Can my luggage take ME and my family take a towncar?

[natewesmom]

We are traveling 9/30 and want to get to the Stiduos as soon as possible...can I send my luggage through with ME tags, and my family take a (hopefully) much quicker towncar to WL, for a quick check-in and off to MGM?? Trying sooooooooo hard to figure this out-I have twin boys who will be turning 7 on this trip, and they are not always the most patient, nor is their Dad, for that matter!! LOVE these boards-thanks for all the help

 

[debster812]

No you cannot.

DME will not transport your luggage until you checkin and get on the bus. If you don't check in, your luggage won't be sent.

 

[clkelley]

No, you can't. There must be at least 1 person traveling on the ME bus for every two pieces of luggage (3 with Southwest). Now if ONE of your group wanted to go rent a car, the rest could take the ME bus with the luggage.

In actuality with the little ones, I would think skipping baggage claim and getting on the ME bus would be less stressful than hassling with luggage, then going down one level with your luggage, then waiting for the towncar driver to go get his car, then loading your luggage, then finally to the resort.

Also, the ME bus shows a cute video during the ride that your kids should enjoy.

 

[natewesmom]

I am just a little uneasy about the amount of time it will take to get from the airport to WL...and then to MGM. Any guesses how much time I should allow for travel?

 

[tjmw2727]

It really depends, in October we waited a long time for a bus but it was nice and cool in MCO and the CM's were doing everything they could to keep us happy and occupied as well as getting everyone out in a reasonable amount of time. Once we boarded it left promptly and we stopped at CBR and POP before arriving at AKL. Unfortunately it was close to three hours from the time we checked in with DME to arrival at AKL.

In April I was headed to BCV and a bus was waiting, I boarded and waited about 5 minutes before we set out. Again we made two stops prior to BCV but I don't think it was more than 35 manybe 45 minutes total.

Honestly even having a difficult experience I would not hesitate to use ME again, especially with my dd's 9 and 11. With me you can head right to the bus without worrying about waiting for your luggage. Board the bus and head to the resort, check in and get your room then head to the Studios. When you return your luggage will be in the room and your good to go.

Its difficult to estimate travel time, you need to allow for ME, checkin lines and then bus service to MGM.

All in all I would still use ME!

HTH
TJ

 

[clkelley]

Most folks have reported from 60 to 90 minutes from wheels down to resort check-in. Getting your own luggage and taking a town car with little ones will take about the same amount of time, maybe more.

Let me give you an example of the differences.
Magical Express
Runway taxi time 10 minutes.
Deplaning 5-10 minutes
Walking through the airport 15-20 minutes
Magical Express Check-In Line most reports 10 minutes
Magical Express Bus Line most reports 10 minutes
Drive to WDW with an entertaning video 30-45 minutes.
If yours is the last resort stop with 3 stops, add about 15 more minutes.

Worst case scenario 105 minutes

TownCar
Runway taxi time 10 minutes
Deplaning 5-10 minutes
Walking through the airport 15-20 minutes
Waiting on Luggage 15 minutes to 30 minutes
Lugging Luggage to Level 1 5 minutes
Waiting on Driver to Bring Car around 10 minutes
Loading Car 5 minutes
Driving to your resort 30 minutes
Unloading car, paying driver and transferring luggage to bell services 10 minutes.

Worst case scenario 130 minutes.

As a deluxe, Wilderness Lodge check-in should only take about 10 minutes.

So then you can go on to MGM.

With Magical Express, you don't have to wait on your stuff. It will arrive in your room while you are at MGM.

With a Towncar, when you return from MGM, you will have to call Bell Services and wait there while they bring up your luggage.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Trying sooooooooo hard to figure this out-I have twin boys who will be turning 7 on this trip, and they are not always the most patient, nor is their Dad, for that matter!! LOVE these boards-thanks for all the help

Um, are you sure you want to take the three of them to Disney World? Where they'll have to wait in line for most attractions much longer than you'll be waiting for your ME transportation?

 

[natewesmom]

Um, are you sure you want to take the three of them to Disney World? Where they'll have to wait in line for most attractions much longer than you'll be waiting for your ME transportation?

Based on previous experiences, the parks will be MUCH easier for all three of my guys to wait at-and the payoff is better too!!

Thanks to all, these boards are the BEST!!!