Magical Express--For those who did NOT get tags, what's the final word on what to do?

[chicky monkey]

I know there have been several posts about the problems regarding ME and the fact that so many are going to be without their luggage tags when they arrive. But I'm getting confused because I have heard/read so many things, I don't really know what I "should" or "should not" do.

Does anyone know the "final word" on what we are supposed to do when we get off the plane--after riding the monorail?

Does ME want us to check in with them first, then give them our baggage claim ticket so THEY can retreive our luggage for us?----or

Does ME want us to go ahead and retreive our own luggage and bring it with us to check in at their Welcome Center, where they will take our luggage from us at that point and secure it on their bus/truck whatever for arrival at our resort?

Another question: Even if they have our baggage claim ticket, how exactly do they ensure they have the right bag? Do they match the code on the baggage claim ticket to the barcoded tag on our luggage piece?

Thoughts...educated guesses...anything is welcome at this point.

 

[buckylarue]

One person reported being told that the ME reps at the airport would go with them to baggage claim, the person and the rep would find the bags together and the rep would see that the bags got to the right resort, either on the bus or on the truck with the tagged luggage. I guess we'll know for sure when the first reports come in from folks arriving there today!

 

[chicky monkey]

Thanks buckylarue~I really can't wait to read the reports that will hopefully be coming in very soon. I leave on Sunday and don't have my tags yet...so I am kinda on the edge of my seat here.

Let's hope for some news soon...

 

[Dagny]

A ME guide should be waiting for you at your gate. He/She will be waiving a big Mickey hand to you as identification. (s)he will escort you to the Welcome Center (located in the baggage claim area) where you will turn over your bag claim numbers so that ME can identify and pick up your luggage for you. In addition, they will provide you with luggage tags for your return trip while you are there. (Note: anyone *with* tags is supposed to go the Welcome Center as well).

Please note that your luggage may not arrive to your room for several hours after you check-in so be sure to bring a carry-on with anything you may need to check-in, freshen up and head to the parks in there!

Good luck!

 

[chicky monkey]

Thank you, Dagny...it's so nice having this information...now I can relax a little.

Have a good day!

 

[bytheblood]

When you call DME - there is a big long message explaining the tag issue and what to do. I think there is nothing to stress about and you certainly do not want to allow this to start your vacation off on a bad foot. I will make the best of it either way.

 

[chicky monkey]

Well, a thank you, to you too bytheblood. I just called the ME number and listened to the taped message you told me about.

I appreciate your encouragement and you are right, I will not let this keep me from enjoying my vacation. My smile is getting bigger already.

 

[bytheblood]

I am glad you feel better. Glad I could spread some sunshine. You are going to have a wonderful time....even if you are sweating until you get those tags.

 

[seashoreCM]

What you should do:

If you call to verify your ME status or give your flight number, request a written confirmation but at least get the name of the person you talked to.

Tie three or four brightly colored ribbons all the same color (lime green?) on each of your suitcases, not so long that they could get tangled with things.

Bring pencil and paper and copy down all the codes and numbers (not the bar code) on your baggage claim checks, while in flight.

When you arrive in Orlando, report to the Magical Express welcoming area, the Disney hosts at the airport should be directing you there.

Do not ask if you have a Magical Express reservation. Instead assume you have one and act as if you have one.

For checked baggage, one of these things can happen first: (1) A Disney host will take your claim checks and arrange to get the baggage without you. (2) A Disney host will accompany you to baggage claim, or (3) You will be directed to go claim your baggage yourself.

One of these things can happen second if you have claimed your checked baggage yourself: (4) you may be told to "recheck" the baggage with Magical Express at any time as you make your way to the welcoming area or to the bus. (5) You may still have your baggage when you get to the bus and will be told to put the baggage under the passenger cabin.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/magicx.htm

 

[bytheblood]

I called and was told that if you claim your own baggage, you cannot bring it on the bus with you and they will not allow you in the queues with luggage.

 

[thedish]

Another post said that they had to wait 5 hours for the luggage to get to the room.