Checking bags at Hotel, not taking DME

[Raya]

I'm hoping to check my bags at the hotel, is that possible with Southwest? If we check our bags at the hotel, can we skip taking DME to the airport?

Our DME return time is for 4pm, our flight out is at 7pm. I'd rather stay and play until 5 and take a taxi. With no bags to check and boarding passes printed, I figure leaving the MK or DTD at 5 means getting to the airport around 6, and getting to the gate with 30 minutes or so to spare.

Crazy?

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I'm hoping to check my bags at the hotel, is that possible with Southwest? If we check our bags at the hotel, can we skip taking DME to the airport?

Yes, you can skip.

Resort Airline Check-In is not the same thing as DME. I've don't take DME back to the airport, but I have always checked my bags and gotten my boarding passes at my resort.

 

[Alesia]

I would leave no later than 4:30. Security lines at MCO can be unbelievably long.

 

[figment_jii]

As GrnMtnMan said, Resort Airline Check-In (RAC) is separate from Disney's Magical Express. You don't to use one to use the other. Just note that you must drop your luggage off at RAC no less than three hours before your scheduled flight and they are not open 24-hours (When I was there last, they were only open from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm).

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm hoping to check my bags at the hotel, is that possible with Southwest? If we check our bags at the hotel, can we skip taking DME to the airport?

Our DME return time is for 4pm, our flight out is at 7pm. I'd rather stay and play until 5 and take a taxi. With no bags to check and boarding passes printed, I figure leaving the MK or DTD at 5 means getting to the airport around 6, and getting to the gate with 30 minutes or so to spare.

Crazy?

The only thing crazy I see is assuming you can get into Orlando airport, through security, and to your gate in 30 minutes. Assuming a 7pm flight time, I'd plan on getting to the airport no later than 5:30. Budget 45 minute drive from WDW (yes, it should only take 30, but I prefer a little cushion), and you should be leaving WDW ~4:45p.

I would probably plan on getting into a cab by 4:30 (again, just some extra cushion).

 

[Betty Rohrer]

if at MK remember to budget time to get to TTC to get taxi as no taxis at the gate there

 

[Alesia]

if at MK remember to budget time to get to TTC to get taxi as no taxis at the gate there

True, but it would be a bit faster to walk to the Contemporary and get a cab there.

 

[DVC California]

I'm hoping to check my bags at the hotel, is that possible with Southwest? If we check our bags at the hotel, can we skip taking DME to the airport?

Our DME return time is for 4pm, our flight out is at 7pm. I'd rather stay and play until 5 and take a taxi. With no bags to check and boarding passes printed, I figure leaving the MK or DTD at 5 means getting to the airport around 6, and getting to the gate with 30 minutes or so to spare.

Crazy?

This is precisely why WDW offers DME and RAC...to allow resort guests more time to spend time (and therefore $$$) in the parks.

Only two caveats is to get to RAC before 1pm to check your luggage and to allow yourself sufficient time to MCO and TSA to get to your gate.

HTH, Steve

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm hoping to check my bags at the hotel, is that possible with Southwest? If we check our bags at the hotel, can we skip taking DME to the airport?

Our DME return time is for 4pm, our flight out is at 7pm. I'd rather stay and play until 5 and take a taxi. With no bags to check and boarding passes printed, I figure leaving the MK or DTD at 5 means getting to the airport around 6, and getting to the gate with 30 minutes or so to spare.

Crazy?

Yes. Plan on the security line taking a long time. They are the worst at MCO, for some reason. Remember too that if you are on a large aircraft they will start boarding more than 30 minutes out. If you have carry-ons getting there after your section was called to board can be an issue.

I understand wanting to grab every minute at the park that you can. But be aware of the risk. Is that extra time worth the risk of arriving late and missing your flight?

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

The only thing crazy I see is assuming you can get into Orlando airport, through security, and to your gate in 30 minutes. Assuming a 7pm flight time, I'd plan on getting to the airport no later than 5:30. Budget 45 minute drive from WDW (yes, it should only take 30, but I prefer a little cushion), and you should be leaving WDW ~4:45p.

I would probably plan on getting into a cab by 4:30 (again, just some extra cushion).

I agree, the security lines can take over an hour, then there is the long time consuming trot to the gates, plus they start boarding 20 min. prior. The most you can is a half hour paying for the taxi. Even with the ME it's been close one or two times by the time we got through security.

Relax and just let the ME take you. Don't consider that close of a time or have a back up for a missed flight. MCO is crazy, especially that time of the day.