DME Fails me again

[pinkerbell]

Just off the phone with a rep from DME and for this our fourth trip in just over a year DME has gone from bad to worse...

This time the documents weren't wrong, they just NEVER came, and I didn't realize this until DH asked about them tonight... yes, we all live BUSY lives and I just forgot! Apparently the information never "transferred" whatever...

So, I leave on Monday with no DME doc's. The rep said I can use some old tags from the many I have received in the past (2 trips ago we got the docs 3 times and they were never right???? is it that hard????)
DH leaves after I do and we all return together, this time I didn't even include him on the ressie and the still messed up!

sorry, I'm a little upset right now, I travel with a 4 and 6 YO and dont want to have to get our luggage too!

anyway, can I really use these old tags?? they all have an AK in the Mickey head, I dont know what that means but I was going to put a sticker on them with our current ressie number and resort and cover up the old info (cross out the barcode) they do have our names.

I would love to bypass the line with all the peole who forgot thier docs, have problems, etc and get my kids to the resort and room ASAP - It will have been a ling day for them already.

 

[safetymom]

Your Disney’s Magical Express reservation has been made; however, you may not receive your Disney’s Magical
Express booklet with luggage tags prior to departure for Orlando. Please be assured that you will still be able to
utilize the service and receive the same seamless experience.
Once you arrive at Orlando International Airport, you have two options:
1) You can pick up your luggage at baggage claim and proceed directly to the Disney
Welcome Center. You will be responsible for taking your luggage with you on the
motor coach.
2) Or you may proceed directly to the Disney Welcome Center. You do not need to claim
your luggage. Disney will gather all of your information and collect your luggage for
you and then deliver it to your resort room.
IMPORTANT: Please pack any valuables, medications or anything needed immediately upon arrival into Orlando in
a carry-on bag.
Arrival at Orlando International Airport. Upon arrival, please take the tram from your gate to the main Terminal
and proceed to the Disney Welcome Center which is located on the B Side on Level 1 and bypass baggage claim.
If you arrive on the A Side, please proceed to the B Side before taking the elevator or escalator down to Level 1.
You may follow the airport signs to Ground Transportation.
At the Disney Welcome Center, please present your airline baggage claim checks to the Disney representative
to confirm the number of bags* checked as well as your return flight information. You will then board a
complimentary motor coach that will take you to your resort. Your motor coach may make up to 3 stops before
arriving at your resort.
Luggage delivery to the resort. Your luggage will be claimed at the airport and delivered to your room. Your
luggage may take up to 3 hours after you check-in to be delivered. You do not need to be in your room to receive
your luggage. Please note if you take your luggage on the motor coach it will not automatically be delivered to
your room.
Returning home. You will receive a Transportation Notice the day prior to check-out advising you of your motor
coach pick-up time and other general information. Your motor coach pick-up time is based on your
flight departure and will be approximately 3 hours prior to that time to allow for multiple stops by
the motor coaches.

 

[dacky041208]

I don't think you need to tag your bags at all. Unless something has changed, when you check in with DME you can give them your luggage claim checks, and they can show you pictures of luggage. You pick the ones that are similar to yours, and they'll do the rest. The following is from the sticky at the top of the transportation board:

I haven't gotten my tags yet!

Never fear. You have two options. You can claim your bags like normal, or you can have Disney claim them for you as if you did have those yellow tags. Bypass baggage claim, and go straight to the Welcome Center. From there, give the Cast Member your luggage claim tickets. They will create replacement tags for you, find your bags, tag them, and send them to your resort.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

I used our unused Aug DME tags for our Dec trip without any problems. Just to be sure, I took a black marks-a-lot & scribbled throught the bar code. I also wrote the name of our hotel (POP) & our new conf # on the tags. Our bags arrived to our rooms before we did. Don't fret & have an awesome trip!

 

[Tozzie]

Just off the phone with a rep from DME and for this our fourth trip in just over a year DME has gone from bad to worse...

This time the documents weren't wrong, they just NEVER came, and I didn't realize this until DH asked about them tonight... yes, we all live BUSY lives and I just forgot! Apparently the information never "transferred" whatever...

So, I leave on Monday with no DME doc's. The rep said I can use some old tags from the many I have received in the past (2 trips ago we got the docs 3 times and they were never right???? is it that hard????)
DH leaves after I do and we all return together, this time I didn't even include him on the ressie and the still messed up!

sorry, I'm a little upset right now, I travel with a 4 and 6 YO and dont want to have to get our luggage too!

anyway, can I really use these old tags?? they all have an AK in the Mickey head, I dont know what that means but I was going to put a sticker on them with our current ressie number and resort and cover up the old info (cross out the barcode) they do have our names.

I would love to bypass the line with all the peole who forgot thier docs, have problems, etc and get my kids to the resort and room ASAP - It will have been a ling day for them already.

Relax, You don't need tags to get your luggage delivered and the line is not a line any longer, Disney didn't have time to send me the DME docs due to my booking late in December stopping at the desk to get the voucher printed out and have them record my luggage claim tickets took all of 5 minutes, it wsa 5 minutes that I would have spent waiting in line for the bus. I know you are upset but don't stress it won't take that much time and you can still use the luggage service. The only thing I suggest is to take a picture of the luggage with your cell phone if you can so you can show the DME rep what it looks like.

 

[danielle.st]

The AK part of the luggage tags just means it's for an AK area resort. We are staying at Pop (and did last time) and ours are marked AK.
I would guess that those staying at MK area resorts have MK on theirs and those at Epcot area resorts have EP, etc.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You called 1-407-WDISNEY, right? Wrong . Call 866-599-0951. That's the direct line for Magical Express. They'll alleviate your concerns.

I wouldn't worry much about the 'lines' with all those people with special issues. They're a LOT shorter now, and they're dispatched quickly. Also, when you say you left your husband off the reservation, do you mean the DME one or the room one? You're going to need to have him on the room reservation to make him eligible for Magical Express, and you're going to want - despite his different arrival - to be sure to make him a DME reservation.

Walt Disney World's contract with OIA prohibits them from transporting walk-up Guests.

 

[pinkerbell]

Thank you all for your posts.. each one has helped..

I did call WDW after a long hold was given the DME# and after another hold was given an EMAIL address, to which I sent an email only to get a confirmation that said they would respond within 12 business days BUT did list a number for imediate issues to which I called and got a message saying they were only open M-F 9-5

We only booked this last minute trip 2 weeks ago, but was assured that was enough time to get the docs, then with all the last minute hurrying (DH and I are involved in MANY activities w/ our children that we had to get in order amongst other things) i just forgot... but from what I was told by the DME person, unless I called 10 days ago, I still would not have recieved them in time and I wouldnt have expected them 4 days after booking anyway...

My local theme park looks better EVERY DAY!!! Only If I lived in a warmer climate!

 

[seashoreCM]

I would go ahead and use old yellow tags. If applicable, draw one line through the resort name and write in the correct resort name. Also write in your name and the arrival date in any empty space.

When discussing or ordering anything over the phone, try to write down the person's name and city.

 

[ancestry]

I can't help but wonder if you didn't get your DME packet because you booked such a last minute trip. DME packets usually come 30-40 days in advance of the departure date. Maybe DME doesn't mail out packets when you book less than a month prior to travel? Don't know for sure, just speculating....

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank you all for your posts.. each one has helped..

I did call WDW after a long hold was given the DME# and after another hold was given an EMAIL address, to which I sent an email only to get a confirmation that said they would respond within 12 business days BUT did list a number for imediate issues to which I called and got a message saying they were only open M-F 9-5

We only booked this last minute trip 2 weeks ago, but was assured that was enough time to get the docs, then with all the last minute hurrying (DH and I are involved in MANY activities w/ our children that we had to get in order amongst other things) i just forgot... but from what I was told by the DME person, unless I called 10 days ago, I still would not have recieved them in time and I wouldnt have expected them 4 days after booking anyway...

My local theme park looks better EVERY DAY!!! Only If I lived in a warmer climate!

DME tells us that they need at least 10 days to process all DME requests and to get out the info packets with luggage tags. That would be why you didn't get yours. I'm sure that Disney told you that you would have the packets in plenty of time, but they also tell people that if you fly in on SW, you have to get your own bags!!! This drives me nuts.
So.....I guess you could use your old tags, but I wouldn't. Way too much room for error. Your bags could end up anywhere onsite with all that scribbling and scratching out on the old tag.
Just give the DME CMs the claim receipts for all your checked bags and a description of them, when you checkin. No, you won't be able to bypass the checkin line. You have to have your vouchers in hand to do that. But the line just isn't that bad. You can go through the line and have the rest of the family sit and relax in the lounge area across from DME checkin...it's very pleasant there.
So really, other than your being pushed from one phone call center to another, there isn't anything that DME did wrong. I know I have booked a last minute trip and never expected to get any documents...did that a bit less than 2 weeks out.
So relax, pack your bags, put something on each bag that will make them standout. Then fly down, head to DME checkin, give them your receipts and a description and then head to the buses to start your fun stay in WDW.

 

[pinkerbell]

I did book more than 10 days, out 2 weeks, and was told I would get doc's. When I called yesterday I was told it would take 10 days processing, therefore, I would have had to have called 4 days after booking - I mentioned this because I would not have expected the docs in 4 days anyway so there really was no way I could have know I was in trouble

Unforutnaley, I am traveling with a 4 and 6 YO, there is no way I will leave them while I wait in line - and although I appreciate the support, I know that it's all about timing and the chances are good based on people who have taken recent trips, this month, that there will be a line.. maybe they are just cutting back on CM's at the airport, maybe DME is screwing up more.. but I have to prepare myself for the reality rather than hope for the best, we dont arrive until 6 p.m. and the kids will have been traveling for a very long time at that point, I need to prepare myself for the worst ... and them.. of course I wont say a word to them about the error - that only fosters trouble, I will be cheery and bright and tell them it's all a part of the disney experience!!!! They are vetran's at this, they kow how it works, I need to let them know we will have at least one more stop before we proceed to the bus (which they love) and watch the welcome Movie.

:

 

[bear_mom]

I did book more than 10 days, out 2 weeks, and was told I would get doc's. When I called yesterday I was told it would take 10 days processing, therefore, I would have had to have called 4 days after booking - I mentioned this because I would not have expected the docs in 4 days anyway so there really was no way I could have know I was in trouble

Unforutnaley, I am traveling with a 4 and 6 YO, there is no way I will leave them while I wait in line - and although I appreciate the support, I know that it's all about timing and the chances are good based on people who have taken recent trips, this month, that there will be a line.. maybe they are just cutting back on CM's at the airport, maybe DME is screwing up more.. but I have to prepare myself for the reality rather than hope for the best, we dont arrive until 6 p.m. and the kids will have been traveling for a very long time at that point, I need to prepare myself for the worst ... and them.. of course I wont say a word to them about the error - that only fosters trouble, I will be cheery and bright and tell them it's all a part of the disney experience!!!! They are vetran's at this, they kow how it works, I need to let them know we will have at least one more stop before we proceed to the bus (which they love) and watch the welcome Movie.

:

Why would you have to leave them to wait in line? I know they ask that only one person from each party wait in the line, but I am sure they don't expect you to leave your minor children unattended.

Emily

 

[maxiesmom]

I did book more than 10 days, out 2 weeks, and was told I would get doc's. When I called yesterday I was told it would take 10 days processing, therefore, I would have had to have called 4 days after booking - I mentioned this because I would not have expected the docs in 4 days anyway so there really was no way I could have know I was in trouble

Unforutnaley, I am traveling with a 4 and 6 YO, there is no way I will leave them while I wait in line - and although I appreciate the support, I know that it's all about timing and the chances are good based on people who have taken recent trips, this month, that there will be a line.. maybe they are just cutting back on CM's at the airport, maybe DME is screwing up more.. but I have to prepare myself for the reality rather than hope for the best, we dont arrive until 6 p.m. and the kids will have been traveling for a very long time at that point, I need to prepare myself for the worst ... and them.. of course I wont say a word to them about the error - that only fosters trouble, I will be cheery and bright and tell them it's all a part of the disney experience!!!! They are vetran's at this, they kow how it works, I need to let them know we will have at least one more stop before we proceed to the bus (which they love) and watch the welcome Movie.

:

A few things: First, I wonder if 10 days really meant 10 working days, you know how sometimes the weekends don't count as days? I just wonder if that is what them meant. I also don't think DME has failed you yet.

Second, I came back from WDW one week ago today, so my trip was during the heart of the Spring Break rush. The lines at DME were not long at all! I was on my bus within 10 minutes of getting to the start of the line area. So I don't agree that the chances are good you will have a long wait. I can understand preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, but please try to not expect everything to go wrong. It probably won't! Try to enjoy the traveling to the resort, and not to be in such a hurry to get there. Getting there can really be half the fun if you let it.

 

[pinkerbell]

DME tells us that they need at least 10 days to process all DME requests and to get out the info packets with luggage tags. That would be why you didn't get yours. I'm sure that Disney told you that you would have the packets in plenty of time, but they also tell people that if you fly in on SW, you have to get your own bags!!! This drives me nuts.
So.....I guess you could use your old tags, but I wouldn't. Way too much room for error. Your bags could end up anywhere onsite with all that scribbling and scratching out on the old tag.
Just give the DME CMs the claim receipts for all your checked bags and a description of them, when you checkin. No, you won't be able to bypass the checkin line. You have to have your vouchers in hand to do that. But the line just isn't that bad. You can go through the line and have the rest of the family sit and relax in the lounge area across from DME checkin...it's very pleasant there.So really, other than your being pushed from one phone call center to another, there isn't anything that DME did wrong. I know I have booked a last minute trip and never expected to get any documents...did that a bit less than 2 weeks out.
So relax, pack your bags, put something on each bag that will make them standout. Then fly down, head to DME checkin, give them your receipts and a description and then head to the buses to start your fun stay in WDW.

Why would you have to leave them to wait in line? I know they ask that only one person from each party wait in the line, but I am sure they don't expect you to leave your minor children unattended.

Emily

read previous post, I was responding to a suggestion that while good, won't work for me

A few things: First, I wonder if 10 days really meant 10 working days, you know how sometimes the weekends don't count as days? I just wonder if that is what them meant. I also don't think DME has failed you yet.

Second, I came back from WDW one week ago today, so my trip was during the heart of the Spring Break rush. The lines at DME were not long at all! I was on my bus within 10 minutes of getting to the start of the line area. So I don't agree that the chances are good you will have a long wait. I can understand preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, but please try to not expect everything to go wrong. It probably won't! Try to enjoy the traveling to the resort, and not to be in such a hurry to get there. Getting there can really be half the fun if you let it.

it was still 10 working days.. I booked on Monday the 5th, now maybe some could say, 10 FULL working days, but at what point does 10 days become 3 or 4 weeks in real time??? : And at that point shuldn't CM's be instucted to say 3 weeks not 10 days because there's always a hoilidat lurking around fact is, I was told I would get them, I ddnt not, I have to move on
Also, Are you talking abot the Line for DME w/ or WITHOUT document... I had to convince DH there was one, he has even been in it - before they streamlined the process and there were times it was LONG, but if it doesn't pertainto you, often you don't see it there is a "pass through" line for those with documents the "express line" if you will, and the line for those w/out - in other words.... MY LINE!!!

 

[Tozzie]

read previous post, I was responding to a suggestion that while good, won't work for me



it was still 10 working days.. I booked on Monday the 5th, now maybe some could say, 10 FULL working days, but at what point does 10 days become 3 or 4 weeks in real time??? : And at that point shuldn't CM's be instucted to say 3 weeks not 10 days because there's always a hoilidat lurking around fact is, I was told I would get them, I ddnt not, I have to move on
Also, Are you talking abot the Line for DME w/ or WITHOUT document... I had to convince DH there was one, he has even been in it - before they streamlined the process and there were times it was LONG, but if it doesn't pertainto you, often you don't see it there is a "pass through" line for those with documents the "express line" if you will, and the line for those w/out - in other words.... MY LINE!!!

I didn't have documents and had to go to the "line" in december, Christmas eve no less and the line was maybe 5 minutes if that I was also there in March and when I was walking to the "express" line I looked at the other line and there was no one there. I don't know what board the people are posting on that have said they have had to wait in long line, but I haven't witnessed it recently.

 

[disneyag]

Have you thought about booking a towncar? We've never had any issues with DME, but it sounds like you are quite frustrated at this point. Maybe a towncar would be a better option for you and your little kiddos.

 

[honeymo78]

We've been several times since the new lines and have had to wait in the "long" line before because we didn't have tags or our DME documents. It really isn't a big deal at all - it took 10 extra minutes to wait in line, have our reservation looked up and pick out what our luggage looked like from a book and had over our baggage claim slips.

I'm still not sure how DME has failed. Sometime the packet takes longer even when you book farther in advance. It doesn't really matter whether you have the booklet and tags or not since there is a system in place to handle that situation with very little extra delay or discomfort.

 

[LSchrow]

i've had a few vacas without the DME docs, and agree with PPs:
as long as DME is booked, the rest is easy, and your bags will be waiting in your room.

just relax and enjoy

 

[pinkerbell]

Have you thought about booking a towncar? We've never had any issues with DME, but it sounds like you are quite frustrated at this point. Maybe a towncar would be a better option for you and your little kiddos.

I will look into this more for our next trip, I dont think I have the time to do it for this one.. any suggestions on which to use also do they get bags for yoyu, again alone with two small kids

We've been several times since the new lines and have had to wait in the "long" line before because we didn't have tags or our DME documents. It really isn't a big deal at all - it took 10 extra minutes to wait in line, have our reservation looked up and pick out what our luggage looked like from a book and had over our baggage claim slips.

I'm still not sure how DME has failed. Sometime the packet takes longer even when you book farther in advance. It doesn't really matter whether you have the booklet and tags or not since there is a system in place to handle that situation with very little extra delay or discomfort.

you can say that for you will not be the one next to my 4 YO who I affectionately refer to as "the tornado!" She has a very hard time flying - she is a very healthy and great kid, but somting about the change in cabin pressur causes her great pain. She will surely be in tears once we get off the palin and rarely if ever cries so I know this causes her gresat discomfort. I'd wait an extr 20 miutes in the line at the resort where they have a TV than 10 minutes in the line right after getting off the plane. Maybe I need to focus on calming her down first and maybe just sitting down and holding her after we get off the plane and once she is better appraoch DME


the past four trips we have not received proper documents and this time none at all - the previous times after numerous calls - (DH arrives a few days after us and it causes HUGE issues) this time none at all - if this is not a measure of failure to you - then they did not, to me it is - I judge succes by meeting goals as stated not finding ways to achieve the desired result after the first attempt has failed