For the Magical Express Experts

[thefigueroas]

My family and I haven't been to WDW since 2004 before the Magical Express started. We are possibly going in May and will be staying at Pop Century if my husband's deployment orders go through. I understand the actual physical process. What I am wondering is, what do you all suggest to bring in our carryon with us? We will most probably be landing anywhere from 10am - 2pm (depending on newly scheduled flight once we are able to cancel September trip) so what would most benefit us? Any and all help would be appreciated. Also, what did you WISH you had brought with you in your carry on would also help. That way I can benefit from your mistakes!

 

[bradk]

at that hour, i can't imagine you needing anything in carryon. luggage delivery can be anywhere between 2-8 hours from *landing*, but realistically, 2-3 hours in most cases.

if you want to go to a park or DTD or wherever, feel free and I'd be extremely confident your yellow tagged bags will be in your room when you get back.

otherwise you can lounge around in the room (assuming you can get one at that hour) and you'll eventually hear a knock at the door delivering the bags to you. just remember, DME includes tips, so if you do see the guy delivering your bags, it's taken care of.

and as i write all this, i do correct myself. if you plan on going swimming, all that should be brought with you on carryon. unfortunately, sun block cannot be brought on carryon, so if you need it, you'll have to buy some at the resort gift shop.

 

[CleveRocks]

Sorry, but I disagree with most of what bradk said.

The entire idea of DME is that you DON'T need to wait in your room for your luggage to arrive. It gets delivered to the inside of your room whether you're in there or not. That's the beauty of it. If you are waiting in your room exclusively to wait for your luggage then you are wasting time!

And you most certainly CAN bring sunscreen in your carry-on bag. It's just that each container you bring can't be any larger than 3 ounces.

I agree with brad about swim stuff.

Just think of it this way. What will you need for your first 24 hours? BRING THAT. I say the first day, as insurance against the AIRLINE delaying your luggage. It happens. Protect yourself against it by taking your needs for the 1st 24 hours. Change of clothes, PJs, toiletries in allowable sizes, medications, camera, cellphone charger, etc.

 

[clkelley]

For a daytime arrival like that, I personally would be park ready. I would have what I was going to wear to the park that afternoon. Have my walking shoes on already, and head straight for the parks.

We do have carryons, but it would be the computer stuff, camera, and hubby's CPAP and medication. That stuff is left with bell services.

We would then arrive back at our room 10-11pm and our luggage would be in the room and we would go to bed.

A lot depends on what you want to do on arrival day. If you want to swim at the resort pool, have your swimming stuff and a towel. If you want to go out to a nice dinner and want to wear a nice clothes, bring that.

For our late night arrival, we have our night clothes, our clothes for the next morning, our toothbrushes, hairbrush, and hubby's razor.

 

[bradk]

to be clear, i never said you HAD to wait for it. I just said if you FELT like LOUNGING around in the room, you can expect a knock on the door.

i advocate going to the parks. that's what i do.

 

[thefigueroas]

Thanks for all the help. I never thought about it but the suggestion to pack for 24 hours is an excellent idea. My family are the poster children for Murphy's Law. If something can break, delay, get lost, or otherwise put a crimp in plans it will happen to us. We roll with it but have acknowledged our wee bit of bad luck! This way at least we have a little lee way in case of a loss. Thanks for the tip!

 

[KimAshton]

This past week, I was at disney and it took about 3 and a half hours to get my luggage. so plan accordingly.

 

[CleveRocks]

This past week, I was at disney and it took about 3 and a half hours to get my luggage. so plan accordingly.

That actually sounds right on-target. Disney's own DME literature says they aim to get you your luggage within 3 hours of arrival at your resort.

 

[goofy4tink]

My family and I haven't been to WDW since 2004 before the Magical Express started. We are possibly going in May and will be staying at Pop Century if my husband's deployment orders go through. I understand the actual physical process. What I am wondering is, what do you all suggest to bring in our carryon with us? We will most probably be landing anywhere from 10am - 2pm (depending on newly scheduled flight once we are able to cancel September trip) so what would most benefit us? Any and all help would be appreciated. Also, what did you WISH you had brought with you in your carry on would also help. That way I can benefit from your mistakes!

Besides any of the stuff you'll need for the flight, you should bring a change of clothes, any meds your family needs. I always bring clean undies, shorts/teeshirts, swim suits for each person. This way we can change out of your traveling clothes into more suitable clothing for the parks or for a quick swim. I like to have a travel size of suntan lotion with me, also a toothbrush/paste, and a hairbrush. It just feels good to freshen up a bit. If your room isn't ready for you, then you can head to a restroom.