Magical Express Experts

[coltow]

Any Magical Express experts out there?

When I made my reservation for July I told them that I wanted Magical Express. Yesterday I got my bag tags. DH and I decided that because July is so crazy busy (we'll be with a 2yo and don't want to chance the bus system) that we are going to rent a car.

Here's my question, I have the ME bag tags, can I still use them and have Disney bring my bags to the resort even if we don't use ME ourselves? I would think that as long as my bags have the Disney tags on them that the bags will be delivered, but I wanted to check here to see if any one knows the answer. Thanks --less than 5 weeks to go--

 

[shoppingnut]

No you cannot. You can only use the luggage service if you are going on the ME buses, so you will have to take your luggage with you.

The ME bus system works very well and I have used it in July, August and Columbus day weekend which are all busy times and had no problems. After we checked in at the ME desk and got into the line for the bus at the airport, I never waited more than 5 minutes to board the bus. And, on the return to the airport depending on your airline, you can check you luggage right at the resort and only bring with you the stroller and carryon items. I arrived the 10-15 mins before the bus was to arrive, as suggested, and the bus was generally on time or just a few minutes late. It is so much easier to use it and the buses at the resorts when it is busy. If you rent a car you will now have to drag you car seat along with you for the trip in addition to all the other stuff. I know you can rent car seats, but the fee is around $8 per day. You will still have to fold up the stroller on the trams to/from the park entrance.

Also, since you have a 2 yr old I doubt you will be at any given park when it closes at night which is when you might have a bit of a wait for buses back to the resorts as everyone is leaving. During the day when I have left the parks, if I had just missed a bus, it may have been 10 mins to wait for the next one. Also first thing in the morning they have buses pulling up pretty much one after another for each of the parks so the lines aren't that bad.

 

[coltow]

We are also going to be on vacation with family members that will have a car so it will make it easier for us to have a car for when we go to/from parks with them. FYI I will be taking my son's car seat for the plane ride any how.

 

[shoppingnut]

We are also going to be on vacation with family members that will have a car so it will make it easier for us to have a car for when we go to/from parks with them. FYI I will be taking my son's car seat for the plane ride any how.

Well then, I can definitely see getting a car, makes good sense and it will be easier when getting around with other family members.

 

[JPVonDrake]

Here's my question, I have the ME bag tags, can I still use them and have Disney bring my bags to the resort even if we don't use ME ourselves? I would think that as long as my bags have the Disney tags on them that the bags will be delivered, but I wanted to check here to see if any one knows the answer. Thanks --less than 5 weeks to go--

No you cannot. You can only use the luggage service if you are going on the ME buses, so you will have to take your luggage with you.

I can confirm that Shoppingnut is 100% correct.

Let me also add, if you do not plan to use the Magical Express motorcoach service please do not use the DME luggage tags. If your luggage is tagged, it does not go to baggage claim, but to the DME distribution center at the airport. Your luggage can not leave this area of the airport and be shipped to your resort until Disney can confirm you have both checked-in at the Welcome Center AND you have boarded your motorcoach that has left the airport on its way to your resort. If you personally don't check-in at the Welcome Center AND board your motorcoach your luggage will stay at the airport. This is due to Disney's Homeland Security efforts and Airport Policies.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[swimmom]

I have actually waited in longer lines for rental cars than I have for the ME.

 

[popsicletrees]

Since we are talking about Magical Express I also have a question. I am going to WDW in September. My parents are driving in but I am flying into Orlando. They will have already checked into the hotel by the time I arrive so, will I be able to use the Magical Express? If so, will I need a copy of our reservation with my name on it to check in at the Magical Express desk? Or what do I need to do?

 

[JPVonDrake]

Since we are talking about Magical Express I also have a question. I am going to WDW in September. My parents are driving in but I am flying into Orlando. They will have already checked into the hotel by the time I arrive so, will I be able to use the Magical Express? If so, will I need a copy of our reservation with my name on it to check in at the Magical Express desk? Or what do I need to do?

As long as your name is listed on the Reservation as a Guest in the room, we can schedule the DME for your arrival.

Disney’s Magical Express requires a reservation for the service and it must be selected prior to arrival into the Orlando International Airport. Simply call your original booking agent (I.E. if you booked with Disney call us, if you booked with a travel agent, call them) to add your DME to your reservation. To ensure delivery of your travel documents, please call at least 10 days prior to your arrival date. Once you are booked an Airport Transportation Booklet containing general information, transportation vouchers and 2 luggage tags per person - to be attached prior to leaving home - will be mailed to you. You will recieve this booklet about 20-30 days prior to your arrival if you booked DME more then 45 days out, or within 10 days of the date you added DME within 45 days of arrival.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[popsicletrees]

As long as your name is listed on the Reservation as a Guest in the room, we can schedule the DME for your arrival.

Disney’s Magical Express requires a reservation for the service and it must be selected prior to arrival into the Orlando International Airport. Simply call your original booking agent (I.E. if you booked with Disney call us, if you booked with a travel agent, call them) to add your DME to your reservation. To ensure delivery of your travel documents, please call at least 10 days prior to your arrival date. Once you are booked an Airport Transportation Booklet containing general information, transportation vouchers and 2 luggage tags per person - to be attached prior to leaving home - will be mailed to you. You will recieve this booklet about 20-30 days prior to your arrival if you booked DME more then 45 days out, or within 10 days of the date you added DME within 45 days of arrival.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

Thank you so much! This information definitely answers my questions about using ME!

 

[STGRhost]

Another option you may want to consider is using ME to get to WDW, and then renting a car on property. National/Alamo car rental has a rental site at the Car Care Center near the MK parking lot

To get there, you just need to call them about an hour before you want to pick up your car (have it reserved before you get there) and they will send a shuttle to pick you up and take you to the facility.
When returning it, call them to let them know you're coming and they will have a shuttle take you back to the resort.

I think there are car rental places at the resorts on Hotel Plaza Blvd., but I don't know much about them.

 

[AEfx]

If you do use DME, do yourself a favor and get your own bags. It takes less than 10 minutes and I've found it so much nicer to just have your bags with you than to have to wait for them. And, God forbid, if one doesn't show up, you don't know who to blame - did it fall of the Disney truck or did it never make it to the airport.

Get your own bags. That's the best ME advice I can give - makes everything go so much more smoothly!

AEfx

 

[JPVonDrake]

If you do use DME, do yourself a favor and get your own bags. It takes less than 10 minutes and I've found it so much nicer to just have your bags with you than to have to wait for them. And, God forbid, if one doesn't show up, you don't know who to blame - did it fall of the Disney truck or did it never make it to the airport.

Get your own bags. That's the best ME advice I can give - makes everything go so much more smoothly!

Do keep in mind, since DME began on May 5, 2005 Disney has NEVER lost a bag once it has been left in their care. In the event the airline does not deliver an expected bag to the DME processing area, Disney will automatically inform the airline and start the airline's lost luggage process for you. Disney will also keep you informed the throughout the entire process should this happen.

In most cases, due to the way the luggage is delivered and processed at DME, the airline will be informed to begin the process of tracking your bags significantly faster then if you yourself waited at the luggage claim to retrieve your luggage and discover one of your bag missing, and then went to lost luggage to report it. Also remember, when you report your luggage missing, the airline first have to investigate if your luggage was delivered to baggage claim but was not taken by another passenger at the airport thinking that it was theirs. With DME, this eliminates that possibility. The airlines knows it misplaced the bag before landing, and can immediately begin tracking it's journey from your home town to Orlando.

If you would feel better to retrieve your own luggage, you may. Simply do not use the DME bag tags, and your luggage will go to the baggage claim carousel. Due keep in mind you will not be able to carry your luggage onto the motorcoach itself but will need to wait for your driver to load each bag into the cargo bay and then unload them when you arrive at your Resort. Also keep in mind the added time this takes delays not only you, but everyone else on the motorcoach.

Please feel free to trust Disney with your luggage, and you can begin your magical vacation even faster.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[Monty]

Yeah JP! :sohappy:

Much more eloquent an answer than I would have provided! :lookaroun

Ultimately, unless you're extremely paranoid or overly unlucky, letting DME handle your luggage is your best bet. You don't have to worry about anything but enjoying everything Disney from the time you leave your hometown airport. Pack a carry-on with a change of clothes and essential toiletries [plus any meds] and you're good to go! No lugging luggage around the airport, no delays waiting for bags, no worries!

If you're clearing customs in Orlando, you'll have to claim your bags prior to going through customs, but you can drop them right off again with DME.

If you're landing later at night, it's up to you, you can claim your bags and take them yourself or you can go to the resort and let the Bell Services know whether you want them delivered immediately when they arrive or have them held and delivered when you call them in the morning.

DME is the best thing since sliced bread IMO

 

[patelaine1953]

Just remember to keep all necessary medications and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag just in case!!!! In fact, in case of lost luggage, you should spread clothing our between bags, not put one person's clothes in only one bag. This way, if one piece is lost, you still have clothes to wear until your bag is found.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Just remember to keep all necessary medications and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag just in case!!!! In fact, in case of lost luggage, you should spread clothing our between bags, not put one person's clothes in only one bag. This way, if one piece is lost, you still have clothes to wear until your bag is found.

Right you are Patelaine!!!!!! I always advise to carry on a bag with you on the plane that you can keep with you. My bag usually includes all prescriptions for the entire time of my trip, glasses, sunglasses, a change of clothes ( coming from NYC Florida is usually significantly warmer) Sunblock, all trip documents, digital camera, video camera, any jewelery, all money/ traveler's checks, swim suit, and a night shirt. I have used DME Pretty extensively since May of 05 and havent had a problem with a lost bag yet!!!! The idea of not having to wrestle with one's luggage is just so appealing!!! Belle

 

[ZeonStar]

If you book with AAA, you still get the DME don't you? How long does it take them to send your tags for your luggage? Our trip is still a month away but I figure I should have these sooner than later.

 

[wannabeBelle]

If you book with AAA, you still get the DME don't you? How long does it take them to send your tags for your luggage? Our trip is still a month away but I figure I should have these sooner than later.

DME is not automatic. Call your AAA Agent and make sure that she signed you up for that. If she did you should get your tags by no later than 2 weeks or so prior to your trip but not much before a month prior. Belle

 

[JPVonDrake]

If you book with AAA, you still get the DME don't you? How long does it take them to send your tags for your luggage? Our trip is still a month away but I figure I should have these sooner than later.

Disney Magical Express is available to all Guests staying in a Disney owned and operated Resort, flying in to and/or out of the Orlando International Airport (regardless of airline) with their flight dates matching their Resort stay dates. One way transfers are available.

To use DME, you must add it to your room reservation at least 10 days prior to arrival by contacting your original booking source, (i.e. if you booked directly with Disney call 407-W-DISNEY, if you booked with any travel agency such as AAA you must contact them.)

If you added DME to your reservation more then 45 days prior to arrival you will now receive your airline booklet about 25-30 days prior to your arrival date. If you add DME within 11-45 days prior to arrival it will take approximately 10 business days to receive your airline booklet. If you try to add it within 10 days of arrival, no booklet can be sent, and you will receive special verbal instructions as to how to fully use this service.

If you have any further questions, feel free to post or send me a PM anytime!

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[wannabeBelle]

Disney Magical Express is available to all Guests staying in a Disney owned and operated Resort, flying in to and/or out of the Orlando International Airport (regardless of airline) with their flight dates matching their Resort stay dates. One way transfers are available.

To use DME, you must add it to your room reservation at least 10 days prior to arrival by contacting your original booking source, (i.e. if you booked directly with Disney call 407-W-DISNEY, if you booked with any travel agency such as AAA you must contact them.)

If you added DME to your reservation more then 45 days prior to arrival you will now receive your airline booklet about 25-30 days prior to your arrival date. If you add DME within 11-45 days prior to arrival it will take approximately 10 business days to receive your airline booklet. If you try to add it within 10 days of arrival, no booklet can be sent, and you will receive special verbal instructions as to how to fully use this service.

If you have any further questions, feel free to post or send me a PM anytime!

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

JP Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wave: :wave: :kiss: Belle

 

[Maryssa*]

Ooh... so I cant use those nifty tags with the reflective picture as normal luggage tags? Or is it if youre just flying into Orlando? I thought they were jsut pretty and wanted to use them regularly but I dont want to lose luggage!