2 DME questions

[ms.ojo]

#1 Arriving at MCO Will I have a specific time I'm suppose to board the DME bus? I know we have to make our way from the gate to the check-in area, but can we stop to grab a bite to eat? Our flight lands at 6:30pm and I'd hate to have to wait in the DME line, then wait for the bus, then ride the bus w/ multiple stops w/ 2 hungry children.

#2 Check-in at Hotel for Departure Boy the resort check-in service isn't open for many hours. I would imagine it's a zoo in the morning. We're staying at ASMo and would have to be through the check-in line by 9am. When do you think we should get in line? Also, when can I do the prepay on the baggage? If I know I have 3 bags to check the night before can I call then, or do I have to do that 1st thing in the morning too?

Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

#1 Arriving at MCO Will I have a specific time I'm suppose to board the DME bus? I know we have to make our way from the gate to the check-in area, but can we stop to grab a bite to eat? Our flight lands at 6:30pm and I'd hate to have to wait in the DME line, then wait for the bus, then ride the bus w/ multiple stops w/ 2 hungry children.

#2 Check-in at Hotel for Departure Boy the resort check-in service isn't open for many hours. I would imagine it's a zoo in the morning. We're staying at ASMo and would have to be through the check-in line by 9am. When do you think we should get in line? Also, when can I do the prepay on the baggage? If I know I have 3 bags to check the night before can I call then, or do I have to do that 1st thing in the morning too?

Thanks!

1. I would plan on bringing some snacks with you so that the kids can munch on the plane. The average time, from gate to resort, is running at about 70 mins. Do you really want to add another 30+ mins to that, just to eat at MCO??? I would much rather get to ASMo and eat there, at the food court, while you wait for your bags to arrive. If you really prefer to grab something at MCO, then go right ahead. You aren't assigned a particular bus, at a specific time.

2. You can prepay for the bags the day before...there will be a phone number on your DME pickup time sheet. Just call that number, pay for your bags and be sure to write the confirmation number down...I usually write it right on that notice.
As far as times for checking your bags in the morning..it does get zooey in that line from about 7:30 on. Everyone who is checking out that day, wants to get their bags checked so they can head to the parks for a few hours or so.
If your flight as about 12pm (hence having to be through the line by 9...at least that's what I'm assuming), then you should probably get to the RAC counter much earlier than 8:30ish. Not sure how many adults are traveling. If there are two of you, then one of you can bring the bags down before 6am...won't be much of a line, if any, at that time. Then, that adult can head back to the room, and relax for a bit before heading to the bus area. Do not leave checking your bags until 8 or so...you will have to be at the DME bus stop about 15 mins before the scheduled pickup time...all ready to go. You don't want to be standig in line, at the RAC counter, trying to check your bags and get boarding passes issued as the bus pulls up. And yes, many people have left checking their bags too late and missed their bus!!!

 

[ccudmore]

#1 Arriving at MCO Will I have a specific time I'm suppose to board the DME bus? I know we have to make our way from the gate to the check-in area, but can we stop to grab a bite to eat? Our flight lands at 6:30pm and I'd hate to have to wait in the DME line, then wait for the bus, then ride the bus w/ multiple stops w/ 2 hungry children.

When you get to the DME desk at the airport they put you in a queue for the group of resorts that your bus will service. Then you wait for the next bus. It could be waiting for you or it could be 20 minutes. There's no set schedule for the bus, or for when you're supposed to arrive. No need to hurry or worry if your flight is late.

#2 Check-in at Hotel for Departure Boy the resort check-in service isn't open for many hours. I would imagine it's a zoo in the morning. We're staying at ASMo and would have to be through the check-in line by 9am. When do you think we should get in line? Also, when can I do the prepay on the baggage? If I know I have 3 bags to check the night before can I call then, or do I have to do that 1st thing in the morning too?

Not sure about what time you should be there - I've never had to leave first thing in the morning. Just make sure you're all checked in and your bags are checked and you're ready to get on the bus at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

For the baggage prepayment, there's a phone number you call the night before and give them your information and credit card number and pay that way. They give you a confirmation number you give at the luggage checkin desk to confirm your payment. Details on how to do this are included in your checkout package you should get in your room the day before you go.

 

[Missytara]

I have been there a few times at 7:00 to 7:30 am and it is rather busy.

This past year, I waited a bit longer and went down about 9:00 am or so (my flight didn't leave until 6:30 pm), and it was a bit busy but not too bad.

It only gets really, really busy when the computer goes down for some reason and they get backed up.

 

[ms.ojo]

1. I would plan on bringing some snacks with you so that the kids can munch on the plane. .... I would much rather get to ASMo and eat there, at the food court, while you wait for your bags to arrive.

I like this idea!

2. You can prepay for the bags the day before...there will be a phone number on your DME pickup time sheet. ...

If there are two of you, then one of you can bring the bags down before 6am...won't be much of a line, if any, at that time. Then, that adult can head back to the room, and relax for a bit before heading to the bus area. Do not leave checking your bags until 8 or so...you will have to be at the DME bus stop about 15 mins before the scheduled pickup time...all ready to go. You don't want to be standig in line, at the RAC counter, trying to check your bags and get boarding passes issued as the bus pulls up. And yes, many people have left checking their bags too late and missed their bus!!!

Yeichs! I can't imagine missing the bus. I like this idea. One of us will bring the bags over early and maybe even p/u b'fast for the crew to have in bed!