Magical Express Logistics Question

[Leia's Mom]

We are new DVC's owners (best DH in the universe gave me points for my 20th wedding anniversary). We managed to switch our spring break trip over to our home resort (AKL) and use points that were banked by the previous owner (WIN! WIN!). We typically drive for a number of reasons. After we got everything worked out, the 17 year old tells me that she has a winter guard competition on the Saturday we arrive. She's captain, so she can't miss it. And, she's a Disneyphile who has chosen Disney World over the band trip the same week (breakfast with Pooh that week to celebrate her birthday). So, long story short, she's going to meet us there on Sunday. My question is whether we can schedule Magical Express to bring her from the airport to the resort on Sunday (even though we check in on Saturday). We are giving some dedicated time to the 11 year old on Saturday and Sunday morning, and I would prefer not to spend the time driving to and from the airport if there is an easy way to have her ferried safely to our hotel.

I know we can use a towncar; however, we would just go pick her up in lieu of that.

Thanks!

 

[Sur]

I'm not sure of the details, but I know she can. This year the minimum age to take DME alone is 12, and since I don't know of any 12 year olds that vacation alone, there is a way to do what you need. I'll be watching to learn from others also.

 

[DebbieB]

Yes, I've had friends arrive on different days many times and they took ME.

 

[CarolMN]

As long as your 17 year old is listed on the reservation, she can use ME, even if her arrival (and/or departure) dates are not the same as yours. You can set it up yourself online through the DVC Member website, or you can call MS and have the CM do it. (Then after a week or so, you can call ME direct and confirm that everything was entered correctly. You don't have to do that, but I'd do that for my child traveling alone, LOL).

Once your daughter arrives at MCO, she just has to find the ME area (lots of people around to help if she needs it) and then she's "home" free. FWIW, I'd suggest you take her checked bag with you if possible, so all she has to worry about is her carry-on. Obviously, if needed, you can text or call each other at the "critical" times.

Have fun!

 

[Judique]

We do this all the time. My kids vacations don't coincide with mine but they do weekends plus an extra day or two and fly in and out.

Just call or email MS with the flight info and dates and they will set it up. I've even set up departures from the resort at different times while there, such as when I had split stays.

It's all pretty easy and best of all, free!

 

[disneynutz]

You can schedule DME per person if necessary. Different arrival dates, airports, and departure dates.

We schedule via the member website, letting MS do their thing and follow up by calling DME to verify the reservation, (866) 599-0951.

On several occasions we had DME correct info entered incorrectly by MS.

Bill

 

[willidc]

We have a son who is a chef and can only join us for a few days of our annual F&W trip. He comes several days after our arrival and from a different state and returns home before we do. Never had a problem. But as someone mentioned, be sure the name is on your reservation well before departure from home.

We also just finished a family Christmas 12/19 - 12/27. Party of eight on three different flights from three different cities over two travel days. We put everything in on MS website and followed up with verification. No problems.

All of the information is on the Magic Bands, but the voucher books are sent to member address as well. Good to have a backup. If everyone is at one address, no issues. We had four different addresses, so the voucher book had to be sent to us since they said they only mail to one address for entire party. Then we took out the vouchers for the others and mailed them to the other cities.

Never had a problem getting to the resort.

 

[Leia's Mom]

Thanks, everybody. I figured there was a way to do it. I definitely planned on taking her luggage, so all she has to do is get through the process. I might even get her TSA Precheck beforehand just to make it easier on her. She's a very responsible 17 year old, and I know I needn't worry THAT much, but it is hard to let them start to leave the nest . . .

 

[bumbershoot]

I like doing it online myself: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/airport-transportation-reservation/

Doing it through the MS link hasn't been seamless for me in the past.

She'll be OK. Gosh, I was 17 and a freshman in college 2 states from my mom, then she remarried and moved across the country. First flight I took alone was from Seattle to Miami with a changeover at about 2am in Chicago! I wasn't even a very mature 17 year old, but I was fine. It'll be OK.