Magical Express Question

[TinkerBelle_325]

Usually, but NOT always. Not nearly always - otherwise there couldn't be so much misdirected luggage. That's GENERAL, nationwide misdirected luggage - not limited to onsite Disney Guests using Magical Express.

My luggage was transported on the same plane as me on only 75% of my flights in 2007.

Now, 2008 was much improved - to the best of my knowledge, my luggage and I flew on the same plane on every trip. I mean, I'm not positive on the inbound Disney flight - because I didn't wait in the room. But I went to Animal Kingdom for EMH, and when I got back - there it was!

There has only been 1 time in my more than 150 flights that my luggage has not travelled with me, AND in that case my luggage went on an earlier flight to Orlando and was there waiting for me.

well, my one and only experience with ME luggage delivery was not so magical--but I'm not sure if it was the airline (Delta) or ME. All I know is I didn't get my luggage for 36 hours . . . . which given the current fees is why I'm shipping most of my luggage Fed Ex to the resort and taking a small carry-on with me on the plane.

Your situation is exactly my concern with using DME. I like to be at baggage claim and grab my bags or get the problem solved with the airline then and there should my luggage be missing. I dont want to get all the way to WDW and wait 3 to 5 hours to discover my luggage has been misdirected either by the airline of by disney.

Plus, with having received others DME bags in my room at 2 resorts on 2 different vacations I do not feel very confident about the DMe luggage service.

 

[maxiesmom]

Actually, i did consider the second part of your post as judgemental. I meant to multi quote and thought I had as i replied to your post and Lawisc's post within moments of each other. I did not ask for input or opinions on my luggage choices. As stated several times in this thread, I am a frequent traveller and I have already had issues with DME's luggage handling procedures. I did not ask if it was *OK* to take my bags with me, I merely stated I was going to do so.

I asked about the check-in procedure and did not appreciate the additional comments about my choices to carry my luggage with me onto the DME bus. I know many others that have done this and I will do it as it makes me feel comfortable.

Honestly, the only way to keep things from being commented on is to not post things you don't want commented on on a public message board. Everything you write is open to comment, no permission needed. Such is life on the internet. People will offer their opinions on everything!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Please see my above post on opinions vs. judgement

 

[goofy4tink]

Tiring, that's what it is..tiring.
To the OP, if you wish to get your own luggage, that's fine. It will add a significant time to your overall travel time though. If you do, in fact, land on Side A, you and your friend will take the tram to the central part of the airport. You will go to Side B and then down to level 1, while your friend heads back to Side A, down to level 2 to get the bags, then back up to level 3, cross the central part of the terminal, and go down to level 1 on Side B...that will add time. Not critiqueing, just pointing that out.

As for who to trust....it's up to each person to make choices they are comfortable with. If you are comfortable with allowing DME move your bags for you, and you don't mind spending a bit more time and effort getting them yourselves, then fine. Up to you.


It's getting to the point here that every single time someone posts something, that can be construed as negative or 'critical' of someone else's post, we are running into arguments. This is really tiring and it's getting ridiculous. Most people here are very helpful posters. They tend to make suggestions to some even when that suggestion wasn't asked for. It should not be looked upon as being judgemental. Of course, maybe we can stop trying to be so 'helpful'.

So....from now on, answer the question and that's it. Give no other info...if it isn't asked for, then keep your 'opinions' to yourselves. If someone asks how to retreive their luggage at MCO, just tell 'em. No need to ask why they aren't using DME as it was intended.
But...I don't want to hear any complaints when someone asks a question, that question is answered but other options are not given. I don't want that poster, who asked about getting their own luggage, get their anwser and then come back here and complain that nobody told her she could have just tagged those bags and let DME take them. You didn't ask that.

We are just getting to many complaints from those who feel they have been negatively judged due to their choices. Sorry if this is going to sound harsh....but feelings seem to be getting hurt and people are feeling that others are being nasty to them because of their 'choices'.
Now...there really is no pixie dust on the transportation board!!!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Tiring, that's what it is..tiring.
To the OP, if you wish to get your own luggage, that's fine. It will add a significant time to your overall travel time though. If you do, in fact, land on Side A, you and your friend will take the tram to the central part of the airport. You will go to Side B and then down to level 1, while your friend heads back to Side A, down to level 2 to get the bags, then back up to level 3, cross the central part of the terminal, and go down to level 1 on Side B...that will add time. Not critiqueing, just pointing that out.

As for who to trust....it's up to each person to make choices they are comfortable with. If you are comfortable with allowing DME move your bags for you, and you don't mind spending a bit more time and effort getting them yourselves, then fine. Up to you.


It's getting to the point here that every single time someone posts something, that can be construed as negative or 'critical' of someone else's post, we are running into arguments. This is really tiring and it's getting ridiculous. Most people here are very helpful posters. They tend to make suggestions to some even when that suggestion wasn't asked for. It should not be looked upon as being judgemental. Of course, maybe we can stop trying to be so 'helpful'.

So....from now on, answer the question and that's it. Give no other info...if it isn't asked for, then keep your 'opinions' to yourselves. If someone asks how to retreive their luggage at MCO, just tell 'em. No need to ask why they aren't using DME as it was intended.
But...I don't want to hear any complaints when someone asks a question, that question is answered but other options are not given. I don't want that poster, who asked about getting their own luggage, get their anwser and then come back here and complain that nobody told her she could have just tagged those bags and let DME take them. You didn't ask that.

We are just getting to many complaints from those who feel they have been negatively judged due to their choices. Sorry if this is going to sound harsh....but feelings seem to be getting hurt and people are feeling that others are being nasty to them because of their 'choices'.
Now...there really is no pixie dust on the transportation board!!!

goofy4tink,

I understand that I have to go from the airside to the terminal, to A Claim, up to the main level across and down to B Level 1. I explained that I'm a WDW Veteran in my first post. I also explained that I knew my baggage claim was on A Side and that DME is on B Side.

I even understand others expressing their experiences with DME luggage service.

What I don't understand or appreciate was the need to condescend and judge as though I was "stupid" for trusting the airline and for not trusting DME. As you say, we each choose to do whatever we are most comfortable with - end of story.

If every thread results in arguments from "helpfulness" taken as negativity or judgement then perhaps that is saying it all right there. Are the posts being "helpful" or are they being posted to show off "knowledge" that wasn't requested in the first place.

I for one think that it is a very basic, and smart, principle to simply answer the question that was asked. Like in all threads, if I, or another OP, had further questions I would have posed them.

No pixie dust on the transportation board is fine by me, I just ask for courtesy, tact and possibly friendliness.

 

[HolliePoppins]

Tiring, that's what it is..tiring.
To the OP, if you wish to get your own luggage, that's fine. It will add a significant time to your overall travel time though. If you do, in fact, land on Side A, you and your friend will take the tram to the central part of the airport. You will go to Side B and then down to level 1, while your friend heads back to Side A, down to level 2 to get the bags, then back up to level 3, cross the central part of the terminal, and go down to level 1 on Side B...that will add time. Not critiqueing, just pointing that out.

As for who to trust....it's up to each person to make choices they are comfortable with. If you are comfortable with allowing DME move your bags for you, and you don't mind spending a bit more time and effort getting them yourselves, then fine. Up to you.


It's getting to the point here that every single time someone posts something, that can be construed as negative or 'critical' of someone else's post, we are running into arguments. This is really tiring and it's getting ridiculous. Most people here are very helpful posters. They tend to make suggestions to some even when that suggestion wasn't asked for. It should not be looked upon as being judgemental. Of course, maybe we can stop trying to be so 'helpful'.

So....from now on, answer the question and that's it. Give no other info...if it isn't asked for, then keep your 'opinions' to yourselves. If someone asks how to retreive their luggage at MCO, just tell 'em. No need to ask why they aren't using DME as it was intended.
But...I don't want to hear any complaints when someone asks a question, that question is answered but other options are not given. I don't want that poster, who asked about getting their own luggage, get their anwser and then come back here and complain that nobody told her she could have just tagged those bags and let DME take them. You didn't ask that.

We are just getting to many complaints from those who feel they have been negatively judged due to their choices. Sorry if this is going to sound harsh....but feelings seem to be getting hurt and people are feeling that others are being nasty to them because of their 'choices'.
Now...there really is no pixie dust on the transportation board!!!

Wow really. Goofy4tink I do totally understand what you are saying. I have seen it on here before. But if it has to be like what you posted we might as well shut the boards down right now.

How can people ask a specific question about something they do not even know about. I have seen hundreds of posts where someone responded to a post adding in something extra and the original op learned something that they had no idea exsisted(sp?). And were always grateful for the info

I really didnt see any posts that were "judgmental" or "condescending" or implying the OP was "stupid".You know the posters that have reponded and know they do not operate like that. There is no way you can post on these boards and not get opinions. It just isnt going to happen.

I hope this is not another example of a few ruining it for everyone.

 

[maxiesmom]

If every thread results in arguments from "helpfulness" taken as negativity or judgement then perhaps that is saying it all right there. Are the posts being "helpful" or are they being posted to show off "knowledge" that wasn't requested in the first place.

I for one think that it is a very basic, and smart, principle to simply answer the question that was asked. Like in all threads, if I, or another OP, had further questions I would have posed them.

I don't know anyone here who posts to "show off". As is sometimes the case when you cannot here another person's tone of voice, a lot of what is posted here can be interpreted different ways. Most people do not post meaning to belittle or insult others.

And as far as just answering the question that is asked, well, a lot of valuable information will not be passed along if we are forced to abide by that. Part of being new to Disney is not knowing the right question to ask. I know I have learned tons here by people offering up their own experiences and isite to me, even when I didn't ask for it.

I really hope that this board doesn't turn into ask a specific question and get a specific answer site. Lots of important info would be lost, not to mention the commeroderie that many of us have with one another.

I still think the best rule to follow would be not to post anything you don't want commented on. Keep it short and to the point, and leave out any details if you want a simple, straight forward answer. Especially do not post anything negative about yourself that you don't want others to comment on.

 

[marylouwho]

So....from now on, answer the question and that's it. Give no other info...if it isn't asked for, then keep your 'opinions' to yourselves. If someone asks how to retreive their luggage at MCO, just tell 'em. No need to ask why they aren't using DME as it was intended.
But...I don't want to hear any complaints when someone asks a question, that question is answered but other options are not given. I don't want that poster, who asked about getting their own luggage, get their anwser and then come back here and complain that nobody told her she could have just tagged those bags and let DME take them. You didn't ask that.

goofy4tink,
I appreciate when people on these boards give more than a simple answer.
That's the benefit of asking questions of people that really know Disney.
I've only been to Disney 3 times, but these boards have really helped me know more about WDW than my DH (who grew up going to WDW)

Y'all need to calm down and relax a bit.

 

[redrosesix]

Hi!

I'm a WDW vetran, but I've never taken Magical Express. Typically my family rents a car but this trip I am going with a friend and we are both under 25 and have no desire to pay the WAY increased rate to rent.

I'm also about the least trusting control freak in the world, so I'll be collecting my own bags at MCO. Of course, Murphy's law dictates that our baggage will arrive on Side A and then we will have to trapse over to Side B.

Here is my question. Can I go check-in for Magical Express while my friend goes to grab the bags? I'm thinking it will save us time. I've never been through the process of checking-in for ME, do they simly direct you to a bus stop after they proccess you? Does the whole party have to be present? They ship "tickets" to you correct?

I actually always like to see my luggage before I leave the airport (it's not about ME, it's about the airlines and the fact that we're crossing the border) I know that if something doesn't show up, it is best taken care of right away and at the airport.

Yes, only one person in the traveling party needs to check in -- take the tickets that they send to you for all of the members of the party to check them in. They then direct you to a roped off line for your particular resort -- if your friend hasn't arrived with the baggage yet, this would be the time to wait for them.

And since we were arriving late at night, we had to pick up our own luggage and, yes, we had to go to the other side of the airport.

 

[HolliePoppins]

I don't know anyone here who posts to "show off". As is sometimes the case when you cannot here another person's tone of voice, a lot of what is posted here can be interpreted different ways. Most people do not post meaning to belittle or insult others.

And as far as just answering the question that is asked, well, a lot of valuable information will not be passed along if we are forced to abide by that. Part of being new to Disney is not knowing the right question to ask. I know I have learned tons here by people offering up their own experiences and isite to me, even when I didn't ask for it.

I really hope that this board doesn't turn into ask a specific question and get a specific answer site. Lots of important info would be lost, not to mention the commeroderie that many of us have with one another.

I still think the best rule to follow would be not to post anything you don't want commented on. Keep it short and to the point, and leave out any details if you want a simple, straight forward answer. Especially do not post anything negative about yourself that you don't want others to comment on.

Exactly. I think you said it a lot better than I did.

 

[dudspizza]

Here is my question. Can I go check-in for Magical Express while my friend goes to grab the bags? YES I'm thinking it will save us time. MAYBE I've never been through the process of checking-in for ME, do they simly direct you to a bus stop after they proccess you? YES Does the whole party have to be present? NO They ship "tickets" to you correct? YES

Duds

 

[goofy4tink]

goofy4tink,

I understand that I have to go from the airside to the terminal, to A Claim, up to the main level across and down to B Level 1. I explained that I'm a WDW Veteran in my first post. I also explained that I knew my baggage claim was on A Side and that DME is on B Side.

I even understand others expressing their experiences with DME luggage service.

What I don't understand or appreciate was the need to condescend and judge as though I was "stupid" for trusting the airline and for not trusting DME. As you say, we each choose to do whatever we are most comfortable with - end of story.

If every thread results in arguments from "helpfulness" taken as negativity or judgement then perhaps that is saying it all right there. Are the posts being "helpful" or are they being posted to show off "knowledge" that wasn't requested in the first place.

I for one think that it is a very basic, and smart, principle to simply answer the question that was asked. Like in all threads, if I, or another OP, had further questions I would have posed them.

No pixie dust on the transportation board is fine by me, I just ask for courtesy, tact and possibly friendliness.

And this is exactly what I'm talking about. No one, not one person, was judgemental or condescending...no one. You have to understand that there are a lot of people out there who really have no idea how things work with DME, and sometimes not with MCO either. So, board regulars try to be informative by giving out info regarding those issues. They always make sure that posters realize that DME is trustworthy when it comes to handling luggage. You said that you have no experience with DME, having never used it, but experience with other people's bags showing up in your room. That isn't what I would call first hand knowledge. That is more likely a resort issue, not a DME issue. I have had other guests luggage left in my room long before DME came into being. Stuff happens.
Most of us here, that post regarding DME, have much experience regarding DME. We have used it many,many times. We know what we are talking about. If you, or anyone else, choose to have a different opinion, that's fine.
My issue?? Why is it that if someone disagrees with you (that would be the royal you, not you specifically!!) they are being mean. But if you disagree with their opinions, it's you, having your 'opinion'...again, that royal 'you'.
What's good for one, is good for all.

I have not seen anyone being mean or unkind here. Differing opionion? Yes. But, those opinions were stated politely. If people choose to make their own interpretations, that's their business.
I stand behind most of the posters here...they are trying to be helpful in the best way they know how.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

goofy4tink,

You are right. It is a difference of opinion. This was one of my first times posting on the Transporation board despite being a member of the DISboards for 8 years. I never accused anyone of being "mean" and I would agree that a good number of posters here were genuinely helpful. I'm not the only one who feels there were a few posts that were off the cuff. I'm fine with people disagreeing with me and I pointed out a post that did so politely, simply stating an experience with DME that was positive. The difference to me is the implication that a) its silly to trust airlines and not to trust DME b) DME's luggage service is the same as airline luggage service....and truthfully, it was not necessary to bring up the luggage service in the first place. I've seen several other threads since I posted this where the OP has said "I'll be picking up my own bags" and they didn't receive the kind of "flack" I did.

And as far as DME luggage that is not yours in the rooms I do not see it as a resort issue as it happened at 2 different resorts.

To the posters that actually answered my question - Thank you very much, I appreciate your input

 

[goofy4tink]

For those who may not know how DME luggage delivery works....your yellow tagged bags are taken from the plane and put in a different area. Yes, sometimes there are tagged bags that get missed and they end up at baggage claim, but it doesn't happen often. Okay...your tagged bag has been pulled off the plane. It is now scanned, and put in a resort specific area. Then, onto a truck (and scanned again I believe) and sent to that group of resorts. Not sure if they scan it again or not. So...now we have a pile of luggage at specific resorts.
Bell Services/Luggage Assistence now has control over it. They check the guests name, and match it to the room assignments...then move it to that room. As soon as the bags come out of that truck it becomes the resorts responsibility...if luggage is delivered to the wrong room, it is because someone at the resort leve, Bell Services, messed up...not DME. Now, DME may have taken a hugely long time to get the bags to the resort, but then again, it could be that the luggage people at the resort were the ones who took their own sweet time getting the bags to the rooms. Unless you are standing there, watching your bags come off that truck, and then go back to your room, and wait for your bags to get there, you have no way of knowing who is truly at fault.

If someone is ready to trust the airlines to move their bags, then there really shouldn't be an issue with allowing DME to move them as well...heck, at least the bags are in Orlando if something goes wrong with DME delivery. The airlines could send your bags to Germany...that would be an issue!!!
Many DME experienced people here, who have used DME multiple times, have stated that it shouldn't be worrysome to anyone if they choose to let DME handle their bags. The huge majority of guests have had very good experiences with this service. It is not a criticism if someone asks why someone else does not let DME do what they do best....just an honest curiosty. Especially when someone says they have never used the service before.
Again....there is the experience of the wrong luggage in your room. That is not DME's fault. They did not put the luggage there, Bell Services or Luggage Assistence did. You can not fault DME for that...their responsibility ends at the truck...what happens to bags then is completely up to the resort baggage people.

 

[Lewisc]

"No pixie dust" is getting a bad rap. There are internet boards in which a question like the one the OP asked would be answered by a moderator who would inform him that that question is answered in a FAQ/sticky and then attack him for wasting board space and time asking such a question. "No pixie dust" on DIS means accurate information, without sugar coating.

This is a public board. Replies are not just for the OP. Posters are free to make comments and answer more then the exact question asked.

How many posters assume they can't use inbound DME luggage services with SW? Some of the people reading this thread may not share the OPs previous experience and may not really have a good reason for wasting time at baggage claim.

The OP is missing the point, carry on bags is the only way to guarantee luggage is transported on the same plane as the passenger. There is no longer a rule that requires positive bag match. That said it sounds like the OP is the kind of person that wouldn't leave her hotel room until her DME luggage gets delivered. DME luggage delivery doesn't make any sense for her.

Once you make the decision to split up you might as well be consistent and let the first person go directly to the resort, on the first available DME bus. Lines to check in at the resort are frequently longer then the lines at the DME desk at MCO.

I apologized in this thread, and in a PM, for the way I categorized the OP (control freak) I used the same language she used to describe herself.

Diane--I read your post after I composed this. People are entitled to judge DME on the entire process. The fact that bell services is the guilty party is irrelevent to the OP. She doesn't trust the process. It doesn't really matter who's responsible, the result is the same.

 

[goofy4tink]

"Control freaks" who don't trust DME with their luggage have no reason to trust the airline. I suggest you either use DME for luggage or go carry on only.

Honestly? Lewisc simply offered his opinion; if you consider that a judgement, then you will have to consider everything in my second paragraph a judgement as well.

Honestly, if you don't want "just the facts", pick up the phone and call DME and ask them for the facts.

When you post on a message board, you leave yourself open to receiving people's opinions.

TinkerBelle_325....I'm assuming you are talking about the above posts as 'flames and judgemental'? I think they are really relatively polite. I know that one poster has already apologized for upsetting you.
Because there were some that gave you more info than you actually asked for, you have taken offense. I don't think anyone meant you to be offended. No one was flaming you or being judgemental...they were just trying to give you honest 'opinions'. Again, I'm sorry if you are offended by those posts. They were not meant to be offensive. And when something is posted that is incorrect, you have to expect it to be corrected...as in the luggage delivery to the wrong room...that was an incorrect assumption on your part. I have tried to put the correct info out there as politely as I can.

 

[goofy4tink]

"No pixie dust" is getting a bad rap. There are internet boards in which a question like the one the OP asked would be answered by a moderator who would inform him that that question is answered in a FAQ/sticky and then attack him for wasting board space and time asking such a question. "No pixie dust" on DIS means accurate information, without sugar coating.

This is a public board. Replies are not just for the OP. Posters are free to make comments and answer more then the exact question asked.

How many posters assume they can't use inbound DME luggage services with SW? Some of the people reading this thread may not share the OPs previous experience and may not really have a good reason for wasting time at baggage claim.

The OP is missing the point, carry on bags is the only way to guarantee luggage is transported on the same plane as the passenger. There is no longer a rule that requires positive bag match. That said it sounds like the OP is the kind of person that wouldn't leave her hotel room until her DME luggage gets delivered. DME luggage delivery doesn't make any sense for her.

Once you make the decision to split up you might as well be consistent and let the first person go directly to the resort, on the first available DME bus. Lines to check in at the resort are frequently longer then the lines at the DME desk at MCO.

I apologized in this thread, and in a PM, for the way I categorized the OP (control freak) I used the same language she used to describe herself.

Diane--I read your post after I composed this. People are entitled to judge DME on the entire process. The fact that bell services is the guilty party is irrelevent to the OP. She doesn't trust the process. It doesn't really matter who's responsible, the result is the same.

I hear ya. I just wanted to be sure to get the correct info out there. Just want others to realize who is responsible for their bags at the resort level. And you're absolutely right....DME is not for everyone. It will not ever meet everyone's various needs. Guests should be able to be comfortable with their choices....no criticism from us. Just good old-fashioned info!!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Well I can safely say that I will no longer be posting on the Transportation boards. I'll slip back into "lurker" mode. If any of you stop by Restaurants or Resorts I'll be sure to offer you the same "welcome".

 

[TheWog]

This thread has a life of its own.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well I can safely say that I will no longer be posting on the Transportation boards. I'll slip back into "lurker" mode. If any of you stop by Restaurants or Resorts I'll be sure to offer you the same "welcome".

I'm sorry you feel that way. Be sure to not ask about refill mugs or pool-hopping over on Resorts. Talk about mean and nasty!!!