Disney's Magical Express for Luggage Only?

[Red_Rider]

I have a quick question.... we're going to Disney in a few months and for various reasons we will be renting a car. I was curious to know if we could use Disney's Magical Express for just our luggage from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport. We wouldn't be taking the bus for transport but rather the rental car. Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!
David

 

[DVCBELLE]

Official Disney policy is that you must be on the bus for your luggage to go but many people report that they send their luggage with no problem. BUT if something happens - you have no recourse with Disney.

We always rent a car when we go but do not like to lug our luggage to the car with us so DH goes on the bus with the kids and I get the rental car and go to the grocery and meet them at the resort. It works out really well for us. He typically checks in and goes to the room with the kids. On one trip - I went straight to the resort and we got there around the same time.

 

[dburg30]

The proper response we are to give in this situation is this....


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788

 

[Inkmahm]

The proper response we are to give in this situation is this....


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing. Whether you got to the resort on the bus or by car and left to go to a park before your luggage got to the room, it wouldn't have any effect on whether luggage was missing or not.

So, what am I not understanding?

 

[shoes99]

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing. Whether you got to the resort on the bus or by car and left to go to a park before your luggage got to the room, it wouldn't have any effect on whether luggage was missing or not.

So, what am I not understanding?

If your luggage does not make it to your room, and your voucher was not scanned, Disney does not have to help you retrieve your luggage. You have to deal with the airline yourselves...

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing. Whether you got to the resort on the bus or by car and left to go to a park before your luggage got to the room, it wouldn't have any effect on whether luggage was missing or not.

So, what am I not understanding?

If you check in at the ME desk, then ME knows you are there, knows to look for your luggage and can act as your agent with the airline if your luggage does not arrive at the airport with you. If you don't check in with ME, then Me doesn't know you have arrived doesn't actively look for your bags and will not know if they are missing and will not act as your agent with the airline if your bags do not arrive on your plane. If you do not check in with ME, but use them for luggage transfer, it could be several hours before you know if your luggage is missing or not, several important hours if it turns out your luggage was misdirected by the airline and you will have to get back to the airport to deal with it.

 

[hygienejean]

My DH and I usually split up and I ride the bus with 2 kids and he takes the car.... I am always afraid something will go wrong so I haven't dared to chance it.

 

[DebbieB]

You are permitted though to check your luggage at the resort for the return home (if your airline is participating) without using the DME bus back. I did it last month.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing.

That's not dburg's point. His point is, this matter is to be discussed in that thread ONLY. If something isn't clear, it should be questioned in that thread.

 

[seashoreCM]

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing. Whether you got to the resort on the bus or by car and left to go to a park before your luggage got to the room, it wouldn't have any effect on whether luggage was missing or not.?

It's a technicality.

When you ride the Magical Express bus as the brochure explains, Disney for all intents and purposes treats it as a "connecting flight" and any baggage problems are handled at your final destination which is your resort.

When no one in your family/party rides the bus, you are technically not DME guests and your final destination from the point of view of your airline always has been Orlando Int'l Airport. Meanwhile Disney takes responsibility only for baggage they succeed in gathering up at the airport, leaving a minute crack through which your situation could fall.

 

[dburg30]

I read that answer and I don't understand what difference it would make if you were on the bus or not if your luggage turned up missing. Whether you got to the resort on the bus or by car and left to go to a park before your luggage got to the room, it wouldn't have any effect on whether luggage was missing or not.

So, what am I not understanding?

That is the official post for this question. It has been discussed here lots and lots and LOTS of times. Almost all of those posts wind up locked. Hence why that sticky is there. Goofy4tink must be taking a day off or it would probably already have been locked

 

[Inkmahm]

If you check in at the ME desk, then ME knows you are there, knows to look for your luggage and can act as your agent with the airline if your luggage does not arrive at the airport with you. If you don't check in with ME, then Me doesn't know you have arrived doesn't actively look for your bags and will not know if they are missing and will not act as your agent with the airline if your bags do not arrive on your plane. If you do not check in with ME, but use them for luggage transfer, it could be several hours before you know if your luggage is missing or not, several important hours if it turns out your luggage was misdirected by the airline and you will have to get back to the airport to deal with it.

Thanks! That makes sense.

 

[Red_Rider]

All,

My apologies for having an idiot moment and not noticing that this was already addressed in a Sticky. I think I'm going to take the advise that part of your party will take the bus while the others go get the rental car. And on the way back, we will use the check-in at the hotel to send the luggage to the airport while not taking the DME bus. That way we can hopefully get one more morning in at MK for the little ones. Thanks for all the advice!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

That is the official post for this question. It has been discussed here lots and lots and LOTS of times. Almost all of those posts wind up locked. Hence why that sticky is there. Goofy4tink must be taking a day off or it would probably already have been locked

Not taking the day off...just busy having a life. Just got cast in a show as a 'geriatric courtesan'..if you can imagine. Anyway...I digress.
Thanks for pointing out the sticky. Yes, that's what it's for. And to the OP..your solution sounds like a good one. The DME bus is fun to ride, and the kids seem to love it. It's a fun way to start your vacation.