Am I totally missing a DME 'how it works' thread??

[luckyprincess]

Hi! I see a thread for luggage tags info and one for just luggage info but I searched and can't seem to find just a 'here is how ME works' thread. I just really wanted to know how to pay for my checked bag at the hotel check in desk, where to go when I get off the plane at MCO, the procedure when I do find the DME area, what to do when I check out of the hotel on my last day, where do my carry ons go, average time it takes to get from MCO to AKL and AKL to MCO on DME....that kind of thing.
If anyone knows of a thread that I'm just not looking at could you point me to it? Thank you!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You're not missing it, it doesn't exist - too many people just don't read stickies

Pay for your luggage: there'll be instructions in the packet on/under your door the day before you depart You'll be able to call a toll-free number and pay over the phone with a credit card, and need to note the confirmation number given and bring that when you check in at the RAC counter; or you can most likely now just pay when you check in at RAC (Resort Airline Check-in).

Finding the Welcome Center: When you get off the tram in the main terminal, follow the signs for Side B of the terminal; proceed to the escalators; go down two levels to the ground level; turn right; the DME Welcome Center is at the far end of the terminal - not as bad as it sounds, a couple of hundred yards, tops.

Aforementioned door packet will have last day instructions, but when you're ready, take your luggage and your husband and your IDs to the RAC counter and check in for your flight just like curbside check-in at the airport, which is exactly what this is - just thirty miles away. Check in. They'll weigh and take your luggage, issue you boarding passes and claim check tickets, and you're on your way.

You must complete this more than three hours but not more than twelve hours prior to your flight's departure. If for some reason that doesn't work for your departure, you won't be able to use RAC, you'll need to check in at the airport. Which brings me to - what to do with your carry-ons, and checked luggage if necessary: leave it with Bell Services. Be sure to be back in plenty of time to claim any Bell Services items and still make your DME bus - fifteen minutes to claim items, plus fifteen minutes before the bus departure time.

Airport to resorts: 70 to 90 minutes
Resorts to airport: DME will pick you up about three hours, give or take fifteen minutes, prior to your flight departure. You need to be ready and waiting for your bus fifteen minutes before your scheduled time - see DME packet - because that's the time your bus departs, and there may not be another bus for an hour or more... and there may not be room for you on later buses.

 

[luckyprincess]

kaytieeldr, you are the greatest!! Thank you so much - that was great information and exactly what I needed! I read through some of the stickies and wasn't finding my info - you really saved me there!!
Thanks again!