Disney's Magical Express -- Luggage Tag Info

[goofy4tink]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked but I don't really have time to read all 16 pages or whatever it is. How long does luggage take to get from the airport to your room (rough estimate!) and do they stop delivering at a certain time of night and just deliver the following day? I ask because we will be arriving at 7:20 pm and I would like to leave my luggage to ME to pick up, but don't want to be without luggage for the whole night. The whole stuff for 24 hours in a carry-on thing is not going to work for me because I have 3 kids who have very specific bedtime routines and the thought of keeping all their stuff in a carry-on is daunting, besides all the airline restrictions. Should I just pick my luggage up or will I get it before the end of the night? Thanks for the help.

According to DME packet info..'your luggage may take up to 3 hrs. to be delivered to your resort room after you have checked-in.' So...if you arrive at 7:20, you will be at your resort about 8:45-9:00. Your bags may not get to your room until close to 11ish or later. So...if you really don't want to hassle with having your night-time stuff, for the kids, in a carryon bag, I would just not use the yellow tags. Or, you could tag all but one bag, and then head to baggage claim and get that one, untagged bag, and take it with you to DME checkin desk, then it will be with you on the same bus you are on, and you will have what you need to get the kiddos settled in for the night. You can ask for the other checked bags, the ones with the yellow tags on them, to be held until the next morning if you wish.

 

[CleveRocks]

The whole stuff for 24 hours in a carry-on thing is not going to work for me because I have 3 kids who have very specific bedtime routines and the thought of keeping all their stuff in a carry-on is daunting, besides all the airline restrictions.

I'm not commenting on whether or not I think you should get your own checked bags. What I am going to do is try to convince you to pack your carry-ons with your immediate needs, especially the stuff for your kids' very specific bedtime routines.

WHAT IF THE AIRLINES DELAY YOUR LUGGAGE??? If this happens, your kids won't have their bedtime needs! If you pack the stuff in carry-ons, it never leaves your side, you don't have to trust anyone else to get it to you in a timely manner because it NEVER leaves your possession.

I don't understand why you find it difficult. For our first WDW trip, our kids were 5 and 2.5. They each had their own little backpack with jammies, bedtime buddy, swimsuit, change of clothes, coloring book and snacks for the plane, etc. Think about how very little space that takes up. And both of kids were very proud of having their own bags. The same held true last time when they were 6.5 and 4. That second trip was after the new liquids/gels restrictions. Just so you don't think I'm talking from the cheap seats without any first-hand knowledge ....

Each ticketed passenger is entitled to a carry-on. And each ticketed passenger is entitled to a 3-1-1 bag in that carry-on.

So no matter whether you get your own luggage or not, PLEASE strongly consider packing carry-ons for your immediate needs, anyway. You'll sleep better.

 

[shellynn24]

According to DME packet info..'your luggage may take up to 3 hrs. to be delivered to your resort room after you have checked-in.' So...if you arrive at 7:20, you will be at your resort about 8:45-9:00. Your bags may not get to your room until close to 11ish or later. So...if you really don't want to hassle with having your night-time stuff, for the kids, in a carryon bag, I would just not use the yellow tags. Or, you could tag all but one bag, and then head to baggage claim and get that one, untagged bag, and take it with you to DME checkin desk, then it will be with you on the same bus you are on, and you will have what you need to get the kiddos settled in for the night. You can ask for the other checked bags, the ones with the yellow tags on them, to be held until the next morning if you wish.

Thank you for your answer. I was kinda thinking about leaving the tags off of one bag, probably the pack-n-play too.

I'm not commenting on whether or not I think you should get your own checked bags. What I am going to do is try to convince you to pack your carry-ons with your immediate needs, especially the stuff for your kids' very specific bedtime routines.

WHAT IF THE AIRLINES DELAY YOUR LUGGAGE??? If this happens, your kids won't have their bedtime needs! If you pack the stuff in carry-ons, it never leaves your side, you don't have to trust anyone else to get it to you in a timely manner because it NEVER leaves your possession.

I don't understand why you find it difficult. For our first WDW trip, our kids were 5 and 2.5. They each had their own little backpack with jammies, bedtime buddy, swimsuit, change of clothes, coloring book and snacks for the plane, etc. Think about how very little space that takes up. And both of kids were very proud of having their own bags. The same held true last time when they were 6.5 and 4. That second trip was after the new liquids/gels restrictions. Just so you don't think I'm talking from the cheap seats without any first-hand knowledge ....

Each ticketed passenger is entitled to a carry-on. And each ticketed passenger is entitled to a 3-1-1 bag in that carry-on.

So no matter whether you get your own luggage or not, PLEASE strongly consider packing carry-ons for your immediate needs, anyway. You'll sleep better.

This is actually my biggest fear about traveling I never thought about having each of the kids pack their own backpack, now I just need to find out how to pack their liquid stuff. Could someone point me to a thread with the info? BTW what is a 3-1-1 bag? Can you tell how long its been since I traveled.

 

[CleveRocks]

This is actually my biggest fear about traveling I never thought about having each of the kids pack their own backpack, now I just need to find out how to pack their liquid stuff. Could someone point me to a thread with the info? BTW what is a 3-1-1 bag? Can you tell how long its been since I traveled.

Check out www.tsa.gov for all the facts.

Briefly ...

Some amount of liquids/gels/aerosols IS permitted in carry-on bags. They have to be in containers of 3 ounces or less (size must be marked on label/container). Each ticketed passenger can take as many of these 3 ounces or less containers as will comfortably fit in a quart-sized zip-top bag ... the bag has to be able to be closed. And each ticketed passenger can take one such bag. Containers of 3 ounces or less ... in 1 quart-sized zip-top bag ... 1 such bag per ticketed passenger ... 3-1-1.

 

[jns]

Ok here is our plans we are arriving at MCO at 7pm ans plan to use disneys bus to get to AKL where we are staying for 1 night then we are getting the disney bus to the port for our cruise the next day leaving there at 12 midday
question should I get the bags myself from the airport or will it be ok and just let bell service know to send them on the cruise bus and I'll just have a carryon to use when at ALK and what lables should I use
we are not doing the land / sea package used our DVC points for AKLThanks for any info

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank you for your answer. I was kinda thinking about leaving the tags off of one bag, probably the pack-n-play too.


This is actually my biggest fear about traveling I never thought about having each of the kids pack their own backpack, now I just need to find out how to pack their liquid stuff. Could someone point me to a thread with the info? BTW what is a 3-1-1 bag? Can you tell how long its been since I traveled.

My dd has been in charge of her carryon bag since she began flying at age 3 1/2. She packs it with my help, but she lugs it around. It's a wonderful thing to see kids taking responsibility for their own bags at the airport. As far as the 3-1-1 bag...get a clear qt size zip-loc baggie. You can put in shampoo, suntan lotion, conditioner, mouthwash, hand sanitizer..whatever...as long as it is 3 oz or less. It takes some of the worry about being stranded for a night much less. I usually only pack one since we each don't have to have one, but I'm sure that now that dd is almost 14 she is going to start wanting her specific brands packed...she can have her own baggie.

Ok here is our plans we are arriving at MCO at 7pm ans plan to use disneys bus to get to AKL where we are staying for 1 night then we are getting the disney bus to the port for our cruise the next day leaving there at 12 midday
question should I get the bags myself from the airport or will it be ok and just let bell service know to send them on the cruise bus and I'll just have a carryon to use when at ALK and what lables should I use
we are not doing the land / sea package used our DVC points for AKLThanks for any info

I don't think you'll be able to have your checked bags sent right over to the DCL bus. You will have to have them taken to the resort, AKL, and then put on the bus in the morning. If you don't mind not getting your bags until 11:00 or so, I would just put the DME luggage tags on them. You can always have Bell Services hold them until the morning so that you don't have to get them back down to the lobby. Then, once you have them at AKL, you can remove the yellow DME tags and put the DCL tags on.

 

[shellynn24]

Check out www.tsa.gov for all the facts.

Briefly ...

Some amount of liquids/gels/aerosols IS permitted in carry-on bags. They have to be in containers of 3 ounces or less (size must be marked on label/container). Each ticketed passenger can take as many of these 3 ounces or less containers as will comfortably fit in a quart-sized zip-top bag ... the bag has to be able to be closed. And each ticketed passenger can take one such bag. Containers of 3 ounces or less ... in 1 quart-sized zip-top bag ... 1 such bag per ticketed passenger ... 3-1-1.

Thank you! The TSA website was very informative.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank you! The TSA website was very informative.

I just noticed that you arrive at BWV the same time we do!! Hope you have a terrific stay....it's a beautiful resort. Your kids are going to love the pool area. Perhaps we'll see you around the resort!!

 

[flyer]

Just got off phone w/ Disney. I planned on using DME but only the luggage deliver portion and get a rental car. They said I have to physically ride the bus. Is that true? Could we check in and then not ride the bus? Could we go to the bus and tell the driver we are not riding it (I'm sure a nice tip to the driver would solve everything).

We already have park tickets and were planning on renting a car and going straight to a park. It would save a lot of time.

 

[bicker]

Luggage delivery service requires you to ride the bus.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just got off phone w/ Disney. I planned on using DME but only the luggage deliver portion and get a rental car. They said I have to physically ride the bus. Is that true? Could we check in and then not ride the bus? Could we go to the bus and tell the driver we are not riding it (I'm sure a nice tip to the driver would solve everything).

We already have park tickets and were planning on renting a car and going straight to a park. It would save a lot of time.

Tipping the bus driver isn't going to accomplish anything...he has nothing whatsoever to do with your bags!! According to the Disney FAQ part of DME....you are not allowed to book just a luggage transfer. DME was set up as a 'people mover' with the added perk of having your luggage 'magically' appear in your room. Sure, there have been many reports of people tagging their bags with the special luggage tags and then heading off and renting a car, and having their luggage appear in their rooms. However....and this is the issue.....Disney is no way obligated to deliver your bags to your room if you are not on the bus. Yes, they seem to be delivering bags at the moment if no one is on that bus...but there is no way to ensure that this will be the case 6 months from now or even tomorrow!! If you feel the need to rent a car, then have one person rent the car and everyone else take the DME bus.

I really feel that if people continue to try to 'work the system' Disney will start charging for DME. They are not stupid...they know when loopholes are found and they eventually close them up.

 

[flyer]

I was not trying to work the system, only get one of the stated benefits of staying on site and save time.

We were going to rent a car and go straight to typhoon lagoon. Having even 1 person ride DME would slow us down since you do not know how many stops the bus will make to get to your hotel or when the bus will leave. Plus, you still have to get from the hotel to TL. We have express service with the rental car so that should be fast.

I see the need to check in so they get your bags. I also thought by telling the driver you will not be riding would help them. I do not want them to be looking for us. He would merely check our names on his checklist and consider us transported to the hotel. It would make more room on the bus for others and save them a minute amount of fuel. Disney is not hurt, only helped.

I'm trying to think of why you need to be on the bus. It isn't a security thing, since the bags go on a different bus. I understand they do not want to be a baggage service. However, it is a benefit of staying on site (and competitive advantage). All conditions are met, except physically being on the bus. The only reasons I can think of is to limit cars on the property.

I understand rules are rules. I am only trying to underestand their reasoning.

 

[bicker]

I understand rules are rules. I am only trying to underestand their reasoning.

This raises a good point. I think we need to recognize that often explanations of "why" things are the way they are aren't forth-coming. Lots of us here are willing to speculate, and even DEBATE about the validity of the speculation, but in the end, it doesn't matter, not even if we had an authoritative reasoning from the source: If you want something and cannot have it, it is human nature to at least suspect, if not out-right reject, even reasonable explanations of "why". Sometimes I think it is better off for us to just stick to "What are the rules?" and "How does it work?" and stay away from "Why is it that way?"

 

[safetymom]

The perk is that they transport you and your luggage. It isn't just for transporting the luggage. Until Disney changes the rules that is the way that the program works. As others have mentioned Disney is very good at closing loopholes.

 

[CleveRocks]

I see the need to check in so they get your bags. I also thought by telling the driver you will not be riding would help them. I do not want them to be looking for us. He would merely check our names on his checklist and consider us transported to the hotel. It would make more room on the bus for others and save them a minute amount of fuel. Disney is not hurt, only helped.

I'm trying to think of why you need to be on the bus. It isn't a security thing, since the bags go on a different bus. I understand they do not want to be a baggage service. However, it is a benefit of staying on site (and competitive advantage). All conditions are met, except physically being on the bus. The only reasons I can think of is to limit cars on the property.

I understand rules are rules. I am only trying to underestand their reasoning.

DME is a money-maker for Disney, in two ways. In a smaller way, it is a money-maker because people will see it as an added value, and be more apt to stay at a WDW resort rather than off-site due to the DME perk.

In a much larger way, DME creates a captive audience for Disney. They want to earn as much of your money as possible. They realize that most people don't have unlimited funds. If you spend $120 on a car service or $200 on a rental car, that's $120-$200 that Disney can never earn from you. So if they give you a free ride, that money can temporarily stay in your wallet until, from Disney's perspective, it hopefully moves from your wallet to their cash registers. Bigger still, if you don't have a rental car then you don't have easy access to outside food, outside entertainment, and outside merchandise. If you have a car, it's as easy to jump in the car and go to a local restaurant as it is to jump in the car and go to a Disney restaurant. Instead of spending $100 at Chef Mickey's, you could spend that money (or less) at a decent restaurant on International Drive. It's easier for you to get to Universal and SeaWorld, and to malls and other fun stuff. If you used a car service, it's easy for you to stop for groceries, which means you won't spend as much money on food at your resort's gift shop and food court.

I hope now it makes sense to you why, in their publicity info, they say you can't book DME as a luggage-only service. They want to lure you into stranding yourself inside WDW property so you can't easily spend your money anywhere else. If they came out and told you you could use DME for luggage-only and you could still rent a car, they would be undermining their whole reason for DME's existence.

I don't say this in a negative way, I think it's absolute genius ... capitalist, American, red-white-and-blue genius.

P.S. ... On another issue, the DME driver at the airport doesn't have a list of individuals, and there will be no bus specifically waiting for you.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was not trying to work the system, only get one of the stated benefits of staying on site and save time.

We were going to rent a car and go straight to typhoon lagoon. Having even 1 person ride DME would slow us down since you do not know how many stops the bus will make to get to your hotel or when the bus will leave. Plus, you still have to get from the hotel to TL. We have express service with the rental car so that should be fast.

I see the need to check in so they get your bags. I also thought by telling the driver you will not be riding would help them. I do not want them to be looking for us. He would merely check our names on his checklist and consider us transported to the hotel. It would make more room on the bus for others and save them a minute amount of fuel. Disney is not hurt, only helped.

I'm trying to think of why you need to be on the bus. It isn't a security thing, since the bags go on a different bus. I understand they do not want to be a baggage service. However, it is a benefit of staying on site (and competitive advantage). All conditions are met, except physically being on the bus. The only reasons I can think of is to limit cars on the property.

I understand rules are rules. I am only trying to underestand their reasoning.

I may have used the wrong wording. If so I apologize if I came across as harsh. That wasn't my intent at all.
As far as why the rules are the way they are...Disney has stated that they are not a luggage transfer service. That having your bags delivered to your room is a side perk of riding the bus. So, if that's what they say, that's what they say. Most of us feel that Disney started DME in order to keep more people on-site, without rental cars. If you have a rental car, you can quite easily head to Universal and spend your vacation dollars there. Disney sure doesn't want you doing that. So, if they allow you to book DME, but use it only to get your luggage to your resort, while you go off and rent a car, it has defeated the purpose of the system. You have used their system to transport your luggage, but rented a car at the same time. THat is what they are trying to avoid.

I think that we are going to see changes made to the DME system. Perhaps if you want to just get your bags delivered, they may add a charge to your room bill for the service. If you ride the bus then fine, you get free delivery. It's all computer generated...it shouldn't be all that difficult to track who is, and isn't, on the buses. It's Disney's park, it's their transportation system, they get to make any rules they want to. If we don't understand the 'why' of the rule, they don't much care. As I said before, Disney eventually finds that there are loopholes in a particular system and they close them.

 

[flyer]

Very good points about being a captive audience w/o a rental.

One other interesting pont. I just received the DME booklet and luggage tags in the mail. Nowhere in it does it say you must do both DME and luggage service.

After people referred to it here, I finally found it buried in the FAQ on the website. I may have broken the rules without even knowing it.

 

[arizonacolbys]

Has anyone had experience with switching resorts close to your trip when using DME?

We upgraded from POP Century to Wilderness Lodge under the 45 day mark - we just received our DME Tags, but they list POP on them instead of WL. When I called the DME line to inquire about this, she told me that they really just go by the bar code & taht is linked to our ressie at WL, not POP, so our luggage should arrive at the correct resort & they don't need to send out new tags. She asked me to cross out POP & write in WL, which I've done.


Has anyone had an experience like this? Does this sound correct, or should I call back & request new tags? TIA!

 

[CleveRocks]

You got perfect advice.

The barcode gives them access to your reservation number, and in the database your reservation number is for your current reservation at your current resort.

You cross out the old resort name (and the 2=letter code inside the Mickey head) so that a hard-working, do-gooder CM doesn't see your Pop-tagged bags in the AKL area and moves them from the AKL area to the POp area, thinking he's done his good deed for the day.

You'll be just fine. Take this advice from one of the few people on this board who knows the correct pronunciation of your town ... I lived in Cleveland Heights for a few years.

 

[arizonacolbys]

You got perfect advice.

The barcode gives them access to your reservation number, and in the database your reservation number is for your current reservation at your current resort.

You cross out the old resort name (and the 2=letter code inside the Mickey head) so that a hard-working, do-gooder CM doesn't see your Pop-tagged bags in the AKL area and moves them from the AKL area to the POp area, thinking he's done his good deed for the day.

You'll be just fine. Take this advice from one of the few people on this board who knows the correct pronunciation of your town ... I lived in Cleveland Heights for a few years.

Thanks Eric! That's what I was hoping to hear.