Magical Express Question

[mulderxcoltrane]

Hello everyone,

On our upcoming trip - we will not have a rental car so we booked magical express.
Yesterday - a friend of ours who lives in the area said he can pick us up at the airport.
Can we have him pick us up and let our luggage go to our resort with ME?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not according to the Magical Express policies, available at disneyworld.com

 

[vod2117]

Dont Use Magical Express. It Is Awful. We Had To Wait For Our Luggage 5 Hours And The Driver Was Awful. Dont Use It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mulderxcoltrane]

Dont Use Magical Express. It Is Awful. We Had To Wait For Our Luggage 5 Hours And The Driver Was Awful. Dont Use It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't have a choice. It's free and we don't know if my friend can get ahold of a cars eat for our 2-year old.

 

[Edd]

Disney will take care of your luggage if it has the yellow tags on it, whether you ride the Magical Express or not. It is one of the benefits of reserving at the Disney resorts.

Disney by contract with the Orlando International Airport picks up all luggage that has their resort yellow tags on them. There are all kinds of rumors floating around saying no, but the Disney contract with the airport overrules all rumors.

It was a great cruise.

 

[kimmar067]

....DARN, I wish it was available for S/D, wen we arrive in two weeks....

 

[gigi1313]

Disney will take care of your luggage if it has the yellow tags on it, whether you ride the Magical Express or not. It is one of the benefits of reserving at the Disney resorts.

Disney by contract with the Orlando International Airport picks up all luggage that has their resort yellow tags on them. There are all kinds of rumors floating around saying no, but the Disney contract with the airport overrules all rumors.

It was a great cruise.

according to their policy this information is incorrect... at least one member of the party must travel via DME in order for the luggage to be transported...

 

[Edd]

Gigi1313,

And, where is this policy printed and how did you find it??? This question has been discussed many times on the board. It seems like that policy, one person has to ride the bus, has been developed by the participants on this board and CM's who favor Disney, highly, in complete disregard of the actual contract signed between Disney and the Orlando International Airport on luggage transfer.

 

[CleveRocks]

Gigi1313,

And, where is this policy printed and how did you find it??? This question has been discussed many times on the board. It seems like that policy, one person has to ride the bus, has been developed by the participants on this board and CM's who favor Disney, highly, in complete disregard of the actual contract signed between Disney and the Orlando International Airport on luggage transfer.

Edd,

I have trusted your reporting of the wording of the contract between Disney and GOAA. I haven't doubted you. And I've never read a single report contradicting the reality of the situation.

However, you continually disrespect me (and perhaps others) with the wording of some of your responses. I believe I was the first one to report on Disney's verbally-stated policy. I didn't "develop" the policy, as you mistakenly and rudely put it ... I called DME about it several times, on several different shifts over several days, and received that consistent response. It was told to me by Disney.

I have not disregarded your reporting of the reality of the situation. I recognize the reality of the situation. But don't you dare accuse me of making up what I was consistently told by Disney (even if their response is B.S.).

You have the facts, but don't call me a liar.

 

[Chrisypoo]

I found this on the Magical Express FAQ on Disney's website:

Q. Can I book a "luggage-only" transfer?

A. No. To utilize Disney's Magical Express Service, you must participate in both the motor coach transportation and the luggage transfer services.

 

[Edd]

Cleve,

I respect you very much even though we disagree on a few points. I am sorry and apologize if you read into my above statement that I am desrespecting you and calling you a liar. I stated that the policy was developed by numerous posters and CM's who have posted on the board. Again, no mention of any names. I did not call you a liar and never have intended on doing that. In effect I think you are trying to take credit for the information, which has been developed by many over the past years.

As for Chrisypoo's statement, we have seen that many times. It is a FAQ, not a statement of policy. The FAQ is meaningless because it states you must use the "coach transportation" and the "luggage transfer" of the Disney Magical Express to be eligible. It is obvious more people do not utilize the "luggage transfer" than passengers who do not utilize the "coach transportation." I have not heard anyone say that you must transfer one piece of luggage on the "luggage transfer" in order to qualify for the DME.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Edd incorrectly claims that it's okay to use the inbound luggage service, "whether you ride the Magical Express or not." Edd claims, "It is one of the benefits of reserving at the Disney resorts."

To claim that Disney officially offers luggage-only transfers shows a complete disregard for the participants on this board who have explained to Edd over and over what Disney has published and what DME Guest Services cast members tell guests.

Edd is suggesting that it's both okay and dependable to flaunt the rules. I think that this is bad advice. Edd has only established that's is possible to circumvent the DME rules -- at least at this time.

I'm not saying that Edd is wrong when we writes, "Disney by contract with the Orlando International Airport picks up all luggage that has their resort yellow tags on them." That simply means that Disney will take possession of the yellow-tagged luggage, even if a guest does not ride on Magical Express. That says nothing about what Disney is offering (and not offering) to guests.

What does Disney say? Let's see...

1. The yellow DME tags with the bar code on the front have the following prominent message on the back in a large font:

If you elect not to utilize
Disney's Magical Express
service, please do not place
these tags on your luggage.​

2. The official Disney's Magical Express FAQ http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQDMEPage says the following:

Q. Can I book a "luggage-only" transfer?

A. No. To utilize Disney's Magical Express Service, you must participate in both the motor coach transportation and the luggage transfer services.​

3. Many guests talk with DME Guest Services CMs, CRO reservation CMs, and DVC Member Services CMs. The answer to the "luggage-only" transfer question is consistently no, and that at least one member of he party must ride the motor coach. (If someone doesn't believe me, call DME Guest Services and ask them.)

It is a FAQ, not a statement of policy. The FAQ is meaningless because it states you must use the "coach transportation" and the "luggage transfer" of the Disney Magical Express to be eligible. It is obvious more people do not utilize the "luggage transfer" than passengers who do not utilize the "coach transportation." I have not heard anyone say that you must transfer one piece of luggage on the "luggage transfer" in order to qualify for the DME.

Disney's rules are clear. DME does not allow "luggage-only" transfers. The statement about having to participate in both parts of DME is within the context of question about "luggage-only" transfers. While the wording could be better, I think Disney's intent is clear to anyone -- except to someone who wants to twist the words.

Edd,

I've acknowledged that it's currently possible to get "luggage-only" transfers. The reports on this board suggest that guests who use the yellow DME tags, but then pile into a rental car, taxi, towncar, limo, or SUV, will be reunited with their luggage at their resort anyway.

Now, I would like you to please acknowledge that you're aware that such "luggage-only" transfers are not really allowed. In the future, when you advise guests to sign up for DME with no intention of riding a DME motorcoach, just to get "luggage-only" transfers, please preface your advice with, "Although not allowed according to Disney, you may wish to try this anyway."

Thank you.

 

[Edd]

I believe what you have stated is in the realm of discussion. You have your way of interpreting what you see in print. I don't believe Disney has a set policy on luggage and coach transferal within the DME system. Certain unofficial printings say you have to utilize both aspects of the DME, but allow passengers to bring luggage to the bus, or allow all luggage, with yellow Disney tags, to be transfered to Disney without participation in the coach transfer. I don't think they want a say in either one of those aspects because it might not be a public relations say. Another thought is that it is a lot cheaper for Disney to transfer the luggage and let passengers pay for their own ride. Why! Because than they don't have to pay the airport and Mears for transferring the passengers. A family of 4 using DME will cost Disney approximately $100.00 for round trip coach transfer and $10.00 for luggage transfer. A good business decision for Disney would be let everyone use the luggage transfer and take private transportation and they still benefit fully in the PR department. They certainly have a set policy on riding the DME.

If you reserve it you can ride it. If you don't reserve it you pay Mears to ride the Mears shuttle which sometimes turns out to be the DME. I think that is a very concise statement and shows Disney intent with the DME.

I certainly would never acknowledge that "luggage transfers are not allowed" because they happen all the time and I don't see any Disney official statements trying to stop them. When I see the proper statements from the proper officials that "luggage transfers" are not allowed I will change my thinking. I am certain nothing will come soon.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I don't believe Disney has a set policy on luggage and coach transferal within the DME system.

Edd,

I guess you're saying that the tags are wrong, and the FAQ is wrong, and cast members are wrong?

When I see the proper statements from the proper officials that "luggage transfers" are not allowed I will change my thinking.

Edd,

What "proper official" needs to issue such a proclamation? Jay Rasulo? Robert Iger?

Presumably, as far as you're concerned, the Disney folks who actually work for Disney's Magical Express and their managers aren't sufficient.

 

[Edd]

Basically that is my position. The tags are inconclusive and the FAQ's carry no weight as the wording is questionable. I don't have to question a CM after I have read all the paperwork sent by Disney. The paperwork received seems to cover all the questions I need answered.

I am sure Disney will clearify everything in that paperwork when they want to set up their policy. They do allow you to set up a Magical Express reservation and do not request that you cancel if you don't want to use it. That leaves the ability to use the two options in the way that you feel best benefits you.

Second off the reservation is free and paid for by all Disney guests, including me when I visit Disney without using the Disney Magical Express, so why not take advantage of a perk that Disney offers anyone that chooses to use it.

 

[kimmar067]

...You have the facts, but don't call me a liar.

Eric ~
I guess you are now outta the 'Circle of Trust', then......

...play nice, guys.......


Personally, I don't have a clue as to what the ruling is. But if you look at common sense, in light of the recent events, beginning from 9/11, I would think that WDW would have something in place stating that passengers must accompany their luggage. Scary as it may appear, who knows WHAT someone could put in a piece of luggage and never get on that bus.....

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Personally, I don't have a clue as to what the ruling is. But if you look at common sense, in light of the recent events, beginning from 9/11, I would think that WDW would have something in place stating that passengers must accompany their luggage. Scary as it may appear, who knows WHAT someone could put in a piece of luggage and never get on that bus.....

Actually, even when guests use Magical Express as designed, the bags do not accompany the guests. The guests travel on a motor coach and the bags go on a truck.

Also, guests typically get to their resort before their bags do. In fact, a DME guest could already be on a motor coach while the bags are still being unloaded from the aircraft. The bags require sorting at facility at the airport and processing at the resort.

Checked luggage now goes through a security process at the departure airport, which includes x-raying of all bags, physical examination of the contents of some bags, and who-know-what-else.

Bags are usually, but not always, on the same flight as the passenger.

 

[Lewisc]

Assume Ed is correct, and Disney's contract with MCO requires the transfer of all yellow tagged bags.

Isn't Disney at fault for implying a rule that Disney is contractually prohibited from enforcing?

Originally one of the FAQ indicated all yellow tagged luggage would be held at MCO until the guest checked in at the DME welcome desk. The purpose of this policy was to handle circumstances where the luggage made it to MCO but the passenger didn't. It would make it easier, at least quicker, to return the luggage to the airline so it could be returned to the passengers home airport. We all agree this policy isn't being followed even though the DME FAQ in the disneymeetings section still makes this claim.

The language on the tag is ambiguous. I interpret it to mean don't use the tag if you don't want Disney to pick up your bag.

I doubt enough passengers are using DME for luggage only to matter. Disney will start charging for all, or part of DME (including RAC) when they think the benefits for charging outweighs the negative.

I think the next logical step is have the guests check for their resort at MCO, get a room key, and take a bus directly to a theme park. Might be nice to reverse the procedure coming home. No reason why RAC eligible guests shouldn't be able to just take a bus from a theme park.

Edd incorrectly claims that it's okay to use the inbound luggage service, "whether you ride the Magical Express or not." Edd claims, "It is one of the benefits of reserving at the Disney resorts."

To claim that Disney officially offers luggage-only transfers shows a complete disregard for the participants on this board who have explained to Edd over and over what Disney has published and what DME Guest Services cast members tell guests.

Edd is suggesting that it's both okay and dependable to flaunt the rules. I think that this is bad advice. Edd has only established that's is possible to circumvent the DME rules -- at least at this time.

I'm not saying that Edd is wrong when we writes, "Disney by contract with the Orlando International Airport picks up all luggage that has their resort yellow tags on them." That simply means that Disney will take possession of the yellow-tagged luggage, even if a guest does not ride on Magical Express. That says nothing about what Disney is offering (and not offering) to guests.

What does Disney say? Let's see...

1. The yellow DME tags with the bar code on the front have the following prominent message on the back in a large font:

If you elect not to utilize
Disney's Magical Express
service, please do not place
these tags on your luggage.​

2. The official Disney's Magical Express FAQ http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQDMEPage says the following:

Q. Can I book a "luggage-only" transfer?

A. No. To utilize Disney's Magical Express Service, you must participate in both the motor coach transportation and the luggage transfer services.​

3. Many guests talk with DME Guest Services CMs, CRO reservation CMs, and DVC Member Services CMs. The answer to the "luggage-only" transfer question is consistently no, and that at least one member of he party must ride the motor coach. (If someone doesn't believe me, call DME Guest Services and ask them.)


Disney's rules are clear. DME does not allow "luggage-only" transfers. The statement about having to participate in both parts of DME is within the context of question about "luggage-only" transfers. While the wording could be better, I think Disney's intent is clear to anyone -- except to someone who wants to twist the words.

Edd,

I've acknowledged that it's currently possible to get "luggage-only" transfers. The reports on this board suggest that guests who use the yellow DME tags, but then pile into a rental car, taxi, towncar, limo, or SUV, will be reunited with their luggage at their resort anyway.

Now, I would like you to please acknowledge that you're aware that such "luggage-only" transfers are not really allowed. In the future, when you advise guests to sign up for DME with no intention of riding a DME motorcoach, just to get "luggage-only" transfers, please preface your advice with, "Although not allowed according to Disney, you may wish to try this anyway."

Thank you.

 

[kimmar067]

...Might be nice to reverse the procedure coming home. No reason why RAC eligible guests shouldn't be able to just take a bus from a theme park.

...wow, now THAT would be very kewl.....

 

[seashoreCM]

Unannounced or unadvertised refinements in baggage handling could occur at the airport resulting in problems, possibly the need for the guest not riding Magical Express to go back to the airport.

Requiring just one person to ride the bus makes a farce out of the "rule" that Magical Express is not a baggage only service. There must be some logistical reason behind it, probably to make sure that the ME check in process is performed.

Originally one of the FAQ indicated all yellow tagged luggage would be held at MCO until the guest checked in at the DME welcome desk. The purpose of this policy was to handle circumstances where the luggage made it to MCO but the passenger didn't. It would make it easier, at least quicker, to return the luggage to the airline so it could be returned to the passengers home airport.

The language I think the next logical step is have the guests check for their resort at MCO, get a room key, and take a bus directly to a theme park. Might be nice to reverse the procedure coming home. No reason why RAC eligible guests shouldn't be able to just take a bus from a theme park.

Holding luggage at the airport lengthens the time it takes for the luggage to make it to the rooms and would penalize the majority. Not good just to make it easier for the once in a blue moon passenger who fails to complete his journey to Disney at all while his luggage does.

Getting your room key at the airport will be more difficult because there is only one check in desk there compared with twenty check in desks at twenty resorts respectively. The queues would be huge. I would not want to wait for the person in front of me to select connecting rooms with a view when all I want to do is board the bus.

I though that at one time you could take Magical Express home from a different resort. But I suppose there were too many he said she said arguments about where guests expected to board the bus and the result was taking Magical Express only from your own resort.