late flight & ME - can we get our own bags?

[traci]

We have done ME and have always had them handle our bags. This trip we arrive late and would like to have them when we check in. Can we get them before boarding ME? How does this work?

 

[crashbb]

Yes, you can get your own luggage. Just don't tag it with the yellow tags and pick it up as normal.

It will delay your boarding of the DME, but you will have your luggage with you. Also, since the driver will now be helping you with the luggage (putting it under the bus and then getting it out again), you should tip the driver.

 

[traci]

oh, you don't need to remind us to tip...we do that anytime someone handles our bags.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[crashbb]

oh, you don't need to remind us to tip...we do that anytime someone handles our bags.

Thanks for the insight.

Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I was basically just copying a post from the last time this question was asked. The question of tipping often comes up, since normally most people don't tip the DME driver (and the tipping of bell services for your luggage is already covered if you let DME take your bags their way).

 

[traci]

no, I'm sorry - I took your post the wrong way...you said nothing wrong. I truly do appreciate the insight. I am wondering how long it will delay us boarding - I hate to miss the bus to our resort while waiting for luggage...then have to wait an addition 30 min or so for another one. Perhaps I should just take a carry on...

 

[crashbb]

Okay, we'll stop with the sorrys and call it even! I see how you could have taken my first post badly

I don't go through MCO that often (and my baggage is usually tagged "priority"), but I've never waited more than about 20 minutes - maybe other people can give you a better idea of average wait times.

You aren't on a scheduled bus, so you are really just adding the wait for your baggage. You may, by chance, end up missing a bus by getting your luggage but you also may, find that if you hadn't waited for your luggage, you'd have just missed a bus and end up on the one you would have been on anyways (okay that sentence made way more sense in my head - hope you can follow it!).

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

no, I'm sorry - I took your post the wrong way...you said nothing wrong. I truly do appreciate the insight. I am wondering how long it will delay us boarding - I hate to miss the bus to our resort while waiting for luggage...then have to wait an addition 30 min or so for another one. Perhaps I should just take a carry on...

It only delayed DD and I by 10 minutes. By the time everyone on the plane got their carryon luggage and we could actually exit the plane, the luggage was already hitting the caroseul (sorry I can't spell that word today.)

We got checked in at ME and only waited around 15 minutes for our bus to POP.

 

[traci]

Thanks for the help I think we may go ahead and get our own this time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Define "late", please. Oh, and crashbb's response is one of our 'standard' ones that could be considered automated if it wasn't being typed by a real live person

But back to "late". It means different things to different people.

Standard response alert: It is always advisable to pack whatever items one will need for the first 24 hours at the destination in carry-on luggage (details available on request). end of standard response

Magical Express will deliver your luggage up to three hours after you check in.

If late means 7 or 8, you should have your luggage by 11 if not sooner.

Now, naturally, if you mean 9 to 1, yes, three hours will be the middle of the night.

But in EITHER case, with a properly-packed carry-on you can still let DME handle your luggage. If you want it delivered no matter what time it arrives at the resort, do nothing.

If, on the other hand, you want to sleep, three simple steps:
Standard response alert: Tell the CM at the Front Desk you'd like your luggage held until morning; call Bell Services/Luggage Assistance and tell them you'd like your luggage held until morning; put the 'Privacy Please' card in the key slot on the outside of your door before bolting it. When you wake up in the morning, your message light will be flashing (yes, without the phone having rung!). Return the message - it will be Bell Services, and you can arrange to get your bags delivered. end of standard response

 

[traci]

Now, naturally, if you mean 9 to 1, yes, three hours will be the middle of the night.

We land around 9'ish. I thought midnight may be a bit late to get luggage...I just like to travel lite (hence no clothes in carry on type of thing).

Thanks again!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I understand the desire to travel light, but truly - consider the small but existing possibility that the airline will misdirect your luggage. Again, standard response alert It is always advisable to pack whatever items one will need for the first 24 hours at the destination in carry-on luggage end of standard response.

One change of warm-weather clothes per person, plus pjs and a swimsuit, should still allow light packing.

 

[dburg30]

To add to Kay's standard responses.

This has to do with ANY flight you take, not just going to disney

end my addendum

edit: bleh was already added

24 hours at the destination

so just ignore my post