DME is Fantastic!

[MOmousefan]

I just returned from the World and the easiest part of the trip was dealing with DME. I checked my bag with the yellow tag in Springfield, MO and flew to MCO via DFW.
Upon arrival in MCO I headed for the DME desk on level 1. Two CM's were standing out in the walkway and when I showed them my paperwork, they had me bypass the desk and get in the Pop Century line. A CM there checked my paperwork, found out how many checked bags I had (1), and sent me to the line. As I walked to the end of the line they said "One more for Pop Century" and on I went. BTW, I used online resort check-in and there were 4 people in line vs 40 in the regular line.
At the airport they handed me RAC instructions that I read later in the trip. They stated that if my flight departed afet 12:00PM, my info would be delivered PRIOR TO 9:00. My flight leaves at 3:335 and I was going to do EMH that morning at MK. Now what?
I went down to the luggage/baggage area and asked one of the CMs how this would work. He was busy and basically stated what was on the paper. I waited until the next morning and talked to two young men working there. They were so polite and reassured me that I could go to EMH and still deal with RAC. As I got up my last morning and packed, I looked on my doorknob and there was the checkout packet.
All I had to do was call a number, pay for the checked bag, and take the confirmation number to RAC. I checked my bag, had them store my carry-on and another bag, and went to the MK,
I returned at the required hour. They handed me my two items as well as both boarding passes for the return home. At MCO I bypassed the American counter and went right to my gate.
My checked bag was awaiting me in Springfield and I drove home.
DME did everything they said they would, so A+ to DME!!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Thanks for the great report! I 've used DME twice before and had good service both times. Once was quicker than the other, because it was at a less crowded time of year. I've read so many negative reports lately that I was getting worried about our trip next week. And I had wondered how I could pay for my checked luggage on the return trip in advance to avoid the "surcharge" at the airport.

I'm glad you had a great experience & I hope ours goes as smoothly next week!

 

[goofy4tink]

And again I say that there just aren't all that many truly negative posts about DME. A lot of times people are just misinformed and weren't aware of just how DME works. Or, they had expected a much quicker trip to their resort...but all in all, not that many negative postings.
DME isn't going to be perfect for everyone. If you just have to get to your resort in as little time as possible, then you may be better off using a car service. But truly...you only save about 30 mins, tops.
Thanks for the review....seems that DME is sending more and more guests right to the bus lines...good to know. I can't wait to see how it's working in Dec!!

 

[bradisgoofy]

.... But truly...you only save about 30 mins, tops. ...

and 100 some $.

 

[Rio_san7]

and 100 some $.

Sweet! thats a good deal

 

[clkelley]

I'm glad to hear you had a good experience on DME!!!!

 

[scard192]

We were really happy with DME. We were on the bus within 5 minutes of arriving in the boarding area; luggage arrived about 3 hours later. The morning of our departure our boarding passes and checked luggage tags were on the door. Bags were checked in about 5 minutes. Great service!

 

[Missytara]

MouseMOfan - thank you for giving some credit where credit is due.

Goofy, I have to add that alot of people post about their negative aspects of DME because they have already had some sort-of preconceived notions about how it is NOT going to work or they are just plain not prepared.......how many times have you seen someone post about not using it because "DH' is so impatient.

If you give it a try, it is the greatest thing in the world. The only negative experience on ME is one of your own making..........

If you have to wait in a line for a few more minutes, call it a gift. Engage in a conversation with the person in front of you and behind you - find out where they are staying, enjoy the experience. You are going to the happiest place on earth - don't get all wound up about waiting some time to get to somewher that is so wonderful to go on vacation.

Goofy4tink - thanks for bringing that up again! I agree.

 

[Wistraveler]

I had the exact same experience as the OP. I was waved past the desk and was on the bus within 5 minutes of arrival. My luggage was in my room less than an hour after we got to the resort.

The return was the same. I paid the luggage fee over the phone, left my luggage at the RAC and went to DTD for the morning as I had a 5:30 flight. When I arrived at the home airport, my bags were the first on the carousal. A quick tram to the parking lot and I was on my way home.

I have never had even a hint of a poor experience with DME after 12 trips. Possibly because I read all the paperwork, viewed the boards, and knew what to expect and do to make my trip as worry free as possible. I have heard stories of people that never even open the packet or take it along because their travel agent told them DME would take care of everything. Then they wonder why they had problems.

 

[MarkinNM]

I cant agree more as we just got back and used it both ways and had no issues with the buses, was a bit confused at checking in as we had a total of 5 bags and only given 4 yellow tags but it worked out fine and this is one heck of a benefit, amoung many others, for staying at a WDW resort!