DME Fails me again

[pinkerbell]

Am I correct in understanding that I will have to hand over by baggage claim tickets ?? This is something that I will NOT do, especially given the past performane history. we have had a lost bag beforew DME blamed the htoel the hotel blamed DME - we got it later (during our trip), giving up my claim ticket does not sound like a smart move

will they make copies and give the originals back?

 

[LSchrow]

IShe 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. :

your dd probably has fluid in her ears, and the pressure changes incurred while flying causes excrutiating pain (as both my dd and i know only too well).
earplanes are great to equalize the pressure (i've heard small cups with a wet paper towel in them, placed tightly over ears during take-off and landing helps also). most drugstores, like CVS, walgreens, etc carry them.
personally, we combine wearing earplanes with taking a decongestant (just one dose for entire flight) to control the pain. my dd's ENT recommended this route, and we have not experienced any pain while flying since taking his advice
chewing gum and sucking on lozenges help with the minor popping, but the earplanes and decongestant are the real lifesavers.

 

[pinkerbell]

your dd probably has fluid in her ears, and the pressure changes incurred while flying causes excrutiating pain (as both my dd and i know only too well).
earplanes are great to equalize the pressure (i've heard small cups with a wet paper towel in them, placed tightly over ears during take-off and landing helps also). most drugstores, like CVS, walgreens, etc carry them.
personally, we combine wearing earplanes with taking a decongestant (just one dose for entire flight) to control the pain. my dd's ENT recommended this route, and we have not experienced any pain while flying since taking his advice
chewing gum and sucking on lozenges help with the minor popping, but the earplanes and decongestant are the real lifesavers.

OMG!!! I like to think things happen for a reason, and if to help my daughters pain was the reason for this one... It's a blessing... I have never heard of this, but have tried, drinking, gum, lozenges, food, holding her, blowing nose, benadryl;, etc..

She loves Disney, but has even said she does not want to go back if she has to get on a plane, 1/2 the reason why I have not totld them they are going yet is She knows she gets on a plane to go....
I will go out tongiht to ghet them... they are called Earplanes?? thank you so much!

she has never really suffered from ear aches or infections, other than the occasional one so this has always puzzeled me

 

[pinkerbell]

your dd probably has fluid in her ears, and the pressure changes incurred while flying causes excrutiating pain (as both my dd and i know only too well).
earplanes are great to equalize the pressure (i've heard small cups with a wet paper towel in them, placed tightly over ears during take-off and landing helps also). most drugstores, like CVS, walgreens, etc carry them.
personally, we combine wearing earplanes with taking a decongestant (just one dose for entire flight) to control the pain. my dd's ENT recommended this route, and we have not experienced any pain while flying since taking his advice
chewing gum and sucking on lozenges help with the minor popping, but the earplanes and decongestant are the real lifesavers.

just looked them up online - I know what I'm lookig for and will get them tongiht!!!!! If DD4 can make it through ladning without pain, I'll be speechless and thrilled... I get anxious just thinking about it

 

[goofy4tink]

Am I correct in understanding that I will have to hand over by baggage claim tickets ?? This is something that I will NOT do, especially given the past performane history. we have had a lost bag beforew DME blamed the htoel the hotel blamed DME - we got it later (during our trip), giving up my claim ticket does not sound like a smart move

will they make copies and give the originals back?

Can't say for sure. But, I have to agree with you...I would hate handing off my claim receipts...just in case.

The one thing I will say is this, and please understand where I am coming from here.....I'm not sure DME is going to be right for you. It would seem that you have had more than your fair share of bad experiences with DME. I would be very tempted to try and get a car service to get you to your resort. THey meet you right at baggage claim and help with the bags..then right off to the resort. You could cut the cost down by using DME to get back to the airport and using RAC for your checked bags at the resort.

just looked them up online - I know what I'm lookig for and will get them tongiht!!!!! If DD4 can make it through ladning without pain, I'll be speechless and thrilled... I get anxious just thinking about it

Earplanes were a lifesaver for both my dd and myself in the past. They work great!!!



Here's the issue people....DME is not perfect, nor does it meet 100% of the WDW guests needs 100% of the time...period. What works today may not work next year.
I have used DME many, many times to date. But, I have used towncar services as well as the Mears shuttle in the past few years as well. Sometimes I have different needs.
There are going to be times when DME messes up. There have been many reports in the past year from people who never got their DME packets..even when booking many months in advance. Not a huge deal, but for many, that luggage delivery service is a huge plus....without it, their experience is just not the same. Everyone needs to realize that 'stuff' happens. If you are traveling with several kids and won't be able to lug bags, then you have to realize that something could happen and you might not get those luggage tags in time. You have to be prepared to either hand over claim receipts or to get your own bags at baggage claim. It doesn't happen all the time, but if it happens to you, it may be a deal breaker.
DME can be quick. But..it can also be mind numbingly slow. I have had times where it took just 50 mins to get from the gate to my resort. But one time it was 90 mins!!! It drives you nuts to wait in the bus line for 20 mins and then have to wait another 15 for the bus to leave!!!
Most of the time, DME works the way it's intended. But, there are times when they screw up to a fair-thee-well. And if it happens to you, it can make the start of your vacation not so much fun.

 

[seashoreCM]

Hmmm...Does the airport have public copy machines here and there, for copying claim checks etc.? You can ask at an information booth. Or you can copy down the claim check serial numbers for yourself onto the back of an envelope.

To me the only time DME fails is when it isn't there, particularly when going home. I don't have a link to a thread where someone described their horror story of having to run for their plane because theuir DME bus didn't show up on time.

and if to help my daughters pain was the reason for this one... It's a blessing... I have never heard of this, but have tried, drinking, gum, lozenges, food, holding her, blowing nose, benadryl;, etc..

She loves Disney, but has even said she does not want to go back if she has to get on a plane, ...

Never realized how bad an earache could be until I took a flight (not to Disney) while down with a cold and it hit me on descent. Took until middle of the night to subside. Now I don't recommend forcibly blowing your nose etc. because that could make things worse.

 

[pinkerbell]

Can't say for sure. But, I have to agree with you...I would hate handing off my claim receipts...just in case.

The one thing I will say is this, and please understand where I am coming from here.....I'm not sure DME is going to be right for you. It would seem that you have had more than your fair share of bad experiences with DME. I would be very tempted to try and get a car service to get you to your resort. THey meet you right at baggage claim and help with the bags..then right off to the resort. You could cut the cost down by using DME to get back to the airport and using RAC for your checked bags at the resort.


Earplanes were a lifesaver for both my dd and myself in the past. They work great!!!



Here's the issue people....DME is not perfect, nor does it meet 100% of the WDW guests needs 100% of the time...period. What works today may not work next year.
I have used DME many, many times to date. But, I have used towncar services as well as the Mears shuttle in the past few years as well. Sometimes I have different needs.
There are going to be times when DME messes up. There have been many reports in the past year from people who never got their DME packets..even when booking many months in advance. Not a huge deal, but for many, that luggage delivery service is a huge plus....without it, their experience is just not the same. Everyone needs to realize that 'stuff' happens. If you are traveling with several kids and won't be able to lug bags, then you have to realize that something could happen and you might not get those luggage tags in time. You have to be prepared to either hand over claim receipts or to get your own bags at baggage claim. It doesn't happen all the time, but if it happens to you, it may be a deal breaker.
DME can be quick. But..it can also be mind numbingly slow. I have had times where it took just 50 mins to get from the gate to my resort. But one time it was 90 mins!!! It drives you nuts to wait in the bus line for 20 mins and then have to wait another 15 for the bus to leave!!!
Most of the time, DME works the way it's intended. But, there are times when they screw up to a fair-thee-well. And if it happens to you, it can make the start of your vacation not so much fun.

I totally agree. there comes a time when a "free service" just isnt free anymore. Time is money also, and I am not referring to the extra 10 minutes at the airport but the numerous long call from out last trip
DH and I had the phone on speaker it became so funny and were literally on the floor laughing <- DH and I

I will say I LOVE the return service - 3 hrs seems very reasonable to me for a pick up and I wouldnt want to cut it any closer... They are always timely and Courteous and it's the best thing going... I also always get my luggage promptly with DME - for me, the problem has always been doc's ( i think when our luggage got lost it was the resort NOT DME someone indicated it went to the wrong place???) our doc's the first time were just for our arrival, then just our departure, the just dh arrival and departure and somewhere in there I think the second one the dates were wrong... neither here not there but I'm sure you get the picture

can anyone tell me how luggage works with a car service, It will be 6 bags -four people for 3 weeks ... lets not forget the princess gowns and halloween costumes take up their fair share of space

thaks again

 

[LSchrow]

just looked them up online - I know what I'm lookig for and will get them tongiht!!!!! If DD4 can make it through ladning without pain, I'll be speechless and thrilled... I get anxious just thinking about it

happy to help my heart bleeds every time i hear a screaming child at take-off and landing - the pain is horrible
i would suggest having her try them on/in before the vacation (it can take a bit of trying to get a good seal, and they might be slightly uncomfortable at first).
this is what we do.: 15-30 minutes before take-off, we take a decongestant.
once the plane start to taxi, we put in the earplanes (using a twisting action to get a good seal).
we normally wait until the flight attendants start serving drinks to remove the earplanes (at that point, the plane will be cruising).
we put them back in once we feel any pressure build-up, or when the pilot announces we are near our destination (whichever comes first).
i keep them in their case, in my pants pocket to ensure they are easily accessible (not in my carry-on under the seat or in the overhead bin).

it's a wonderful feeling to actually look foward to getting on a plane -best wishes for years of happy flights for your dd

 

[pinkerbell]

happy to help my heart bleeds every time i hear a screaming child at take-off and landing - the pain is horrible
i would suggest having her try them on/in before the vacation (it can take a bit of trying to get a good seal, and they might be slightly uncomfortable at first).
this is what we do.: 15-30 minutes before take-off, we take a decongestant.
once the plane start to taxi, we put in the earplanes (using a twisting action to get a good seal).
we normally wait until the flight attendants start serving drinks to remove the earplanes (at that point, the plane will be cruising).
we put them back in once we feel any pressure build-up, or when the pilot announces we are near our destination (whichever comes first).
i keep them in their case, in my pants pocket to ensure they are easily accessible (not in my carry-on under the seat or in the overhead bin).

it's a wonderful feeling to actually look foward to getting on a plane -best wishes for years of happy flights for your dd

Thanks again for the suggestion.. at leat 50% of my frustration comes from knowing how difficult it will be for DD and just wanting to get to our destination .. of course I alwyas hope for the best, but it actually seems to worse as she gets older... we can see planes out our window and every now and then I'll mention them and about 1/2 the time she comments on I don't like planes, they hurt my ears.. even said she'd rather not go to disney than ride in one and she LOVES disney and princess Tiana is all she talks about...

It sounds like many peole really know where I'm coming from on this, never having suffered from this myself I was not sure what was happening to her.. just terrible.. thanks for the hope! now for DH to get home so I can run out and get them along with a few other things before the big day.

I am even more excited now to tell them since I can tell her we have something for her ears!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes the EarPlanes are great. Try to make sure to get the Junior size for her.

Also, maybe get a few pairs (they are expensive, but if they work they are worth it). Why? Because my son generally manages to knock one out, and he has such a fear of the pain now that he can go into a huge freak-out, and on our last trip it was a factor in him throwing up as we started to descend. We finally found it, after we had landed and had finished apologizing to everyone in the area as they left...

The instructions say to put them in before you take off, and to put them BACK in half an hour before the start of descent. So you do have to pay attention.

 

[ljcrochet]

If you decide to go the town car route this trip, what FL tours did when we used them to go to a crusie, was they there waiting as we got down the esculator with a sign. He walked us to baggage claim. Waited till we got the bags. You can get a porter to help with the bags if you need. The we went to the van which had the 2 booster seats waiting for us.

 

[twinklebug]

Thanks again for the suggestion.. at leat 50% of my frustration comes from knowing how difficult it will be for DD and just wanting to get to our destination .. of course I alwyas hope for the best, but it actually seems to worse as she gets older... we can see planes out our window and every now and then I'll mention them and about 1/2 the time she comments on I don't like planes, they hurt my ears.. even said she'd rather not go to disney than ride in one and she LOVES disney and princess Tiana is all she talks about...

It sounds like many peole really know where I'm coming from on this, never having suffered from this myself I was not sure what was happening to her.. just terrible.. thanks for the hope! now for DH to get home so I can run out and get them along with a few other things before the big day.

I am even more excited now to tell them since I can tell her we have something for her ears!!!

DS's ears are very sensitive to sound and pressure and without fail he'd be moaning in pain and/or tossing his cookies every trip. It was horrible. Earplanes did help on two trips and now he just uses ear buds and listens to his ipod while chewing gum. He no longer gets sick on the plane, but anxiety about the trip and potentially being sick has started causing him to get sick on the drive to the airport . BTW - he's 12 now... hope he outgrows this.

 

[Tozzie]

Am I correct in understanding that I will have to hand over by baggage claim tickets ?? This is something that I will NOT do, especially given the past performane history. we have had a lost bag beforew DME blamed the htoel the hotel blamed DME - we got it later (during our trip), giving up my claim ticket does not sound like a smart move

will they make copies and give the originals back?

DME will not take your baggage claim checks they need to see them and they copy down the numbers and then give them back to you. The DME CM actually handed it back to me and told me to hold on to it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I must preface this by stating this person has NEVER asked for, or even hinted at, any type of recommendation. That would violate DIS rules.

Entirely of my own volition, I would strongly suggest you send a private message (PM) to a DIS member named Edd. He is a licensed, insured livery operator, authorized to operate at Orlando International Airport. His vehicle is a well-kept and roomy SUV.

My brother is VERY demanding and particular. I put him in touch with Edd last year in conjunction with a long-weekend trip involving five or six people - and probably enough luggage for twice as many people twice as long He was extremely satisfied with all aspects of the service provided - including, but not limited to, being picked up on time for a 6:30 AM return flight.

 

[pinkerbell]

DS's ears are very sensitive to sound and pressure and without fail he'd be moaning in pain and/or tossing his cookies every trip. It was horrible. Earplanes did help on two trips and now he just uses ear buds and listens to his ipod while chewing gum. He no longer gets sick on the plane, but anxiety about the trip and potentially being sick has started causing him to get sick on the drive to the airport . BTW - he's 12 now... hope he outgrows this.

my DD 4 is quite tuff.. I can only imagine the pain it causes since it actuallymakes her say she DOES NOT want to go to disney if she has to get on a plane... Clearly this is quite painful for many and hope he can be reconditioned to enjoy flying!!

DME will not take your baggage claim checks they need to see them and they copy down the numbers and then give them back to you. The DME CM actually handed it back to me and told me to hold on to it.

whew.. ok fell better about that one Thanks!!

I must preface this by stating this person has NEVER asked for, or even hinted at, any type of recommendation. That would violate DIS rules.

Entirely of my own volition, I would strongly suggest you send a private message (PM) to a DIS member named Edd. He is a licensed, insured livery operator, authorized to operate at Orlando International Airport. His vehicle is a well-kept and roomy SUV.

My brother is VERY demanding and particular. I put him in touch with Edd last year in conjunction with a long-weekend trip involving five or six people - and probably enough luggage for twice as many people twice as long He was extremely satisfied with all aspects of the service provided - including, but not limited to, being picked up on time for a 6:30 AM return flight.

thanks for the suggestion, I asked for one as I have never used on before ANYWHERE!!! This is a surprise to the kids and have been with them most of the day so this will have to wait until the next trip (working all day tomorrow - you know how the theme park business is... )

 

[pinkerbell]

your dd probably has fluid in her ears, and the pressure changes incurred while flying causes excrutiating pain (as both my dd and i know only too well).
earplanes are great to equalize the pressure (i've heard small cups with a wet paper towel in them, placed tightly over ears during take-off and landing helps also). most drugstores, like CVS, walgreens, etc carry them.
personally, we combine wearing earplanes with taking a decongestant (just one dose for entire flight) to control the pain. my dd's ENT recommended this route, and we have not experienced any pain while flying since taking his advice
chewing gum and sucking on lozenges help with the minor popping, but the earplanes and decongestant are the real lifesavers.

Just back from the store! I am now equipped with EARPLANES-- I hope they help her, from the feedback, as long as she keeps them in, they should provide some help!!!

Yes the EarPlanes are great. Try to make sure to get the Junior size for her.

Also, maybe get a few pairs (they are expensive, but if they work they are worth it). Why? Because my son generally manages to knock one out, and he has such a fear of the pain now that he can go into a huge freak-out, and on our last trip it was a factor in him throwing up as we started to descend. We finally found it, after we had landed and had finished apologizing to everyone in the area as they left...

The instructions say to put them in before you take off, and to put them BACK in half an hour before the start of descent. So you do have to pay attention.

thanks for mentioning the JR size, I actually had the cheaper CVS brand then noticed the name brand had sizes because of this post! thanks!