Express Question -- HELP!

[LoveRafiki]

Okay -- we're officially checking in to VWL on 12/2 (Sat) but we're flying down on Friday and staying off site for 1 night (save DVC points).

We will have a car -- but with 6 people, we will not be able to get all of us and luggage in car.

I'd like to use Magic Express just to get 2-3 of us to WVL (or any DW hotel) and pick them up from there.

I'm in a short window now also --

Can I call and get a reservation for transportation to a resort? Do they match up your name and a resvervation number?

I'm not really trying to "scam" --- I just need the bus ride a day early. I don't need them to hold luggage -- we'll pick it up. Just might want the stroller and a few bags to go under the bus....

THOUGHTS?

 

[LoveRafiki]

What is phone number for calling about magic express?

Thx

 

[seashoreCM]

You may reserve Magical Express for, and take it, no sooner than your resort check in date.

Magical Express hot line number: toll free 866-599-0951

Although the rule is that you need to make the ME reservation 10 days in advance for going to the resort, shorter notice has been accommodated. Do ask. For going home or making changes, one day in advance is sufficient.

It's not that long a ride. Some of you won't mind holding luggage on your laps would you?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/magicx.htm

 

[kaytieeldr]

Or packing lighter (since you'll have a washer and dryer in your VWL unit)?
Or renting a larger vehicle?
Or getting two rooms (or a family suite) at an All Star resort for that first night?
Or paying for a couple of people, and some luggage, to use Mears to get to your first-night hotel, then move over to VWL in two trips?

And you're flying home on a participating airline, right, so all this juggling won't be necessary on the way home?

 

[goofy4tink]

You can really call and make DME reservations almost right up to the day of travel. It's the need to print out luggage tags and get your info packet mailed to you that they make the time allowances for.
So....if there are some of you that would rather take DME than the rental, this is what you need to do. According to DME, anyone arriving at MCO and staying at a WDW resort is entitled to a ride to, and from, their resort. Find a flight that comes into MCO at about the time you need to be there...say your group is going to drop you off at the MCO at about 9:00 am, and then they will make the drive to WDW. You need to find a flight that arrives about 8-8:30ish. When you get to the airport, just head to the DME checkin desk, get your vouchers, hop on the bus. Anyone that is going to ride with you must also be listed on the reservation for DME.
This is not scamming them...you are entitled to it. Would Disney rather you didn't rent a car? Sure, they want to keep you on site rather than have you heading off to a grocery store or a different theme park. But, even if some in your party rent a car, others can still ride DME. Just be sure to make the reservations for those who want to ride the bus.

But, you can not do this before you checkin day at WDW. They will ask you for your reservation number. It is tied into this number. So, if you are arriving in Orlando on the 2nd but not checking into your DVC resort until the 3rd, you have to take the bus on the 3rd. You can not ride it on the 2nd.