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[jldunbar]

Just an FYI, but you can't send your bags on ME and nobody get on the ME bus. They will most likely leave your bags at the airport since you did not check in or get on one of their buses. You will have to take your bags with you if you are solely using the towncar service. ME is not a baggage service for just anyone. You have to use them in order to get that service.

I have read just the opposite, that the bags go regardless of who checks in on the bus, they do not match bags up to people on the bus.

 

[peemagg]

Here are some of the FAQ'S on DME. This came from another site.

Magical Express FAQs:

What is the cost for this service?
Disney’s Magical Express is a complimentary service to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.

What if a guest doesn’t want the service? Is there a credit?
If a guest elects not to utilize the service, they will not receive a “credit” to their reservation.

Which Resorts are included?
All Walt Disney World Resort hotels other than the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel, the hotels on or near Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Shades of Green. The Disney Vacation Club Resorts at Vero Beach and Hilton Head are also excluded. If a Guest moves to an off-property resort, they are on their own for transportation back to the airport.

Can a Guest book a one-way airport transfer (to or from)?
Yes.

Can a Guest book return transportation to the airport while on property?
Yes; guests can book return transportation to the airport by calling Disney’s Magical Express Guest Service. The Resort Front Desks will have a communication card with the phone number to hand to the Guest.

Can a Guest book a “luggage only” transfer?
No.

Can a Guest book transportation upon arrival at the airport?
No. Guests must book Disney’s Magical Express service reservation at least 10 days prior to arrival, so that they fully benefit from the service and a seamless luggage delivery to their Resort room.

 

[peemagg]

I found this on Disney's site:

How It Works

1. Reserve Disney's Magical Express Transportation when you book online or by calling (407) WDW-MAGIC or (407) 939-6244. Guests under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian's permission to call.

2. Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will collect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 3 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motor coach.

3. International Guests flying into Orlando International Airport from another country must follow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process and claim luggage after disembarking the plane. After completing the process, proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will recollect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 4 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motor coach.

4. Sit back and relax as Disney transports you to your Disney Resort hotel in an air-conditioned motor coach.

5. As your vacation draws to a close, you'll receive a Transportation Notice advising you of the pick-up time and place for your motor coach ride back to Orlando International Airport. Please note that it is your responsibility to bring your luggage to the pick-up point.

Please note that you cannot reserve the luggage service exclusively. You must be present on the motor coach to have your luggage transported to a Walt Disney World hotel.

 

[jldunbar]

Guidelines regarding DME and luggage only...

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Okay...here's the deal. We get a ton of posts regarding this issue. If a guest calls Disney and asks if they can tag their bags but not ride the bus, Disney will tell them no, someone has to ride the bus. That is Disney's official stand if a guest calls and asks about it.
In all reality, if a guest tags their checked bags, but does not ride the DME bus to the resort, their bags will, in all probability, still get to their resort. Disney has a contract with MCO that states all DME tagged bags will be transported to WDW resorts.

From the sticky at the top of the transportation page.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Guidelines regarding DME and luggage only...

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Okay...here's the deal. We get a ton of posts regarding this issue. If a guest calls Disney and asks if they can tag their bags but not ride the bus, Disney will tell them no, someone has to ride the bus. That is Disney's official stand if a guest calls and asks about it.
In all reality, if a guest tags their checked bags, but does not ride the DME bus to the resort, their bags will, in all probability, still get to their resort. Disney has a contract with MCO that states all DME tagged bags will be transported to WDW resorts.

From the sticky at the top of the transportation page.

But if your luggage doesn't make it - you have no recourse with Disney.

It's a small risk but one that people should be aware of if they choose to use DME as a luggage service only.