A question about Magical Express Service

[skcanton]

Our flight is arriving at 9:00pm. So we are obviously not going to the parks on the day of arrival. Should we just carry our own luggage, so we don't have to wait 3 hours to get our pajamas? I know I could pack pj's in our carry-on, but I know I won't sleep without knowing all our luggage arrived safely.
Has anyone else arrived late at night? Are you allowed to carry your own luggage on the Magical Express Service? TIA
Samantha

 

[DisneyGerry]

Last two times we arrived at 8p at MCO. Luggage went straight to Resort. Last week at POFQ it arrived in our room prior to 11p. In November at CSR they delivered it at 2a--yes knocked on door to drop it all off. Something to consider on later flights.

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

When we used Magical Express the driver told everyone before boarding that no luggage (besides carryons) were allowed on the bus. He could have been wrong, but that's what he told us. Can anyone else confirm or correct this?

 

[Servants of Evan]

Yes. Pick up your own luggage at baggage claim as you would for any other flight and then walk over to the ME counter and check in. They'll put your bags "in the belly of the bus" and when you get to your resort you'll be all set. DO NOT PUT THE YELLOW M.E. TAGS ON YOUR BAGS. If you do, they'll get pulled before they ever hit the conveyor for the carousel and you'll be waiting around for nothing...

 

[tjmw2727]

I carried my own luggage on ME in October. Same situation, just me and my two dd's and our flight arrived in orlando at 9:20. I did not put the yellow luggage tags on our bags and claimed them myself on the luggage carosel. Since I was traveling as the solo adult I wanted to keep my carryons as light as possible and I didn't want to wait for PJ's, etc until late.

FWIW - even though we went to baggage and claimed our luggage before checking in with ME we were on the same bus as several others from our flight so I am not sure claming the bags slowed us down much.

The driver just loaded our check bags under the bus with no problem and we tipped according upon arrival to AKL.

I am quite sure can bring your luggage on ME. In fact it must be allowed since there is no other option for the return trip if your not using a participating airline. We were Southwest, not a participating airline, and we also brought our bags along with us on ME on the return trip.

HTH
TJ

 

[goofy4tink]

When we used Magical Express the driver told everyone before boarding that no luggage (besides carryons) were allowed on the bus. He could have been wrong, but that's what he told us. Can anyone else confirm or correct this?

You may bring your carryon bags onto the bus with you....all other luggage goes underneath the bus. So, if you want to claim your own bags, and that's not a bad idea late at night, you just claim them and bring them to DME checkin with you. Then, when you board the bus, they will take your luggage and stow it underneath for you.

 

[ferris198]

Another option, if you don't want to take your luggage is to make arrangements for it to be delivered to your room aerly in the morning.

 

[seashoreCM]

When we used Magical Express the driver told everyone before boarding that no luggage (besides carryons) were allowed on the bus. He could have been wrong, but that's what he told us. ?

He probably meant, in the passenger cabin overhead or under seats.

Going home there is no problem putting your baggage in the compartments underneath.

Going to Disney there is a miniscule chance you may be required to "gate check" baggage at the ME welcoming area for automatic delivery, if it is a crowded time of day and/or many wheelchairs need to be transported.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just curious - those of you who would not sleep until your luggage is in your room. What if the airline misdirects your suitcase? First, this is a far more likely scenario than DME losing it, and especially if you're arriving at night chances are even if the airline can locate your bag, chances are they won't be able to get it to you until the next day.