Exchanging into DVC- got SSR for next April- ?s

[Goofygirl17]

I'm so excited! We just got an RCI exchange in SSR I can't wait. I have a bunch of questions so I figured I'd ask the experts.

1. Will we get our resort paperwork (DME luggage tags, etc) in the mail from Disney just as we did when we stayed at POFQ?

2. Can we use DME to our resort but drive our rental car back to the airport?

3. Can I send a room request if I'm exchanging in? If so, when should I do that and any recommendations? We'd like to be near the pool and the main building and might be using the buses occasionally although we're renting a car too.

4. When does the Extra Magic Hours schedule come out? We're going next April.

5. Does Southwest participate in DME now?

6. When can I make dining reservations? Do I need a reservation number from Disney to make them earlier?

I appreciate any information or advice!!

Thanks!
Goofygirl

 

[Deb & Bill]

EMH schedule usually comes out about 3 months ahead. ADRs for dining can currently be make 90 days from check-in and you can add 10 days from the 90 day check in day. You will need your reservation number to make ADRs. In fact, while we were there at WDW and wanted to make an ADR for the same evening, they asked for our hotel information.

 

[CarolMN]

I'm so excited! We just got an RCI exchange in SSR I can't wait. I have a bunch of questions so I figured I'd ask the experts.

1. Will we get our resort paperwork (DME luggage tags, etc) in the mail from Disney just as we did when we stayed at POFQ?

When you get your paperwork from RCI, you need to call MS. The number will be on the paperwork. MS can set up ME for you and also the Dining Plan (if you want it). At tht time, you can also make arrangements to pay the extra fees that Disney charges exchangers.a

2. Can we use DME to our resort but drive our rental car back to the airport?

Yes. Just tell MS you only want to set up a 1 way ME service.

3. Can I send a room request if I'm exchanging in? If so, when should I do that and any recommendations? We'd like to be near the pool and the main building and might be using the buses occasionally although we're renting a car too.

You can ask MS to add your request to the reservation when you call. SSR pretty much uses the "room ready" method of assigning rooms, so you should politely repeat your request at check in. Near the pool & lobby building, and near a bus stop are good general requests to add to your reservation (if that's what you want). Better to be general rather than very specific.

4. When does the Extra Magic Hours schedule come out? We're going next April.

As Deb & Bill posted, park hours, incl EMH have been coming out about 3 months ahead of time

5. Does Southwest participate in DME now?

SWA is currently doing a pilot/trial. Currently, that is taking place only for Pop Century guests. Hopefully, the trial will be successful and the service expanded to all WDW on-site resorts. I'm sure any expansion will be noted on the Transportation Board as soon as it happens.

6. When can I make dining reservations? Do I need a reservation number from Disney to make them earlier?

As Deb& Bill posted, you may make dining reservations 90 days in advance. If you want to make the reservations for your entire trip on that first call, you'll need the actual DVC confirmation number (not the RCI number. You can get that from MS when you call. Otherwise, you just call 90 days in advance of the day you want the reservation.

I appreciate any information or advice!!

Thanks!
Goofygirl

Congrats on the trade. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay.

 

[LisaS]

5. Does Southwest participate in DME now?

Southwest passengers have always been able to take advantage of DME's luggage delivery service from the airport to their hotel, provided you put the yellow DME tags on your bags.

SWA has started a pilot program at Pop Century for flight and baggage check-in for your return flight. According to posts #6 and #8 on this thread on the Transportation board: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788 you can take advantage of resort airline check in even if you are not taking the DME bus back to the airport. So if the program is expanded to SSR in time for your trip, it sounds like you could check in for your flight and send your bags to the airport courtesy of RAC, even if you are going to the airport in a rental car.