DME to MCO

[lds0191]

I am considering a 7:50am return flt from WDW (only non-stop of the day) but DME info states you need to do the airline checkin at the resort no less than 3hrs before departure time. Checkin does not open until 5am. Plus, I have read that the DME will leave the resort 3hrs before your flt departure time (that would be 4:50am !!!). Anybody else had a very early departure flight? I realy would like the nonstop....
Thanks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Magical Express and Resort Airline Check-in are separate. You can use Magical Express with advance arrangement any time and you'll be scheduled to be picked up about three hours before your flight departs (note that your assigned time is the time your bus LEAVES; you need to be ready and waiting fifteen minutes before that).

Because of your early departure, you will need to check in for your flight at the airport.

 

[mytripsandraces]

I've used DME for 6 and 7am flights. The coach picked me up 3 hours before the flight and I checked in at a kiosk when I got to the airport. A couple of times, I've gotten in early enough to get seated on the earlier flight, but getting through security can be a nightmare, so get through it as soon as you can.

 

[goofy4tink]

As already mentioned....DME and RAC are two different things. Anyone can use the RAC system...you don't even need to be riding DME back to MCO!
But...you do have to have your business with RAC completed no less than 3 hrs before flight time.
So....obviously you can't use RAC. You will need to bring your bags with you, to the DME bus. The bags will be stowed beneath the bus. You hop on. When you get to MCO, the bags will be taken out, handed off to you, you tip the driver and off you go...to check your bags inside the terminal (yeah, I know...the old-fashioned way!!!)

And yes, DME picks you up about 3 hrs before your flight. And there are times that entire 3 hrs is needed. If there are other resorts to stop at, if there is a traffic issue. Basically, when using DME, you are only getting an addlt half hour to wait. I always try to get to the airport 2 hrs before my flight departs.

 

[lds0191]

Thanks for the help. Looks like we'll be dragging our bags behind us.