How early does ME run?

[chimilady]

We are thinking of booking an 8am flight home, which means a 5:15 pick up would be needed. Does Magical Express run that early? Should I look for a later flight?

 

[backyardponder]

DME runs 24X7. You'll probably have a 5AM pick up. You won't be able to check your bags at the resort but will take them with you on the bus.

 

[maxiesmom]

And you still need to be at the bus stop 15 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Buses do come early, even in the wee hours of the morning.

 

[chimilady]

So if I have to take them myself to the airport, does this mean that they won't be checked in for me? Will I have to check in at the airport? We fly Southwest.

 

[seashoreCM]

You would bring all your bags to the Magical Express bus. At the airport the bags are unloaded, tips are appreciated, and you bring the bags in and check them in at the counter just as at any other airport.

This procedure will work for all airlines at all hours when leaving Disney.

 

[goofy4tink]

So if I have to take them myself to the airport, does this mean that they won't be checked in for me? Will I have to check in at the airport? We fly Southwest.

Yep. The RAC counter (remote airline checkin) doesn't open until 5am..and you have to be completely done with your checkin no less than 3 hrs prior to flight departure..that means bags checked, boarding passes in hand, walking away from the counter. If you have a flight that departs much before 8:30am, it isn't going to work for you.

So, you would then just take your bags to the DME bus stop with you..they will be stowed beneath the bus you are riding on, and handed to you when you get off the bus at your terminal. You will then go to the checkin counter to check the bags..same as you do at your home airport.

If you get a flight that departs any time after 8:30am, you're good to go..and yes, that's including SW..you can check the bags at the RAC counter and head off to the bus stop from there.

 

[chimilady]

Thanks for all of your replies. It helps.