Magical Express question

[jlx2]

We booked a last minute trip for a week from today. I added the Magical Express and since it was so last minute there is no time for Disney to get us our Magical Express luggage tags or paperwork. (Luckily we're just having carry on luggage anyway so we wouldn't need the luggage tags/transfers to our room). This is our first time ever using this service and I am a little nervous that they will not let us on the bus since I don't have any paperwork or confirmation in writing that we are indeed signed up. The woman that I made the magical express reservation with said not to worry it was linked to our room reservation. Has anyone ever done Magical Express with out any paperwork in hand? Could someone give me a play by play of what happens after we get off the plane? I was told to go to the lower level of terminal A. Do I just find the bus marked Saratoga Springs or is there a reception desk area we need to check in with first? How long after you land until you are at your resort usually? Thank you so much in advance!

 

[DisneyTeacher]

There is a check in area that you will have to go to before getting in line for your bus. I am sure they will print any paper work you need there. We used DME a couple of weeks ago and we were at our resort 48 minutes after we stepped off our plane.

 

[CleveRocks]

There is a "reception area" called the DME Welcome Center in the area you described. EVERYONE must check in there. They'll ask if your luggage has DME tags and you'll tell them no. They'll ask you for your baggage claim ticket numbers, and also ask you to identify your bags from a series of photos they have of every make and model of luggage known to man. With this info, they'll have a CM go to baggage claim, claim your bags for you, and then they'll tag them and send them on their way with the rest of the DME luggage. It'll show up in your resort room (whether you're there or not) a few hours later, so pack accordingly in your carry-on.

At the DME Welcome Center, they'll also give you your bus vouchers, as well as point out which bus queue to get in; the bus queues are inside the nice air conditioned terminal. Each bus will hold people from between one and four resorts. Your line will go outside and board the appropriate bus when you are told to do so. You may ask to have your carry-ons stored under the bus by the driver, or you may take them on the bus; however, they're only allowed on the bus if they're small enough to fit under your own seat or on the overhead shelf. If the driver handles your bags, it is appropriate to tip.

If you happen to be in your room when your luggage arrives (BUT DON'T BE!!! GET OUT AND PLAY!!! ), it won't be necessary to tip the CM making the delivery, as that person has already been "pre-tipped" by Disney.

I enjoyed using DME in its infancy last May, and I'll be using it again in November. Last May, it took 53 minutes from the time I got into the DME Welcome Center line until I was dropped off at CBR.

ENJOY!

 

[jlx2]

Thank you so much for your reply! I feel a lot better knowing what to expect.

 

[legalslave]

If you would feel better to have something printed, and you made your reservation through Disney, go to www.disneyworld.com, click on "my vacations" and register (if you haven't already). Then enter your reservation number and phone number where indicated. Your reservation will come up, along with the DME request. You can print that out and take it with you.

 

[jlx2]

Thanks for the advice, but we are vacation club members so I made the reservation through them. I tried and can't pull up the info. on the Disney web site.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for the advice, but we are vacation club members so I made the reservation through them. I tried and can't pull up the info. on the Disney web site.

Check over on the DVC website. I'm looking at my DME reservation through them as we speak. After I made the reservations, I went to the site and printed it off. I'm not sure, since it was awhile ago, whether I reserved on-line or via the phone though. But, it's worth a try.
But, I wouldn't worry. I did the exact same thing you are doing last August. I got nothing before we traveled and it worked out fine. Just check-in at the check-in area, they will give you your bus vouchers and then head for the appropriate bus line. Have a terrific trip!!!