Additional Traveler Can't Ride The Express?

[tracys2cents]

My two kids and I are traveling together and are on a package and now the husband decides that he is going to join us for the first couple of nights only (we are there for 7 nights). Kids and I are on the dining plan and there is some rule about everyone in the room being on the same package plan, I don't know how we're going to figure this one out.

But my transportation question in regards to the Magical Express is, if we all end up flying together to Orlando, my kids and I will get on the Magical Express but my husband won't be allowed on since he isn't on our package deal, right? He'll have to take a Mears shuttle or something?

 

[CleveRocks]

My two kids and I are traveling together and are on a package and now the husband decides that he is going to join us for the first couple of nights only (we are there for 7 nights). Kids and I are on the dining plan and there is some rule about everyone in the room being on the same package plan, I don't know how we're going to figure this one out.

But my transportation question in regards to the Magical Express is, if we all end up flying together to Orlando, my kids and I will get on the Magical Express but my husband won't be allowed on since he isn't on our package deal, right? He'll have to take a Mears shuttle or something?

The only people permitted on DME buses are registered guests at a WDW owned-and-operated resort. If your husband's not named on the reservation, he can't ride DME, at least not for free.

There's some question about what happens when people go to the Mears desk to pay for transportation to a WDW resort. Some have reported that Mears will sell them a ticket and direct them towards the DME buses, and that paying customers going to WDW resorts have been on DME buses with WDW resort guests. But if you call the main Mears number and speak to a rep they'll tell you it can't happen that way. The reps may be right, or they may be misinformed about what happens in the 'real world."

From what I understand, you're correct about the Disney rule that if you have the Dining Plan then everyone named on the reservation in that room must be on the Dining Plan. My GUESS is that they do that to prevent sharing. I know with the way my family of 4 eats, if we did the DDP we could easily eat very nicely by only paying for 3 people on the DDP. My guess is that Disney doesn't want people like me to pay less money if we think it would work out for us.

 

[Lewisc]

Unless it's recently changed guests can go to the Mears desk and purchase a voucher. Mears will transport that passenger on a DME bus.

In general Disney resort guests can ride DME for free. Mears won't let you reserve transportation to a Disney resort, they don't want people paying for something they're entitled to get for free.

 

[seashoreCM]

Not being on the room reservation, he may not stay in the room either.

How much would it cost to add him to the entire package? (You will probably not want to do it if notice is so short there is a substantial change fee.)

 

[tracys2cents]

It would cost a fortune to buy him the 7 night package that we have, for only a 2 or 3 night stay. We have the tickets and the dining plan on our package.

 

[tracys2cents]

 

[CleveRocks]

Unfortunately for your situation, lewisc and I gave you the information you were looking for, which of course wasn't the information you were hoping for. Not sure what else anyone can tell you. Sorry.

 

[clkelley]

Not being on the room reservation, he may not stay in the room either.

How much would it cost to add him to the entire package? (You will probably not want to do it if notice is so short there is a substantial change fee.)

While technically that's the way it is according to CRO, because their system has no flexibility, but once you arrive, as long as you are not exceeding the occupancy limit, the front desk staff can issue him a room key.

I remember back when they did the 7 nights for the price of 4, many folks booked the package for 1 person, then added extra guests at checkin.

 

[hearts8701]

each adult is an extra $20 fee for the room
my two adult daughters( which is anyone over 17) staying in my room
the fee for each is $20

 

[seashoreCM]

Suppose you do not modify the package but simply have DH show up. (No magical express because he is not on the rioom ressie)

I take it you have the "free dining" package.

Then, come to think of it, much of the extra cost is for the park ticket. If DH does not already have a ticket, he will need one making the ticket a personal requirement as opposed to a package requirement. A three day ticket costs almost as much as an eight day (expiring) ticket.

With DH standing there (even if he is a midget), I highly doubt that they will assess a change fee in connectoin with the package.

Reviewing the bidding:

Best extra person non-package outcome (not guaranteed they'll do it for you) for DH:
Two or three extra person night charges depending on stay
(did someone below say zero dolars each if DH is the second 18+yo)
Pay for airport to Disney transportation arriving
Pay for meals
Buy 3 or 4 day ticket depending on stay

Best package outcome (also not guaranteed):
No change fee
Get Magical Express
Includes meals
Includes admission ticket

 

[taximomfor4]

Add dh to the ressie, switch all the tickets to 3 day tickets instead of 7 day, then when you get there, you can add the additional days to yours and the kids tickets. You will end up with extra dining credits for the end of the week, but so what if it is free dining. You don't have to use them all.

OR....add him to the ressie, buy his 7 day ticket, and when you get there add the no expiry to his ticket so he can finish using it in the future.

 

[clkelley]

each adult is an extra $20 fee for the room
my two adult daughters( which is anyone over 17) staying in my room
the fee for each is $20

There will not be an extra adult charge unless her children are 18 or older. The extra adult charge is for more than 2 adults.