Magical Express?

[bluehawaii19]

We have been traveling to WDW for over 20 years now. We have used ME many times over the last few years.

I had a question...

Our next trip is in February 2013. Our incoming flight leaves SYR at 7 AM and since we have always done early flights, the ME has always been available.

For our return flight home, we fly out at 8:10 AM. With ME picking you up 3 hours prior to your flight, that would be roughly 5 AM. Would ME be available for the luggage at this time or would I have to bring that on the bus with me and take care of that myself?

We have taken early flights back home before but I can't recall if ME took care of the luggage that early before. This past trip (last month), we had a late flight back so we didn't have to worry about the luggage.

 

[Jestocost]

We have been traveling to WDW for over 20 years now. We have used ME many times over the last few years.

I had a question...

Our next trip is in February 2013. Our incoming flight leaves SYR at 7 AM and since we have always done early flights, the ME has always been available.

For our return flight home, we fly out at 8:10 AM. With ME picking you up 3 hours prior to your flight, that would be roughly 5 AM. Would ME be available for the luggage at this time or would I have to bring that on the bus with me and take care of that myself?

We have taken early flights back home before but I can't recall if ME took care of the luggage that early before. This past trip (last month), we had a late flight back so we didn't have to worry about the luggage.

Baggage service on your return home is through Resort Airline Check-in, which is separate from DME. The RAC desks are open starting at 5 a.m., so it is theoretically possible that you could use the service with an 8:10 a.m. flight, but I would not rely on that. You have to have the RAC process completed--not just be in line--no later than three hours before your flight time, so even if you are first in line when RAC opens you might not be done in time.

If I were you, I would check out the RAC desk but be prepared to take my bags with me on the DME bus.

 

[seashoreCM]

Also you need to be out on the bus platform 10-15 minutes before your bus (departure) time. Being in line at the Resort Airline Checkin counter does not count as being punctual.

 

[dznygurl]

Our ME for our return flight was not on time at all. Our flight was for 5:15 so we arrived at the stop around 1:30 so my kids could sketch in front of AoA for a bit before we left. We sat there waiting until 2:50 for ME to pick us up. I wasn't concerned bc we still had plenty of time, but it did bother me that they make such a big deal to be there 15 extra minutes earlier than the 3 hour mark, but came 35 minutes late.

 

[MinnieMO]

Jumping in as my flight is at 8am also
I'm only bringing carry-on (2 bags), how will this work for my
I've never used ME before

 

[goofy4tink]

For those of you that have early morning flights out......the RAC counter opens at 5am. You have to have your bags checked, boarding passes in hand, walking away from the counter no less than 3 hrs prior to flight departure.
So, if you have a flight that departs before 8:15, you aren't going to be able to use RAC. You 'may' be able to swing it if you are at the RAC counter, before they open, so that you are the first in line...then it should take under 10 mins.
I never recommend trying to use RAC if your flight is before 8:30am...way too many chances for something to go wrong.

 

[seashoreCM]

Our ME for our return flight was not on time at all. Our flight was for 5:15 so we arrived at the stop around 1:30 so my kids could sketch in front of AoA for a bit before we left. We sat there waiting until 2:50 for ME to pick us up. I wasn't concerned bc we still had plenty of time, but it did bother me that they make such a big deal to be there 15 extra minutes earlier than the 3 hour mark, but came 35 minutes late.

You have a right to be deeply concerned. If the bus is late and something else goes wrong and you miss your flight, will real magic come out of Magical Express to see you home as seamlessly as possible?

If the bus doesn't come on time, then at T+15 it is fair game to call DME and ask "Where's my bus?" (Not in those words. Also if you have to go inside, it's tricky because the bus might show up at any moment.)