they were close to late...

I'm guessing either a lot of the folks your bus picked up had extra stuff to load or party members who were "just coming" and there were inordinate delays at one or more stops.

 

[MouseDreaming]

The first time we did DME, we thought it was ridiculous how early they were picking us up, but then we ended in a mad dash for the plane. After our pick up at POFQ, they stopped at OKW. That took about a half hour. There was a family who must have packed their whole house. No joke--2 luggage racks with luggage stacked on it, so it reached to the metal bar on top. This was before they would charge you per checked bag. Got to the airport, and we had to check in there, as SW wasn't a preferred airline, yet. Then made it to security. That ate up another hour, at least. It was terrible! Then mad dash to the gate. I am happy to report, that DME experience was something of an anomaly. The next 4 DME experiences have all been much calmer, and this past one in June, was the best yet. We actually had time to sit and eat, and didn't have to bring it on the plane with us.

 

[Nemo14]

We had one time like that - they were boarding as we arrived, but our DME bus was late arriving that day too. Since you were the first pickup, that's probably why it was that close.

 

[Bowler Hat Girl]

We had one time like that - they were boarding as we arrived, but our DME bus was late arriving that day too. Since you were the first pickup, that's probably why it was that close.

Does anyone know if Boardwalk is the first pickup, or does that change?

Thanks for all the replies...this is making me feel better. It's not that I want to be sitting at the airport for hours on end, I just wasn't expecting a mad dash to the gate!

 

[DisneyDelirious]

Not like our experience and we have used DME every trip. We have never stopped at another resort and the trip is generally in the 45-60 min window. We always have time to eat at the airport, pick up last minute items at the earport, and get through security with loads of time to spare.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Thanks for all the replies...this is making me feel better. It's not that I want to be sitting at the airport for hours on end, I just wasn't expecting a mad dash to the gate!

If it makes you feel a little more at ease you usually can get on a bus before your scheduled pickup if they have space. For example, if your pickup time is 330 pm you can try for a 3 pm bus. We've caught earlier buses when we've wanted to eat at the airport without rushing.

 

[Gabe1]

I've never had a problem returning to MCO with the time frame but we've been on over booked buses, I had my 16 yr old on my lap once.

Now going from MCO we have had good experiences and bad. Worst was when our plane came in 4 hours late, it was 11pm when we hit the ME area. Half hour till they loaded us and a full hour on bus until we rolled. I think we hit like 5 hotels before our resort, POR. Luckily I packed jammies and some toiletries in backpack. At 4:30 am bell services knocking on door with our luggage, now that was a surprise and I got to tip a bellhop, in my room with a bedspread around my jammies. Disney Memories!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Typically no. We've had this happen once, but it's been years and we always use ME without issue. I forget if it was before ME or if we were still using Mears, but the bus got stuck in traffic, we ended up running for the plane, and then the weather was terrible and the pilot would not let the flight attendants get up. All I remember was saying I was thirsty and not getting anything for five hours.

 

[Mukta]

I have used DME 9 times and I have always had tons of time to kill at MCO. I usually have a sit down meal in MCO because I have so much time left.