I can take my luggage on ME?

[ladyv]

Is this correct? I don't have to check my luggage at my home airport and then magically wait for it to arrive in my room? I can collect it myself at MCO and then take it to the bus with me?

Has anyone else done this? This sounds really appealing, but I also don't want to be a pain in the patoot and have tons of people look at me, eyes rolled, thinking - "Oh, look at that special snowflake - she thinks she's too good to let Disney handle her luggage."

But then again....the more control I have over my own luggage, the better I feel about it. Plus, we'll already have to take a stroller / diaper bag / purse / laptop on the plane and I don't particularly want to carry a huge carry on full of extra clothes, etc.

 

[Jestocost]

Yes, you can do this. Just be sure NOT to put the DME tags on your bags. It will end up taking you at least 20 minutes longer to get to your resort if you do this vs. having DME handle your bags. Depending on what airline you are flying and what side of the airport your bags come in, you could have a pretty long hike from baggage claim to the DME Welcome Center.

You also should plan to tip the bus driver about $1 per bag that's stowed under the bus and to tip any bell services CMs at the resort for storing your luggage or taking it to your room for you. If you use DME's luggage service, all tips would be included (unless some of your carry on had to be stowed under the bus for the trip, then a tip for the driver would be appropriate).

 

[TheWog]

Yes, you can do this and many people do. You won't actually be bringing it onboard the bus with you either. They will stow it for you down below. Not a problem at all.

 

[goofy4tink]

But be ready for those rolling eyes! I know that the longest trip I have had to date (total of about 7) was the time I was at POP. There were at least 4 families that boarded the bus at MCO with at least 2 bags pp!! For whatever reason, they felt it important to have their bags with them. Understand...those 4 or so families each had at least 4 people in each family. And as I said, each person had two bags...so we're looking at about 32 bags having to be stowed under the bus...in addition to the carryon bags that others brough. And there were probably a few families that has fewer checked bags with them...I was just so astounded by those families with huge amounts of luggage that I didn't notice the others!!
A trip that normally should have taken about 70 mins, took close to 90 mins. Granted, we did go to AKL first, then to CSR, and finally to POP. But rather than spend about 5 mins at each resort (letting guests off the bus and handing them their few smaller bags from under the bus), we now had to sit at the first two resorts for about 10-15 mins each...while the driver held everyone on the bus until he removed all the bags from under the bus, that were for that particular resort. Then, he made sure that the bags went to the right person....hoping for that tip, I'm sure. Then, it got repeated at the next stop.

So...yes, others may give you the hairy eyeball. Does that mean you shouldn't bring your bags with you? No, not at all. Just realize that your bringing your checked bags with you will impact others.

 

[crashbb]

You should always have anything you need for the next 24 hours in your carry-on, whether using DME or not. The risk of your luggage being delayed due to the airline/airport is greater than a long delay due to DME.

 

[SassyCat]

We are using backpacks only (relatively small - not bulky). Since these are our carry on and we will have them with us, will they need to be stored under the bus, or can we have them with us on the bus? Thanks

 

[Jestocost]

We are using backpacks only (relatively small - not bulky). Since these are our carry on and we will have them with us, will they need to be stored under the bus, or can we have them with us on the bus? Thanks

Those probably do not need to go below the bus. Smaller carry-on bags can go at your feet or on an open shelf above the seats.

 

[Lewisc]

We are using backpacks only (relatively small - not bulky). Since these are our carry on and we will have them with us, will they need to be stored under the bus, or can we have them with us on the bus? Thanks

Unlike airlines DME buses don't have large overhead bins for bags. There isn't that much room under your seat. Bags that are small enough to go on your lap or on the floor in front of you are OK but many (most) of the bags that are carryon for the airlines wind up going under the bus.

A normal tip for a courtesy driver, who handles your luggage, is $1-$2 per bag.

 

[TheWog]

Backpacks will be able to go onboard with you at your seat.

 

[SassyCat]

Thanks for the answers!!!

 

[Jestocost]

One thing that hasn't been addressed and is worth mentioning, since the OP didn't indicate what time their flight is arriving, is that the luggage transfer service only is available for flights arriving between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. If you arrive later than 10:00 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. (regardless of when you were SCHEDULED to arrive), you will have to collect your bags and take them to the bus with you no matter what.

 

[clkelley]

But then again....the more control I have over my own luggage, the better I feel about it. Plus, we'll already have to take a stroller / diaper bag / purse / laptop on the plane and I don't particularly want to carry a huge carry on full of extra clothes, etc.

You still need to have the carryon of extra clothes.

Here is the scenario. You don't tag your checkin luggage, wait at the carousel for 30-40 minutes and no bags, PLUS no emergency supplies.

YOU then have to deal with a less than friendly airport employee to find your stuff. Turns out it was sent to Kalamazoo, MI instead of Orlando. We're so sorry, but it will be delivered to your hotel sometime tomorrow and you have to return to your hotel when we call and deliver it. So now it is over an hour after landing, you have no checked luggage and no emergency carryon luggage. Disney stuff is expensive, so you need to rent a car or take a cab to get to Wal-Mart/KMart, whatever to purchase your next 24 hours of stuff. Several hours after landing you finally arrive at your resort, tired and grumpy and haven't done a single Disney thing.

Yellow tag scenario. You head directly to the DME bus with your carryons and 24 hours of emergency supplies. You get to your resort and go off and enjoy your day. When you return to your room, you see no luggage. You call Bell Services, and ask where your luggage is.

The reply from Disney, "Oh we noticed that your luggage was not scanned by our system and we contacted the airline and tracked it down. Unfortunately it was misdirected by the airline, but will be at Orlando airport by in the morning. We will retrieve it as soon as it arrives and get it delivered to your resort room while you are out and about. Do you need a voucher for a change of clothing or any other necesseties to make your stay more enjoyable until your luggage arrives??"

You can then take their voucher for a free Disney shirt, and hop into your pajamas that your brought with you in your carryon, and have a good night sleep.

Personally, scenario #2 would be my choice