Concerned over ME documentation

[MIDisFan]

I added another guest to my reservation back on May 22nd with all the same flight information as everyone else on the reservation. I still have not received ME documents for the additional guest. I spoke with MS last week and they told me the guest was added to ME and that worst case scenario, we could just get the bags ourselves and straighten it out out the ME kiosk, if we don't get the documents in time.

I tried to call MS again today just to verify this, but the computers are down, and expected to be back up after 2PM.

I was wondering if I could use one of our extra luggage tags for the additional guest so that we could avoid waiting for her bag at MCO. Like I said all the flight information is the same. I can't think of a flaw in this plan, but maybe someone else here can and let me know.

Also, I am just curios as to why it takes 3 weeks (according to MS I spoke with last week) to get ME documents, but it only took 4 days to get them from our reservation through CRO. Do they use a different computer system ?

 

[vwlvette]

I would use your extra tag, much simpler not dealing with luggage.
Enjoy your trip

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, go ahead and use the extra luggage tags. It won't be a problem at all.

As far as why does it take 3 weeks, vs 4 days through CRO...I'm not exactly sure what you mean. Yes, they are two completly different computer systems. CRO turns their info over to DME about a month before travel, so that DME has it in their system. It takes up to three weeks to get your info packet because they have to send out the info to the printer, then get it all printed, and then sent to you. You can book DME two days before you travel, you just won't get anything from them. You would have to claim your own luggage and take it with you, on the bus.

 

[JFrey4240]

Yes, give your guest one of your yellow luggage tags. This happened to us last summer. My sister decided to join us a few weeks before our trip. I called ME and added her with no problem. She was even flying on another airline and meeting us there. I used a black permanent marker and crossed out my name and wrote in her name. She used those on her luggage with no problems at all. We were all in the same room so it was pretty easy. She didn't have a ME voucher so we made sure when we checked into ME that she was still listed and wouldn't have any problems getting on the bus. It worked out great for us and should for you too. Have a great trip!

 

[MIDisFan]

...As far as why does it take 3 weeks, vs 4 days through CRO...I'm not exactly sure what you mean...

Thanks for the help everyone. I didn't think it would be a problem. To clarify what I was referring to about MS vs. CRO, I booked a split stay. The 1st 5 nights are at BCV on points and the last 4 nights are at POR through CRO. So, I had to book my arrival flights with MS and my departure flights with CRO. I did this on the same day (May 22nd). I received my ME documents for my departure flights from CRO on the 26th and nothing from MS reservation. I just found it odd when MS told me it takes up to 3 weeks, but regardless it has been over a month.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for the help everyone. I didn't think it would be a problem. To clarify what I was referring to about MS vs. CRO, I booked a split stay. The 1st 5 nights are at BCV on points and the last 4 nights are at POR through CRO. So, I had to book my arrival flights with MS and my departure flights with CRO. I did this on the same day (May 22nd). I received my ME documents for my departure flights from CRO on the 26th and nothing from MS reservation. I just found it odd when MS told me it takes up to 3 weeks, but regardless it has been over a month.

Okay, now I'm really confused!!! There aren't any departure documents for DME. You may have vouchers, but that's about it. The documentation you really need is for your arrival at MCO. could you tell me what it is you got regarding DME? I'm just curious. I like to stay abreast of all things DME!! Most here have told us that they have gotten their DME info packets about three weeks before they travel, although it would seem that they are getting mailed out earlier than that now.

I've done a split stay..BCV to POR...and MS did all the DME stuff. I never talked to CRO, at least not about DME. My only issue was that my dh left from BCV, 4 days before we were to leave from POR. I mistakenly put the DME return vouchers in his luggage!!! But, the folks at POR were very good about getting me replacements.

 

[JWG]

Only a portion of our group is using ME (we're flying into Tampa and staying at the Orlando airport the night before our flight so couldn't), their ME reservations were made months ago (5-6) - we still haven't received anything yet.

I think the ME concept is great but we've had hiccups with it a couple of times.

 

[MIDisFan]

Okay, now I'm really confused!!! There aren't any departure documents for DME. You may have vouchers, but that's about it. The documentation you really need is for your arrival at MCO. could you tell me what it is you got regarding DME? I'm just curious. I like to stay abreast of all things DME!! Most here have told us that they have gotten their DME info packets about three weeks before they travel, although it would seem that they are getting mailed out earlier than that now.

I've done a split stay..BCV to POR...and MS did all the DME stuff. I never talked to CRO, at least not about DME. My only issue was that my dh left from BCV, 4 days before we were to leave from POR. I mistakenly put the DME return vouchers in his luggage!!! But, the folks at POR were very good about getting me replacements.

MS would only do the arrival portion DME for me and I had to call CRO to do the departure from POR. I originally booked ME sometime at the end of FEB beginning of MAR. I received the booklet and luggage tags for both. Why they sent me luggage tags for my departure flights is beyond me, but the booklet from CRO (POR) clearly states DEPARTURE date and the correct flight information. I used DME last year and the only thing we needed for departure was the letter the resort printed out for us the night before with the pickup time and SKU #s for each person to board the bus. I never even expected to receive anything from CRO for departure flight. I received my booklet and tags for my flights back in April, I arrive on July 1st. I don't understand why MS wouldn't just do both flights even with a split stay, but they wouldn't and I didn't question them because this is my first DVC reservation and I didn't know any better. In the end it doesn't really matter, the worst possible thing that could happen when I get down there is I have to rent a car and drive myself ( Not saying that would happen but....). The way I look at it is, my worst day on vacation still beats my best day at work!

 

[goofy4tink]

I would call DME directly and make sure you are all set for arrival. You sure don't want to get there and find that you didn't make it into their system. If you call them and all is fine, then terrific, but it isn't, then you can give them all the pertinent info then. Sure, you may have to get your own bags, but at least you won't be looking for alternate transportation.
Man, I wish that everyone was on the same page when it comes to booking stuff. I must hav gotten a good MS person who was more than happy to book both arrival and departure stuff for me, even though I was leaving from POR.
Sorry you have had to go through this....what a huge pain to have to worry about all this just before you head out!! Hope your trip is terrific in any case!!!

 

[MIDisFan]

MS checked my arrival information and confirmed that everything was ok, and told me if I didn't receive tags for the person I added to just get her luggage and take it to the ME kiosk and they would take care of everything. I just wanted to avoid waiting for her luggage so I came up with the idea of using one of our extra tags.

Everyone I have spoken with at MS has been very nice and helpful, but each time I've called, I have had to make corrections to mistakes on our reservations. Nothing major, just minor things. I just get a feeling that MS is understaffed or the computer system needs some major updates.

 

[FLYNZ4]

We just changed our daughters flights for our most recent trip. She was originally going to wait a week before joining us... but she ended up with free time and flew down the same day as us.

We called and changed her information for the new flight... but it was too late to get new luggage tags. We simply used one of our extra tags. We even shipped her luggage on our flight since ours arrived earlier... and we were not over our check-in maximum. We had no problems what so ever. When my daughter arrived a few hours after us... she simply walked up to the ME kiosk with no documentation at all... gave them her name... and they checked her in.

One thing that differs from what was previously reported here... We were told she did not have to pick up her own bags. I was told that she could simply give her airline bag claim checks to the ME folks and they would retrieve her luggage off of the carousel for her. I didn't really trust that approach... which is one of the reasons we checked her luggage onto our flight instead.

/Jim