Magical Express Bag Wait?

[jackattacked]

The last couple of times we've used Magical Express, we've had really long delays in getting our luggage. I'd say we've been averaging five hours and then having to go retrieve them from the bell desk ourselves. And it's not even a busy season - these were February and October trips.

Is this the norm now? I'm wondering if we're better off getting our own bags and bringing them to the bus.

 

[seashoreCM]

The goal is the same, for the bags to get to your room within 3 hours after you can.

If your airline mishandles your bags and they get in late, you probably won't know that except for the added time it takes for the bags to get to your room.

Were some of your bags delivered sooner, or were all of them delayed?

Except for the actual DME delivery to your room for which you need not be there, tips are appreciated by every person, including the bus driver, who handles your bags.

 

[lylone]

We always get our own bags. It doesn't seem to take all that long to end up on the carousel after the flight lands. And then there is no question when the bags will arrive and if not who lost them!

 

[IhrkeFamily]

And remember it's 3 hours after you check in at the hotel, not after you land. We made that mistake last time and didn't get our luggage until midnight. I just need to remember to pack things needed within that 3 hours in a carry on.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've never had that long a wait for my bags, even during Spring Break or over the 4th of July. Keep in mind the delivery window is 3-4 hours after checking in to your resort, not after your plan lands.

To me, not having to go get my bags and schlep them to the bus is the best part of DME. I can't imagine getting them if I didn't have to.

 

[EMAW_KSU]

To me, not having to go get my bags and schlep them to the bus is the best part of DME. I can't imagine getting them if I didn't have to.

I agree.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

My last vacation I had to wait several hours for my bags and I really needed a change of clothes (yeah I should have had something with me but I didn't) and that due to complications with the room and whatnot...I'd rather just grab my bag when I land and deal with it on my own.

 

[maxiesmom]

My last vacation I had to wait several hours for my bags and I really needed a change of clothes (yeah I should have had something with me but I didn't)

:

That's it! You are here-by banned from giving advice on the transportation board for one week!!! How could you???

 

[sam_gordon]

And remember it's 3 hours after you check in at the hotel, not after you land. We made that mistake last time and didn't get our luggage until midnight. I just need to remember to pack things needed within that 3 hours in a carry on.

You should actually pack everything you need for the first 24 hours or so in a carry on. Take DME out of it for a moment. What would you do if the airline misdirected your luggage? That's FAR more likely than DME being the cause of a delay.

 

[goofy4tink]

The last couple of times we've used Magical Express, we've had really long delays in getting our luggage. I'd say we've been averaging five hours and then having to go retrieve them from the bell desk ourselves. And it's not even a busy season - these were February and October trips.

Is this the norm now? I'm wondering if we're better off getting our own bags and bringing them to the bus.

Times can vary depending on where you're staying and your time of arrival. Also, remember....it's 3-4 hrs after resort checkin, not checkin for DME at MCO!! Many people tend to think it's airport checkin time.
If you're at a value resort, then baggage delivery isn't going to be as speedy as other level of resorts. I've had my longest wait times at Pop!!! Close to 6 hrs one time!!! They do not bring bags out as they arrive. They have scheduled luggage delivery runs.
Then, if it's later in the day, especially at a value resort, it will take longer still.
There is no reason to have to go to Bell Services to get your bags...that defeats the purpose. Just call and inquire.

My last vacation I had to wait several hours for my bags and I really needed a change of clothes (yeah I should have had something with me but I didn't) and that due to complications with the room and whatnot...I'd rather just grab my bag when I land and deal with it on my own.

OH....the shame of it all!!! You know better....
Always carry a change of clothes and anything you may want for those first 6 hrs in your carryon bag...shame!!!!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I had my glasses and contacts stuff, all my meds, all my paperwork and I don't take a true carry on, this particular trip I just had a large purse. I wasn't expecting my breakfast to decide it needed to see the light of day again!

 

[maxiesmom]

I had my glasses and contacts stuff, all my meds, all my paperwork and I don't take a true carry on, this particular trip I just had a large purse. I wasn't expecting my breakfast to decide it needed to see the light of day again!

Not good!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

It took 6 hours at Pop last week and only because I went down to luggage service to complain! They tried to tell me it was just arriving from the airport at 4pm, when we had checked into Pop at 10:30am. "Magically" it appeared in my room as we were walking back from our complaint...
Otherwise, it has always appeared in about 3 hours.

 

[goofy4tink]

I had my glasses and contacts stuff, all my meds, all my paperwork and I don't take a true carry on, this particular trip I just had a large purse. I wasn't expecting my breakfast to decide it needed to see the light of day again!

Not good, not good at all!! Sorry.

It took 6 hours at Pop last week and only because I went down to luggage service to complain! They tried to tell me it was just arriving from the airport at 4pm, when we had checked into Pop at 10:30am. "Magically" it appeared in my room as we were walking back from our complaint...
Otherwise, it has always appeared in about 3 hours.

Funny thing but that was our exact experience a few years ago!! Checked into Pop, our room was ready, around 11ish. But, since my idiot dd (the older one) decided to ignore my instructions as to what to pack in her carryon, and had only shoes with her, we had to hang at the resort, until the bags came....around 4:30ish!! And they told us that the bags had just arrived from the airport as well. Yeah, likely story Pop luggage handlers.

 

[OKW Lover]

You should actually pack everything you need for the first 24 hours or so in a carry on. Take DME out of it for a moment. What would you do if the airline misdirected your luggage? That's FAR more likely than DME being the cause of a delay.

A wise precaution. This is something that regular travelers do as a matter of course.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I appreciate your sympathy It was a brutal flight

 

[brenda1966]

I just bring our bags with us. Actually, we pack light so only do carry on now, but in the past if we have a later flight, I want my bags before 11pm, so I get them myself.

Yes, it's a nice surprise to getback to your room and find your bags there. But it's a total drag to get back to your room and they are not there and you have kids wanting pajamas, etc.

 

[maxiesmom]

I just bring our bags with us. Actually, we pack light so only do carry on now, but in the past if we have a later flight, I want my bags before 11pm, so I get them myself.

Yes, it's a nice surprise to getback to your room and find your bags there. But it's a total drag to get back to your room and they are not there and you have kids wanting pajamas, etc.

Which is why, if you check luggage at all (letting ME pick them up or not) it is wise to pack for 24 hours in your carry-on. The airlines are more likely to misdirect your luggage than ME is to lose it.

It only took one trip of me waiting for our bags until midnight to figure that out.