Last minute ME questions

[Laura]

I'm flying down to Disney tomorrow (yay!). I almost never fly, always drive, so I'm stressing a little about the whole magical express deal.

My flight arrives in Orlando at 11:30 p.m. From what I understand the cut-off time for Disney to take my bags is 11 p.m. so I'll be responsible for my own bags. So what is the point of having the ME tags on all my luggage? Do I even really need the tags?

On the bus - do I have to carry all my luggage up onto the bus or will they stow it underneath?

And how does the whole checkout process work? My flight departs Orlando at 3 p.m. so I'm guessing I'll have to catch the bus around noon? So how does Disney get my bags and what time will they need my bags? I ask because I was planning to do some laundry that day, but if they have to pick up my bags in the morning I'll have to do laundry the night before.

And lastly - I'm meeting up with the rest of my party in Atlanta on a layover on the way down so that I'll have their help getting my bags in Orlando (I'm traveling alone with my kids so I don't have enough hands by myself). On the way back their flight leaves a little bit later than mine. Will they let us ride the same ME bus to the airport even though our departure times are different?

And I think that's about all my questions.

 

[CaribDisneyGirl]

Hi,
I used ME in Oct. and thought it was wonderful!!
When you first exit through security at MCO you will see a person holding a white glove, they will give you very specific instructions. I personnally elected to collect my own luggage, so I went to the 2nd floor and collected my luggage on my own, then went to the 1st floor and there is a ME check-in counter that is similar to what you would see of a car rental desk. You present ME with your vouchers and they tell you which line to wait in. When your bus arrives, they take your luggage and stow it underneath. The ride to WDW is about 30 minutes depending on which stop you are. ME provides a very cute video to keep your kiddies (and yourself) occupied. I actually really enjoyed the video, it got me excited to be at WDW (not that I needed any help)!! Upon check-in to your resort they will tell you to be expecting a letter under your door the day before your departure with all the details of your departure time, ect. I believe I left about 3 hrs prior to my flight, this gave me plenty of time and I wasn't rushed. You will meet the ME bus at the entrance to your resort. I hope this helps a bit, I was a little nervous as well, but it was very easy and stress-free. I hope you have a magical trip :sohappy:

 

[MrBearr]

Me

Our experience with ME last Sept was great for the most part. From what I understand, they no longer allow the ME guides outside the security once you arrive in Orlando. You will need to go down to the lower level where you find the ME couinter and check in.

As far as check out, your hotel can check you into your return flight. You need to check in a mininum of 3 hours before flight time. The hotel will take care of your flight check in too. The bad side is that you have to depart for the airpoirt 3 hours before you flight. Oh yea, depending on which hotel you stay at, your return bus may make a few stops at other hotels to pick up returning guests. Enjoy the in-bus movie and comfy seats.

 

[JPVonDrake]

I'm flying down to Disney tomorrow (yay!). I almost never fly, always drive, so I'm stressing a little about the whole magical express deal.

My flight arrives in Orlando at 11:30 p.m. From what I understand the cut-off time for Disney to take my bags is 11 p.m. so I'll be responsible for my own bags. So what is the point of having the ME tags on all my luggage? Do I even really need the tags?

If you plan on picking up your own bags, (due to your late arrival time, it is recommend) then no you do not need to use your DME luggage tags.

On the bus - do I have to carry all my luggage up onto the bus or will they stow it underneath?

For safety reasons, all luggage and large carry-on bags will be stowed in the cargo bay on your motorcoach.

And how does the whole checkout process work? My flight departs Orlando at 3 p.m. so I'm guessing I'll have to catch the bus around noon? So how does Disney get my bags and what time will they need my bags? I ask because I was planning to do some laundry that day, but if they have to pick up my bags in the morning I'll have to do laundry the night before.

If you are on one of the paticipating airlines (Delta, Song, Continental, American, United, Ted, or Jetblue) you can check your luggage and receive your boarding pass for your return home at the Airline Check-In Desk located in or just outside the lobby of your Resort. This desk will operate from 6 am until 2 pm, and you can use this service up to 12 hours prior to your flight but no less then 3 hours prior to your flight.

Otherwise your luggage will travel with you on the same motorcoach (again in the cargo bay.) Your return motorcoach will depart your Resort about 2 1/2 to 3 hours prior to flight time to ensure you are at the airport 2 hours before your flight per FAA request. A notice will appear in your room the night before with the exact departure time.

And lastly - I'm meeting up with the rest of my party in Atlanta on a layover on the way down so that I'll have their help getting my bags in Orlando (I'm traveling alone with my kids so I don't have enough hands by myself). On the way back their flight leaves a little bit later than mine. Will they let us ride the same ME bus to the airport even though our departure times are different?

Yes, you can change your departure time to an earlier time if you prefer. Simply call 866-599-0951 the day prior to make your arrangements.

And I think that's about all my questions.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[Laura]

Thanks very much everyone! Phew I feel so much less nervous about this now that I'm not going into it clueless LOL.

Thanks especially to you JP - I'll never understand how you can remember so much specific information about everything. You're a true gem to these forums!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thanks very much everyone! Phew I feel so much less nervous about this now that I'm not going into it clueless LOL.

Thanks especially to you JP - I'll never understand how you can remember so much specific information about everything. You're a true gem to these forums!

Isnt he just the absolutel best??? DME will be fine!!! Have a great time and check in to tell us how the DME went!!! Belle

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I agree Belle.....he is the GRand Poobah of all things DME!!

:wave:
Have a wonderful trip!

Pam