DME Newbie..lots of help needed

[jasheehy]

Usually my family and I rent a car. However in January I am coming to Disney to run the marathon. Trying to keep costs low so using DME.

1) How far out do I need to reserve?
2) If I am not checking any luggage, is that an issue?
3) I am flying back out on a 5:00 flight. Depending on the marathon and finishing time and getting back to my hotel, it could be anywhere from 11:00 to 2:00. If I miss my reservation to get on a bus, will they just put me back on the next one? If I get done earlier, will they put me on a earlier bus?

Thank you

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

Usually my family and I rent a car. However in January I am coming to Disney to run the marathon. Trying to keep costs low so using DME.

1) How far out do I need to reserve?
2) If I am not checking any luggage, is that an issue?
3) I am flying back out on a 5:00 flight. Depending on the marathon and finishing time and getting back to my hotel, it could be anywhere from 11:00 to 2:00. If I miss my reservation to get on a bus, will they just put me back on the next one? If I get done earlier, will they put me on a earlier bus?

Thank you

I'm sure others will chime in if I'm incorrect...

1. Unsure...I'd like to know this as well
2. No issue if you don't have any checked baggage
3. DME will run you back to the airport approx 3 hours prior to your departure. If you miss your bus, I don't believe they will put you on another one or put you on an earlier one

 

[kaytieeldr]

1. As soon as possible, but at least 48 hours in advance
2. No
3. No. Your departure time is assigned in advance and you are notified via a packet slid under your door or on your doorknob the morning before your departure day. You (any Guest) must be at the pickup area with all your luggage fifteen minutes prior to the assigned time, since that's when the bus leaves - not when it arrives. If there is nobody scheduled to be picked up at a given resort in what would be the slot after yours, no bus will show up. Even if a bus is scheduled, it should not be expected to have room for unexpected passengers since its own passengers are all preassigned to that bus/time. Taking a bus later than the assigned time can mean one will miss the flight. For the same - space - reason, it's not likely unscheduled riders can be accommodated, but you can ask the driver. Please note that even if it looks like the bus has room, it will most likely be stopping at other resorts on the way to the airport to pick up other scheduled passengers.