DME, 2nd airport run

[Pumba's Truth]

Ok here's the situation. BWI 5nights and then Gulf Coast for 10 more.

All but one of us arrive on Day 1 - (2A 2C (DS1-2 DD-<1)).
DS2-13 arrives on Day 2.

We will need a rental car for the second portion of our trip, going to see my folks on the Gulf Coast.

However, I am debating on renting right off the bat or waiting until we need it. The cost difference for the rental is about $60.

However the two scenarios have me like this.

Rent car from the get go and have to drive back to MCO to pick up DS2. Parking and tolls and fuel and driving. yadda yadda.

Or take DME Day 1 and then figure out a way to get DS2 from the airport. Could DME be used again? From resort to Airport and back?

Thoughts, musings?

Thanks

 

[sam_gordon]

Ok here's the situation. BWI 5nights and then Gulf Coast for 10 more.

All but one of us arrive on Day 1 - (2A 2C (DS1-2 DD-<1)).
DS2-13 arrives on Day 2.

We will need a rental car for the second portion of our trip, going to see my folks on the Gulf Coast.

However, I am debating on renting right off the bat or waiting until we need it. The cost difference for the rental is about $60.

However the two scenarios have me like this.

Rent car from the get go and have to drive back to MCO to pick up DS2. Parking and tolls and fuel and driving. yadda yadda.

Or take DME Day 1 and then figure out a way to get DS2 from the airport. Could DME be used again? From resort to Airport and back?

Thoughts, musings?

Thanks

I don't remember the age requirements to use DME solo. That will affect things. Here are the options I see...

1) Group (Day 1) uses DME to get to resort, DS2 uses DME to get to resort on Day 2 (assuming they are allowed on the bus solo)
2) Group uses DME to get to resort, an adult arranges a ride back to MCO on Day 2 to get DS2 and both ride DME back (confirm with DME this can be done)
3) Group uses DME to get to resort, adult arranges ride back to MCO on Day 2, collects DS2, and rents car starting on Day 2.
4) Group (minus 1 adult) uses DME to get to resort on day 1, Adult rents car on Day 1 to get to resort, then gets DS2 on Day 2.

The advantage of all the above means you can use the DME baggage transfer and don't have to worry about getting bags to the resort.

If #1 is allowed, that's what I would do and simply rent a car when needed. #3 would be my second choice, then #4.

 

[Pumba's Truth]

I don't remember the age requirements to use DME solo. That will affect things. Here are the options I see...

1) Group (Day 1) uses DME to get to resort, DS2 uses DME to get to resort on Day 2 (assuming they are allowed on the bus solo)
2) Group uses DME to get to resort, an adult arranges a ride back to MCO on Day 2 to get DS2 and both ride DME back (confirm with DME this can be done)
3) Group uses DME to get to resort, adult arranges ride back to MCO on Day 2, collects DS2, and rents car starting on Day 2.
4) Group (minus 1 adult) uses DME to get to resort on day 1, Adult rents car on Day 1 to get to resort, then gets DS2 on Day 2.

The advantage of all the above means you can use the DME baggage transfer and don't have to worry about getting bags to the resort.

If #1 is allowed, that's what I would do and simply rent a car when needed. #3 would be my second choice, then #4.

Hmm well will have to return to collect DS2 as he's flying as a Unaccompanied Minor. So we'll have to look at 3 and 4.

I think the advantage to renting the car right away is the car seats will be in place for the kids.

And the speed and access to the luggage right away. We're arriving @ 8pm so the little ones will most likely be pretty sleepy. Renting a stroller while down as well p/u at resort of course. With the rental I can leave one adult and the two kiddos in car while I get us checked in and then unload the lot of 'em. Hmmm

Thank goodness the trip isn't until Thanksgiving.

 

[Gracie09]

What about take me day 1. Rent car from onsite rental (there are options at car care center and dolphin). Pick up some at airport using rental car. Seems to be the simplest solution

 

[Greysword]

Depending on how many days the rental car will be sitting, you may consider a shuttle or taxi to get DS13.

 

[purple figment]

I believe the minimum age to ride DME alone is 16 so I would call DME directly and explain the situation to see if you can ride DME back from MCO a second time. DME's phone number is (866) 599-0951.

 

[Pumba's Truth]

Thanks all for the insight.

I'll give DME a shout and see what they say. Just so I can make a fully informed decision.

 

[seashoreCM]

DS13, being properly registered to stay at the resort, should receive, upon request, complimentary transportation.

The exact method would be Disney's choice, which could vary according to time of day and/or crowd levels. A parent might be required to assist with the process where the logistics would also be up to Disney but complimentary to the guest. The process should start with a parent being at the resort prior to the time the child's plane lands.

The second simplest method would be to send the parent to the airport via Magical Express to escort the child. This should be discussed well in advance.

The simplest method would be for the parent and a CM at the resort, and the child and a CM at the airport, to talk the child onto the DME bus to travel "with" a cooperating different family traveling to the same resort.

it is okay to use the yellow DME baggage tags unless you are sure you will not be riding the bus. At the welcoming area, if for some reason a last minute change of plans will skip riding the bus, go to the counter and ask what extra steps are needed to get the bags delivered via DME or needed to get the bags back in hand (the latter may be impossible at certain times of the day).

 

[Tony NY]

You might want to look renting a car form car care center or dollar by downtown disney hotel ..

 

[Gracie09]

DS13, being properly registered to stay at the resort, should receive, upon request, complimentary transportation.

The exact method would be Disney's choice, which could vary according to time of day and/or crowd levels. A parent might be required to assist with the process where the logistics would also be up to Disney but complimentary to the guest. The process should start with a parent being at the resort prior to the time the child's plane lands.

The second simplest method would be to send the parent to the airport via Magical Express to escort the child. This should be discussed well in advance.

The simplest method would be for the parent and a CM at the resort, and the child and a CM at the airport, to talk the child onto the DME bus to travel "with" a cooperating different family traveling to the same resort.

it is okay to use the yellow DME baggage tags unless you are sure you will not be riding the bus. At the welcoming area, if for some reason a last minute change of plans will skip riding the bus, go to the counter and ask what extra steps are needed to get the bags delivered via DME or needed to get the bags back in hand (the latter may be impossible at certain times of the day).

Not necessarily true at all. The rules regarding travel are one round trip per registered guests. Guests under 16 have to travel with an adult or guardian. The ops child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, a choice made by his family. Therefore a parent or guardian must get him from the airline, they will not release him to Disney. Disney is not in the business of providing a babysitter for children (well except at the childcare centers). To expect them to provide a chaperone is ridiculous. And then to involve an innocent third party (another group of guest?!?!) is crazy.
The simplest method is for the op to rent a car and drive to the airport to pickup the minor child that they arranged to travel separate from the family. It may not be free but it is simple.