Magical Express

[DonaldDuck77]

We are checking one bag to bypass all the liquids restrictions. Our flight is scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 8:50 PM. I initially thought that since it was so late, I would skip the yellow tag and go to baggage claim to take care of it myself (so we wouldn't have luggage arriving at our room after midnight). My wife is concerned that the extra wait for the baggage will cause us to miss our bus to the resort. Is that possible? First time flying so not sure how the process works.

If there are no issues with missing a bus, how much extra time does it take to claim a bag rather than skipping that step? I guess it could potentially push you to the "next" bus, so if you miss one, how long until the next one leaves?

 

[sam_gordon]

We are checking one bag to bypass all the liquids restrictions. Our flight is scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 8:50 PM. I initially thought that since it was so late, I would skip the yellow tag and go to baggage claim to take care of it myself (so we wouldn't have luggage arriving at our room after midnight). My wife is concerned that the extra wait for the baggage will cause us to miss our bus to the resort. Is that possible? First time flying so not sure how the process works.

If there are no issues with missing a bus, how much extra time does it take to claim a bag rather than skipping that step? I guess it could potentially push you to the "next" bus, so if you miss one, how long until the next one leaves?

No, you will not "miss" the bus. While you might not be on one that leaves while you're getting your luggage, you will be placed on the next bus going to your resort. Depending on many factors, you may have a delay while on the bus while waiting for it to fill.

Getting your luggage should add ~15-30 minutes (but can be longer if there are extenuating circumstances) to your time.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

We are checking one bag to bypass all the liquids restrictions. Our flight is scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 8:50 PM. I initially thought that since it was so late, I would skip the yellow tag and go to baggage claim to take care of it myself (so we wouldn't have luggage arriving at our room after midnight). My wife is concerned that the extra wait for the baggage will cause us to miss our bus to the resort. Is that possible? First time flying so not sure how the process works.

If there are no issues with missing a bus, how much extra time does it take to claim a bag rather than skipping that step? I guess it could potentially push you to the "next" bus, so if you miss one, how long until the next one leaves?

We do this all the time as we tend to fly in late in the evening. It really depends on your airline. The last few times we were on United through MCO the bags came out as soon as we got to the baggage claim. Last time on Southwest it was pretty fast, less than 10 minutes. Previous experience with Southwest was not as fast, however.

You'll never miss your bus as there is always another one. You can never really say how it will effect your wait. You may get on the bus and wait 20 minutes and by getting you bag you shorten it to 5 or you miss the short wait and wind up on the next bus.

 

[goofy4tink]

Won't be an issue! You aren't assigned a particular bus. You could stop and eat and linger if you chose to...then go to DME and get on a bus. Or you can go to DME directly. And...you might have just missed a bus if you went there directly, but would be on the next bus possibly if you stopped to get your bag! No way top tell.
You could walk right onto a bus, or you could wait for 25 mins. So....don't tag your bag and get it yourself. It's nice to get all settled vs waiting for a checked bag to show up!!!

 

[piccolopat]

I'm also new to Magic Express and will use it in the coming weeks. As I understand it, it can take several hours for your bags to get to your room. This isn't a problem for us since we will arrive in the morning and head right out for a park. If you are getting in late, you might want to pick up your baggage so you aren't waiting up for it.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

My wife is concerned that the extra wait for the baggage will cause us to miss our bus to the resort.

If you claim a bag at baggage claim on your way to DME, you'll still get DME motor coach transportation to your resort -- but your concern about being on a later departure is legitimate.

It's very likely you will arrive at your resort around a half hour later than if you had gone straight from your arrival gate to DME. While you detoured to baggage claim, waited for any bags from your flight to appear, waited for your particular bag, and then finally headed to DME, it's likely you missed a DME motorcoach departure to your resort.

My own preference would be to head straight to the DME transportation and to enjoy the convenience of the free DME luggage delivery service.

Because I often stay off-site or go somewhere other than WDW first, I have plenty of experience with baggage claim at MCO (primarily with American Airlines). I've waited a full hour after a thunderstorm as the baggage handlers tried to catch up. I've waited 20, 30, and 40 minutes for no apparent reason. But it can be fast too; I've also had bags appear almost immediately, with our bags among the first to appear.

 

[Alesia]

If you're only checking a bag to avoid the restrictions on liquids, why not just mail your liquids items to yourself at the resort?

 

[stitchlovestink]

If you're only checking a bag to avoid the restrictions on liquids, why not just mail your liquids items to yourself at the resort?

They have to be sent via UPS or FedEx.... no liquids are allowed in the regular US postal mail. Well unless you are okay with lying about the contents of your package.

 

[Alesia]

They have to be sent via UPS or FedEx.... no liquids are allowed in the regular US postal mail. Well unless you are okay with lying about the contents of your package.

Even so, I think it would be worth the cost.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Even so, I think it would be worth the cost.

Depends....
If they absolutely don't need any additional room for anything else in their carryon. But it also could present problems returning home if they buy any significant souvenirs. They would need to ship those home as well or potentially have to purchase another less sturdy bag there. Just some food for thought for the way home...

And depending on where they are staying on property they could be subject to a package delivery fee....something else to consider.

 

[goofy4tink]

Or.....pack your checked bag however works for you. Get small containers and fill them with the liquids you need for that night and next morning, and put them in your quart Baggie in your carry on bag. Or, get travel sizes. That way you can tag that checked bag, let DME take care of it, and you head right to your DME bus. When you get to your resort, tell them you want your bags held until the next morning. Tell the Bell Services/Luggage Assistance CMs as well. When you get to your room, hang out the 'privacy please' hanger on the door. When you wake up the next morning, there will be a message on your phone, telling you that your bags are there. Call down and they will bring your bags to you.

 

[MMeli13]

My vacation this year will be the first time taking MDE! I'm very excited, and somewhat confused about how it works. I understand that they take tagged luggage, but what about carry on? We are using two carry-ons and a checked bag for liquids.

Are we able to take our carry-ons on to the bus, or do they go with the rest of the luggage under the bus?

Do we have the choice to take our checked luggage when we get off the bus instead of having them deliver it?

Never mind!! I checked one more thread and found the answers I was looking for! Thank you DIS boards!

 

[goofy4tink]

My vacation this year will be the first time taking MDE! I'm very excited, and somewhat confused about how it works. I understand that they take tagged luggage, but what about carry on? We are using two carry-ons and a checked bag for liquids.

Are we able to take our carry-ons on to the bus, or do they go with the rest of the luggage under the bus?

Do we have the choice to take our checked luggage when we get off the bus instead of having them deliver it?

Never mind!! I checked one more thread and found the answers I was looking for! Thank you DIS boards!

Ok...glad you got your answers. But, just in case someone else needs the info......your tagged bags will go on a separate luggage truck, and be delivered to your resort. Your carry on bags can go beneath the bus you are riding on, or possibly remain with you on the bus.....depends on how large the carry ons are, and how full the bus is.
As I said, all tagged bags to on a different vehicle. But, if you don't tag your checked bags, and you get them at baggage claim, then bring them to the bus with you. They will be stowed beneath the bus, and handed off to you at the resort. A tip will be expected for any baggage handling by the driver.

 

[MMeli13]

Ok...glad you got your answers. But, just in case someone else needs the info......your tagged bags will go on a separate luggage truck, and be delivered to your resort. Your carry on bags can go beneath the bus you are riding on, or possibly remain with you on the bus.....depends on how large the carry ons are, and how full the bus is.
As I said, all tagged bags to on a different vehicle. But, if you don't tag your checked bags, and you get them at baggage claim, then bring them to the bus with you. They will be stowed beneath the bus, and handed off to you at the resort. A tip will be expected for any baggage handling by the driver.

You actually gave clearer answers than the ones I've found! Thank you, I really appreciate it.