Convoluted DME/Rental Car/Luggage Scenario

[Autumnslight]

For our next trip, we're arriving at MCO at 9pm with our two children. We do NOT want to deal with our baggage when we arrive. However, we also want to get a rental car at the airport (due to ease and cost). I've read the sticky about using DME as luggage transport only, and I'm not super comfortable with that. Plus, I've never ridden DME, and I kind of want to.

So, I think I've come up with a plan:

We'll tag all of our checked baggage except for one with our yellow DME luggage tags. The untagged bag will be my husband's, and we'll pack whatever we need for that night and the next morning in it.

Upon arrival at MCO, I'll take our two kids straight to DME, and head off to the resort with just our carry-ons. My husband will go claim the single untagged bag from baggage claim, pick up the rental car, and drive to the resort. We'll see who gets there first!

Upon checking in at the resort, I'll ask them to hold our bags from DME until morning. In the morning, I'll call and have our bags brought to the room.

When we check out, we'll just use RAC to send our bags on their way, then we'll drive ourselves to the airport in the rental car, and return it there.

How does that sound? Anything I'm missing?

 

[bdklein]

For our next trip, we're arriving at MCO at 9pm with our two children. We do NOT want to deal with our baggage when we arrive. However, we also want to get a rental car at the airport (due to ease and cost). I've read the sticky about using MDE as luggage transport only, and I'm not super comfortable with that. Plus, I've never ridden DME, and I kind of want to.

So, I think I've come up with a plan:

We'll tag all of our checked baggage except for one with our yellow MDE luggage tags. The untagged bag will be my husband's, and we'll pack whatever we need for that night and the next morning in it.

Upon arrival at MCO, I'll take our two kids straight to MDE, and head off to the resort with just our carry-ons. My husband will go claim the single untagged bag from baggage claim, pick up the rental car, and drive to the resort. We'll see who gets there first!

Upon checking in at the resort, I'll ask them to hold our bags from MDE until morning. In the morning, I'll call and have our bags brought to the room.

When we check out, we'll just use RAC to send our bags on their way, then we'll drive ourselves to the airport in the rental car, and return it there.

How does that sound? Anything I'm missing?

Just hope that untagged MDE luggage doesn't get lost. Doesn't make sense to put whatever you need for that night and the next morning in checked luggage.

 

[Autumnslight]

Just hope that untagged MDE luggage doesn't get lost. Doesn't make sense to put whatever you need for that night and the next morning in checked luggage.

Well, that's what we would normally do for pretty much any trip, regardless of taking DME or anything. We have enough to handle getting through security with the kids and our carry-ons, without adding an additional large bag with a day and night's worth of stuff in it for four people. Worst case, we sleep in our clothes and sort it all out in the morning!

 

[goofy4tink]

A very good way to do it. I would actually put a change of clothes and such in each carryon. As well as any meds you may need right away. It doesn't happen often, but bags do get misdirected. If the untagged checked bag does get misdirected, at least you'll have clean clothes to put on until the bags get to you.
Otherwise? Good plan.

 

[Autumnslight]

A very good way to do it. I would actually put a change of clothes and such in each carryon. As well as any meds you may need right away. It doesn't happen often, but bags do get misdirected. If the untagged checked bag does get misdirected, at least you'll have clean clothes to put on until the bags get to you.
Otherwise? Good plan.

We do keep medication in a carry-on, as recommended. And we actually do also keep a change of clothes for each kid in their carry-on, because you never know with kids! Anything else, we should be able to survive without until the next day if it came down to it.

Thanks for the input!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well then...looks like you're good to go!!!! Great plan.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, that's what we would normally do for pretty much any trip, regardless of taking DME or anything. We have enough to handle getting through security with the kids and our carry-ons, without adding an additional large bag with a day and night's worth of stuff in it for four people. Worst case, we sleep in our clothes and sort it all out in the morning!

Then just forget about the one checked bag that you're not tagging. Nightclothes, swimsuits, and a new set of clothes in each person's carryon, done. And toiletry 311 baggies. And any medicines. No need for that big bag for that night.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

This is normal for us. I ask ME for 2 luggage tags per person.

We tag all 4 bags with the tags for DD and I.

DH and DS go get the rental car. DD and I ride ME and our 4 bags are brought to the hotel.

Thus, we are following the rules, and we also get our rental car. DH usually beats us to the hotel, but he patiently waits for us to arrive.

 

[Sugardimples]

This is an excellent plan.

 

[Sheilby]

For our next trip, we're arriving at MCO at 9pm with our two children. We do NOT want to deal with our baggage when we arrive. However, we also want to get a rental car at the airport (due to ease and cost). I've read the sticky about using DME as luggage transport only, and I'm not super comfortable with that. Plus, I've never ridden DME, and I kind of want to.

So, I think I've come up with a plan:

We'll tag all of our checked baggage except for one with our yellow DME luggage tags. The untagged bag will be my husband's, and we'll pack whatever we need for that night and the next morning in it.

Upon arrival at MCO, I'll take our two kids straight to DME, and head off to the resort with just our carry-ons. My husband will go claim the single untagged bag from baggage claim, pick up the rental car, and drive to the resort. We'll see who gets there first!

Upon checking in at the resort, I'll ask them to hold our bags from DME until morning. In the morning, I'll call and have our bags brought to the room.

When we check out, we'll just use RAC to send our bags on their way, then we'll drive ourselves to the airport in the rental car, and return it there.

How does that sound? Anything I'm missing?

We are doing pretty much the same thing, although we are arriving earlier in the day so we are tagging all of our luggage. My husband and FIL will go get the car and stop at the store while the other 5 of us will hop on the ME. Your plan sounds good to me, just remember, if your plane is delayed at all and arrives after 10pm, I think you will have to pick up all the luggage at baggage claim. If that happens you might as well all jump in the car.