My dh is a true non-bus person. The only time you will ever find him on a bus is at WDW. But, he does like to get to WDW via a towncar. But....he has used DME and has really liked it. I have used it several times and had only good experiences. My experiences with towncars has been good also...here's a breakdown of my transportation experiences.
1. Mears to POR (then DxL)...thank heaven that's not an option anymore...it was awful!!! Too crowded, too frenetic...miserable, terrible!
2. TT from Sanford to POR... 6 of us, in a stretch limo...about 90 minutes from deplaning to POR, with a very quick stop (about 10 mins) for snacks/wine.
3. TT from MCO to Polynesian...again good service. Had checked luggage, had to wait for luggage at baggage claim, then driver went to get car. About 65-70 mins from deplaning to resort checkin.
4.
Fl Tours from MCO to CR....had to go and find the driver, then had to wait for baggage, then for driver to go and drive car around for us. About 90 mins total. For the return to MCO, had to go out and look for the driver again.
5. TT MCO to AllStars...no checked luggage..only carryon. Took about 50 minutes from deplaning to resort.
6. DME from MCO to POP, BCV, BWV.....same results each time...about 70 minutes from deplaning to resort check in.
The only time I have spent less time using a towncar service was when I had no checked luggage with me and could go straight to the car.
I will always use DME from now on. It's a great service, free, gets the job done. I love the buses, I have not had to wait to check in at DME desk or to get on a bus for more than 10 minutes. My luggage has made it to my room in a timely fashion. You just have to have a room for it to get to. If you do early checkin that may not be possible.
Should you get your own luggage and bring it with you on the bus? Sure, if you want to be sure to have your luggage with you when you get into the room. Completely up to the individual. Do whatever makes you comfy.
But, I do think that for the most part, the reports have been good as far as DME goes. I would say that it comes out to about 95% are very happy with the service.