Decided on Flying instead of Driving, tell me about ME

[mnasmom3]

We, too, were planning to drive and then found a sweet deal on airfare. I bought the fare but it meant changing our dates to arrive one day earlier and leave one day earlier. When I called, I was told that I could change dates but I couldn't get free dining for the one day I was adding. (CM said he didn't think so, but put me on hold to double check and still, "no"). The other catch is that it's now 2 seperate ressies, so I'm not guarenteed to be able to stay in the same room. I may have to move to a different room. Whatever. No problems with that here. Long as I have a room somewhere at the resort. I wasn't upset about loosing the one day of free dining though because it's still a steal. We're flying for about the same amount of cash it would cost us to drive and we're saving days. Fair trade, if you ask me.

 

[WildGrits]

WildGrits - Even without Resort Airline Check-in, the bellhops will still get your luggage for you and store it until you are ready to leave later that day.

I'm so glad to hear this.

 

[judykay53]

I would not let any one's bad experience keep you using Magical Express. We have used it four times in the last two years and have not had any problems. Things can happen. It's wonderful to come to your room at the end of the day and have your bags "magically" appear. This past May we flew down with three adults and three kids for an eight night stay with part of the party being at Wl and part of us at CR. We had a lot of luggage and everything went smoothly. We had an 8pm flight coming back and just stored our stuff with the bell services. They will pick you up three hours before your flight. Be sure to pack what you will need for the first day in your carry one. We also packed a change of clothes and swimsuits in the carryon. Have fun and don't sweat it. You're on vacation!!

 

[DisneyNotes]

I agree! Pack what you need for 24 hours in your carry-on. Allow 3 hours in your schedule to get to the resort. Maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised if your luggage comes quickly or you get to your resort in an hour, but if not, then your schedule (and frustration level) will still be in check.

 

[spiceycat]

I have done this since it was new 2005, may.

the luggage wait can happen - but don't just blame ME. the airlines are quick to blame ME - when in fact it is them.

I remember once flew with SW - we were told to go to gate ___ - well guess what the luggage wasn't there - we waited more than 3 hours for the luggage to appear. It was routed to the wrong place - so airport makes mistake too.

no thank you - I will fly ME and leave the luggage details to them.

oh if something does happen. please don't lie to Disney and tell them your tickets were in the luggage when you have them. That makes me so sad.

 

[mrsnj91]

You cannot add ME online. You have to call. I just went through the same thing. Someone on here posted a online link, took my reservation, sent me a confirmation email. Then a week later got an email that said "SORRY". That I couldn't use that link. So I ended up having to call anyway and make it. Just suck it up and call and don't waste the time trying another way! LOL! It really wasn't that bad.

In regard to the luggage, you can pick up your own luggage. The object of ME is that you don't have to worry about luggage. You just hop on the bus and they do the work. However there is at least a 3 hour wait for luggage as stated in the package I got from them. We are arriving late with a toddler who is also food allergic. Those cases not only carry her items for bed but also her food. So they said we just have to notify ME that we will be getting our own luggage and then pick it up and put it on the bus. Otherwise, I have to say, I would be paying for a taxi myself too.

 

[huge mickey fan]

We used ME in December and it took a while to get our luggage but I don't think it had to do ME. Flights were delayed all over the country that weekend and I think they just got backed up. I believe you can add ME anytime but the sooner the better so they can send you the bright yellow tags to put on your luggage. Helps them find and sort your luggage faster. When you pull up your ressie online scroll all the way to the bottom and I think it says something like edit package. Click on that and it should come up. You can always call and they will be glad to add your flight numbers.

 

[SharonLowe]

Sharon,
What day of the week did you arrive? I hope it wasn't Saturday as that's when we arrive and I've been a little anxious about the crowds.

It was a Monday. If you plan on it taking 3 hours, then you won't have a problem. We've used it 3 times and each time, we have had to wait in line longer and had more resorts on the bus so it took longer to arrive at our resort. I would just rather pay to take a car service than spend all that time waiting and going from resort to resort - ours always seems to be last no matter which one it is - WL one year, AKL the next, and CR the last time.

We never had a problem with bags though. If you are arriving later in the day, make sure you have sleeping attire and whatever you need for bed. Also, let them know you don't want to be woken in the middle of the night for them. And, of course, if arriving early, make sure you have what you want for the day, including swim suits and whatever.

 

[mrsnj91]

Plan on it taking 3 hours. 3 hours for luggage or 3 hours for the trip to the resort?! Are you joking?

 

[DisneyNotes]

I always plan for the worse scenario. I'd rather be pleased than disappointed.

 

[mrsnj91]

I won't be waiting for a three hour trip to the hotel!

 

[spiceycat]

I think he means the entire time from getting off the plane to getting in the resort.

but yea that seems a really, really long time too.

I would say anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

how your luggage has been know to beat you getting to the resort - or like me I took them around 13 hours to find it.

got there at 9am - but luggage didn't show up until 10:00pm that night.

 

[DisneyNotes]

Yes, total time, of course. 90 minutes is average, but I like to allow extra time into my personal schedule in case the bus breaks down or I'm the last resort, etc. Not everyone cushions their schedule. I just don't take well to anything taking longer than anticipated, so I plan for my lack of patience.