How long should I expect to wait

[matlock42373]

I was just wondering how long I should expect to be without my luggage when using the DME. My flight arrives at MCO at 1:29 pm and I am wondering 3 things? 1. What time will I be at my hotel with that arrival time and 2. What time should I expect my bags? 3. How much do you tip the Bell Boy?
I want to eat dinner at DTD should I bother with a reservation or try to walk right in at BONGOS. I love the food there.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

1. What time will I be at my hotel with that arrival time

If you go directly from your arrival gate to the DME "Welcome" Check-in Desk, you should be at your resort in 50-90 minutes (average 70 minutes). The actual time depends on how long you need to wait for a motorcoach to your resort and whether you are the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd stop.

In my three experiences with DME, it's taken me 50 minutes, 60 minutes, and, most recently, 90 minutes. (It seems we just missed a motorcoach departure to our resort and had to wait 20 minutes for the next one; then we stopped at two other resorts before we arrived at our resort.)

However, when planning for other things on your arrival day, keep in mind that flight delays are common. Also, resort room check in can take a half hour, and then it takes time to get to your room.

2. What time should I expect my bags?

The bags will be delivered to your room 2-6 hours after you land, assuming your room is ready. If you pack a carry-on with anything that you need right away (such as swimwear or theme park wear), it really doesn't matter. You don't have to be in your room when your luggage is delivered. Last time, our luggage was delivered while we were out at night, so I have no idea how long it really took.

3. How much do you tip the Bell Boy?

For DME luggage delivery, Disney tips the bellman! That's why the bellmen deliver even if you're not in your room. This assumes that you use DME as designed, by tagging your bags with the yellow DME tags before you check them at your home airport.

If you get assistance with any bags that you brought onto the DME motorcoach, then it's appropriate to tip the motorcoach driver and the bellman ($1-2 per bag, each).

 

[TAKitty]

I was just wondering how long I should expect to be without my luggage when using the DME. My flight arrives at MCO at 1:29 pm and I am wondering 3 things? 1. What time will I be at my hotel with that arrival time and 2. What time should I expect my bags? 3. How much do you tip the Bell Boy?
I want to eat dinner at DTD should I bother with a reservation or try to walk right in at BONGOS. I love the food there.

With a bathroom break it took us 6 minutes to reach the DME desk. Check in is usually quick, it is the wait for your bus to leave which takes a long tim e. We have also found that it usually is 60 minutes from landing to resort. At least for our last 4 trips. I have had our bags arrive 1 and a half to three hours after landing. They really have improved the luggage. Why don't you forget about your bags and go to lunch/dinner. It is so nice to go back to the room and see your things there. As for the reservation, if they take them I find it is always helpful to have one. We are arriving at MCO at 3:30 and eatting at MK by 6:30. We have never had a problem making it in time.

 

[FlyingBelle]

The 3 times I've used Magical Express my wait time for the bus hasn't been longer than 10 minutes (WL and POR).

The bags however, can take hours - so be prepared and put a few essentials in your carryon bag.

 

[MdmMim]

I was unlucky with my DME experience last week. It took me 2 hours from touchdown to reach my resort (ASMo). The DME desk was where the big hold up was, as I waited only 5 minutes for the bus.

I then had to stand 1.25 hours in the check-in line at the hotel. It was a Saturday, so there were many other people traveling. I won't be arriving on a weekend anymore.