avoiding the DME check-in?

[smdisney]

Hello, I'm new to the boards and didn't see this clarified anywhere so hopefully someone can help.

I've been to WDW probably 20 times - but only twice since they started Magical Express. My mom was in charge for those trips. I can recall that the first time we went, we were able to just walk up and actually go down the walkway to the bus. The second time, however, we had to go wait in the long line and check-in to someone behind the counter.

I just got passes in the mail and tags for our luggage. Does this mean I get to avoid waiting in that long check-in line? It seems like my mom had all this stuff last time, so I'm confused. Unless they had just changed the procedure between the times we went?

Thanks for your help.

 

[seashoreCM]

If everything falls into place -- notably you have the yellow tags on your checked bags, and there is an extra CM pre-checking DME guests and sending some to the bus, --- then you might be able to skip the DME desk check in.

 

[kaytieeldr]

BUT DON'T JUST GO TO THE BUS LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get in the DME line. There's a podium. The people there may be able to scan your booklet and send you directly to your bus line; or they may need to send you to the counter to check in. PLEASE don't take it on yourself to just skip this step completely!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

When you get to the start of the checkin counter line, there should be a CM standing there. You will, most likely, be asked if you have your vouchers all set. Show them, and you will, again most likely, be sent right to the bus lines.
I have had only one longish checkin counter line wait..about 25 mins when PopWarner families had arrived, enmasse. That line snaked back to the rental car counters...but it moved much faster than I thought it would. More often the wait has been about 5-8 mins total.

 

[jaccceee]

Don't do what did. I threw out the booklet and just kept the vouchers. They have to scan the bar code on the back of the booklet. I was told to go wait in a long line at the checkin counter but when i questioned them about it they said i actually didn't have to because i had no checked luggage.

 

[clkelley]

Don't do what did. I threw out the booklet and just kept the vouchers. They have to scan the bar code on the back of the booklet. I was told to go wait in a long line at the checkin counter but when i questioned them about it they said i actually didn't have to because i had no checked luggage.

Hmmm, interesting. I didn't realize that. We always ditch the booklet and just put the vouchers in our wallet. However, when we fly, we arrive late at night, so usually no one in line anyway.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Most of the time, there isn't much of a line. But if a few full flights just landed, you could get caught in a rush. (This sometimes happens when several flights are delayed at various hub airports due to bad weather over several cities simultaneously. Once the storm passes and the planes start moving en mass, they all seem to arrive in Orlando at the same time.)

When in doubt, just ask the cast members where you should go. Show them your paperwork and explain if you have or don't have checked luggage.

Good luck!