Can I use magcal express without actually using magical express????

[goofy4tink]

I AM ASSUMING YOU DID NOT READ MY POST????


Right, so how would they know if you were actually taking the ME then??? <before I get flamed for "cheating" Disney, I AM actually taking ME... >

Sorry you took this as a personal attack. I did, in fact, read your post. I was responding to those who choose to send their luggage on the truck but they will rent a car. This is just another case of people trying to figure out how to work the system to their particular benefit. I, for one, don't care what someone else does...doesn't impact me in the least..unless my bus is going to be sitting there, waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Smith who have signed up for ME but just for their luggage. So, there I, sit on the bus, waiting for people that have no intention of showing up because they are renting a car. Sorry if this iritates you that I feel this way. This is Disney's way to keep us on-site, rather than renting cars so as to be able to go on over to the other 'entertainment areas' in Orlando. Maybe when they decide to start charging for this service, the questions will be answered. People will only use ME as it was intended to be used.
Now, I will climb on down from my trusty soapbox and get on with my day.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

If I were Disney.... I would not transport your luggage unless you get on my bus LOL! The whole point of this is to entice you to stay on Disney property and with a car you are not so enticed. So....we will see.

Yes. Based on the FAQ item that Lewisc posted, that seems to be the case...

"Disney representatives will pull the bags and wait for the Guests to arrive before forwarding the luggage to their Resort."​

In other words, a guest's bags will remain at the airport until that guest checks in for the coach transportation.

The FAQ question doesn't say, "Can I burden Disney with the cost of luggage transfers, while I rent a car, thereby retaining the freedom to spend my money at off-site restaurants, stores, and attractions?" Instead, Disney cooked up a different question to make the point that they have the ability to hold luggage at the airport. In another thread on this subject, I wrote:

My guess is that mailing that guests will receive 10 days before their trip (with the luggage tags and instructions) will clearly spell out how the system works. I wouldn't be surprised if there's something along the following lines:

"Disney's Magical Express is a complete service to transport you and your luggage. If, after arriving at Orlando International Airport, you decide not to ride a Disney's Magical Express motor coach, don't worry; your bags won't be sent to your resort until you check in on the motor coach. So you can retrieve your checked bags at the Baggage Desk in the Disney Welcome Center. (You may need to wait up to 60 minutes while we locate your bags and transport them to the Baggage Desk.) Or, if you prefer, call 407-xxx-xxxx to make arrangements to transport your bags directly to your room. Because this requires special handling, your bags may be delayed several hours and there is a charge of $10 for your first bag and $5 for each additional bag."

That's only a guess.​

The luggage transfers are costing Disney a bundle -- probably a lot more than the coach transportation. Each bag needs all sorts of manual handling at the airport and at the resort. Each bag must be loaded and unloaded from a luggage truck. According to the FAQ, Disney even picks up the cost of the gratuities for the bell services CM who brings the bags to your resort room.

Disney has obviously given a lot of thought to designing the Magical Express service. I'm sure they've figured out a way to enforce the "no luggage only transfers" rule. It remains to be seen just how they do this.

 

[MMCD]

DH and I contemplated about saving money on not renting a minivan and get a full size car. We are lugging along 2 golf bags that may not fit in the full size car along with the luggage. I may board ME with the golf bags while DH drives to the resort with the other luggage in the rental car.

MMCD

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

DH and I contemplated about saving money on not renting a minivan and get a full size car. We are lugging along 2 golf bags that may not fit in the full size car along with the luggage. I may board ME with the golf bags while DH drives to the resort with the other luggage in the rental car.

I assume that would work. You'll have one Magical Express passenger and two pieces of Magical Express luggage.

Families should only expect two Magical Express luggage tags for each Magical Express reservation. So families that are planning to send one member of the family on the motor coach in order to get luggage transfers for a half dozen pieces of luggage are likely to be disappointed.

I assume most families don't want to split up at the beginning of their vacation.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

Sorry you took this as a personal attack. I did, in fact, read your post. I was responding to those who choose to send their luggage on the truck but they will rent a car. This is just another case of people trying to figure out how to work the system to their particular benefit. I, for one, don't care what someone else does...doesn't impact me in the least..unless my bus is going to be sitting there, waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Smith who have signed up for ME but just for their luggage. So, there I, sit on the bus, waiting for people that have no intention of showing up because they are renting a car. Sorry if this iritates you that I feel this way. This is Disney's way to keep us on-site, rather than renting cars so as to be able to go on over to the other 'entertainment areas' in Orlando. Maybe when they decide to start charging for this service, the questions will be answered. People will only use ME as it was intended to be used.
Now, I will climb on down from my trusty soapbox and get on with my day.

Sorry...Hadn't had my daily coffee yet, I did take it the wrong way and I apologize!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry...Hadn't had my daily coffee yet, I did take it the wrong way and I apologize!!

Thanks! I was afraid I might have been a little mouthy there for a minute. I guess we all get a little heated about some stuff. Back to our regularly scheduled discussion!!

 

[Lewisc]

I assume that would work. You'll have one Magical Express passenger and two pieces of Magical Express luggage.

Families should only expect two Magical Express luggage tags for each Magical Express reservation. So familites that are planning to send one member of the family on the motor coach in order to get luggage transfers for a half dozen pieces of luggage are likely to be disappointed.

I assume most families don't want to split up at the beginning of their vacation.

Some airlines still allow pax to check 3 pieces of luggage. Disney may be willing to send a third tag to those who nicely ask.

Until the system starts we won't know if the luggage is coded on a per person or a per family basis. We have no idea if one family member checking in will tag all of the luggage as good to go.

Really an academic question, the vast majority of guests will be looking at ME as a way to save on renting a car for their entire trip.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Some airlines still allow pax to check 3 pieces of luggage. Disney may be willing to send a third tag to those who nicely ask.

Really? What airlines? All of the airlines that I fly on only allow 2 pieces of checked luugage per ticketed passenger. (Lewisc: I'm not attacking your statement. I'm just genuinely curious which airlines allow 3 pieces of checked luggage per passenger.)

Until the system starts we won't know if the luggage is coded on a per person or a per family basis. We have no idea if one family member checking in will tag all of the luggage as good to go.

If Disney's Magical Express provides 2 luggage tags per passenger reservation, then to get 6 luggage tags, a family would need to make 3 reservations. My assumption is that they will check in each passenger as he or she boards the motor coach. I suppose it's possible that if even one member of a family checks in, the luggage would be released for every reservation tied to that familiy. But I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Brian Noble]

Two pieces are usually free, but many airlines will allow you to pay to check a third. First class pax on NW get a third free; NW pax can check addtl luggage above the 2/3 limit for $80/pc. So, I could imagine WDW allowing (but possibly charging for) luggage beyond some nominal per-pax limit.

 

[Lewisc]

Really? What airlines? All of the airlines that I fly on only allow 2 pieces of checked luugage per ticketed passenger. (Lewisc: I'm not attacking your statement. I'm just genuinely curious which airlines allow 3 pieces of checked luggage per passenger.)


If Disney's Magical Express provides 2 luggage tags per passenger reservation, then to get 6 luggage tags, a family would need to make 3 reservations. My assumption is that they will check in each passenger as he or she boards the motor coach. I suppose it's possible that if even one member of a family checks in, the luggage would be released for every reservation tied to that family. But I wouldn't count on it.

SW, ATA and JetBlue still allow 3 pieces, I don't know about other airlines. I think some have been reduced to 2 pieces.

I really think this is an academic discussion. The biggest problem to Disney would be if the towncar services started to tell their customers to sign up for ME for luggage transfers. I'm convinced people who want to work the system will be able to, I just don't think very many people will bother. People have been saying to have one member of your party take Mears with a lot of luggage as a solution to small rental cars. People can't be bothered.

Not a big deal but I think people who want luggage only will be able to work the system.
Get 3 tags, most people can get by with 1.5 bags so half take ME and half take the rental car. Check in and then leave for a bathroom break. Tell Disney there was a long line and you took a cab. Disney has never said, nor will they say, that one of the purposes of ME is to keep you from leaving WDW. I agree that's one of the unstated reasons. It would be difficult to argue with a guest who said they saw a long line for the bus and grabbed a cab so they wouldn't be late for a PS.

EDITED to post that Song also allows for 3 checked items.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

SW, ATA and JetBlue still allow 3 pieces, I don't know about other airlines. I think some have been reduced to 2 pieces.

Thank you. Interesting. On my primary airlines, American and United, the free checked baggage allowance is 2 bags, weighing a maximum 50 pounds each. Not only does JetBlue allow 3 bags on domestic flights (not including Puerto Rico), but they can weigh up to 70 pounds each!

I really think this is an academic discussion. The biggest problem to Disney would be if the towncar services started to tell their customers to sign up for ME for luggage transfers. I'm convinced people who want to work the system will be able to, I just don't think very many people will bother. People have been saying to have one member of your party take Mears with a lot of luggage as a solution to small rental cars. People can't be bothered.

I agree. There will be some ways to beat the system, although Disney will make it inconvenient to do so. In addition to the problem that you've identified with towncars, it would also be a big problem for Disney if websites and webboards become filled with advice on how to save money and effort by renting a small car (with a small trunk) at the airport while tricking Disney into providing free luggage service, including the bellman gratuities at the resort.

A legitimate way to get the best of both worlds is to rent a car after arriving at WDW, and only to rent it for part of the stay.

Another legitimate way to save meal and snack money, especially for DVC members with kitchens, is to use a shopping service like WeGoShop.

For familes who are willing to split up, with part of the family taking a rental car or towncar, I don't see any problems -- as long as everyone who has a Magical Express reservation shows up on the coach.

I really think Disney has a plan to avoid giving free luggage transfers to guests who book Magical Express with no intention of riding the motor coach. But for familes willing to deceive Disney in some way, there may be loopholes to be exploited.

 

[Lewisc]

Not only does JetBlue allow 3 bags on domestic flights (not including Puerto Rico), but they can weigh up to 70 pounds each!

Up until a few weeks ago SW also had a 70 pound per bag limit. A family that was moving was shown on the Airline show checking 3 70 pound boxes per family member. Cheap way to move. That, combined with workers comp injuries with the heavier bags is probably responsible for the lower limits.

 

[CarolA]

Well now I know. I read the Jet Blue endorsement thinking WHY would anyone need three 70 lb bags? TO move!

Folks if your bag weighs 70 pounds and you are an average american you are going to kill yourself lugging in and out of the car!

 

[localdriver]

Well now I know. I read the Jet Blue endorsement thinking WHY would anyone need three 70 lb bags? TO move!

Folks if your bag weighs 70 pounds and you are an average american you are going to kill yourself lugging in and out of the car!

LOL, you also kill or physically disable folks handling your luggage...Aircraft luggage folks, Bell, Skycaps, Bus drivers, Taxi and Towncar drivers...They all deal with it. I would rather do 4 suitcases at 30 lbs. each than 2 at 60.

I suggest bring what you need, not what you own!...LOL!!

 

[skiwee1]

Well now I know. I read the Jet Blue endorsement thinking WHY would anyone need three 70 lb bags? TO move!

Folks if your bag weighs 70 pounds and you are an average american you are going to kill yourself lugging in and out of the car!

That's what the bellmen are for!

 

[localdriver]

That's what the bellmen are for!

LOL that's funny, I've often joked with guests about "where is the bowling ball testing going on? Because their luggage feels like at least 6 or so are in there.

 

[TDC Nala]

This idea didn't bug me too much until it was mentioned that the bus would probably wait around for the passengers whose names were on the list, but didn't show up at the bus because they'd gone to rent a car.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

This idea didn't bug me too much until it was mentioned that the bus would probably wait around for the passengers whose names were on the list, but didn't show up at the bus because they'd gone to rent a car.

I don't think Disney's Magical Express coaches will wait for every guest with a scheduled arrival, if it means delaying other guests.

There are several reasons why a guest might not head right from the arrival gate to the Disney Welcome Center. The biggest reason would be because passengers may be quite hungry on arrival. After all, the airlines have pretty much stopped serving meals in economy (except for the "buy on board" meals that some airlines now offer.) So, with no luggage to worry about, it makes sense to stop at Chili's, or Outback Steakhouse, or Macaroni Grill in the Orlando Airport for an hour or so before heading the Disney Welcome Center.

 

[Lewisc]

... it makes sense to stop at Chili's, or Outback Steakhouse, or Macaroni Grill in the Orlando Airport for an hour or so before heading the Disney Welcome Center.

There is an implicit agreement that by taking ME you're agreeing to eat all your meals in Disney restaurants. If too many people take this loophole depriving Disney of some of your money Disney will be forced to have security escort you from the gate directly to the bus.

Seriously, some people will stop to grab a bite, call home, go into the gift shops or even just to go to the bathroom. Not sure how many people will take an hour having a meal BUT probably more people than will be renting a car. Even a snack in the food court may wind up taking 30 minutes. It sounds like Disney will be able to have the buses leave every 10-15 minutes. The only time I'd think they might be waiting for specific pax might be late at night.

 

[CarolA]

By the way, where do you folks find the bellmen to haul this luggage. For example, on my one and ONLY stay at the GF I could not find anyone to park the car much less deal with the luggage! LOL!