Magicial express/Luggage?

[momtimesone]

I have a big question for everyone. The cheapest flight for my family to take leaves MCO For Chicago Ohare at 7 am. All the other flights I looked at where 131.00-200.00 more a person and I want to have some money for my trip LOL. So I am choosing the early flight out which would mean for the first time ever I will not be doing the Airline check in as they will not be open by the time our ME would need to pick us up. We will be checking our bags at the airport and this is also a first for my family as we have let the Airline check in persons do it for us on these past trips. First off let me say I am terrified I am going to get lost while checking our bags We will be flying American airlines and I have no idea where there Airline check in desk is after ME drops you off at the airport. Do any of you know directions from when they drop you off the bus. Another question is since airline check in will not be open at that time are there luggage carts right in the airport that we can get to haul are luggage to the check in area? Last but not least does ME pick people up that early? because if our flight is at 7 am we will need to be checked out and picked up at at least 4 am.If any of you can put my fears to rest about handling our own luggage and what not that would be most helpful. It will just be me,my sister and my then 9 yr old traveling with 6 bags.I want to thank you in advace for not thinkng me a big baby about air travel and hopefully you can respond to my questions so I can finally book my trip with no fears and some extra spending money LOL.

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh, you're not a big baby...dealing with an unknown is always hard. A few thougths for you...do you have to have 2 bags each? Is there some way you can cut the number down to a few less? Anyway....it shouldn't be too hard to find your checkin counter. I'm not familier with most of the airline checkin counters, but I'm sure someone here can help you out.
As for DME, yes, they will pick you up about 4 am. Yep, it's early but worth it if you're saving a ton of money.

 

[clkelley]

Yes, there will be carts on the first level.

Actually, all you have to do is once you get off DME and load your luggage on the cart, take the elevator all the way up to the 3rd level. When you get off the elevator, the airline checkin desks will be across the aisle. You may have to get directions on whether to go to the left or right once you get off the elevator, but it's basically just a long hallway.

 

[ironz]

Oh, you're not a big baby...dealing with an unknown is always hard. A few thougths for you...do you have to have 2 bags each? Is there some way you can cut the number down to a few less? Anyway....it shouldn't be too hard to find your checkin counter. I'm not familier with most of the airline checkin counters, but I'm sure someone here can help you out.
As for DME, yes, they will pick you up about 4 am. Yep, it's early but worth it if you're saving a ton of money.

Easier or harder than pumping your own gas?

For the OP, yes, ME will pick you up at 4 am. You will have ample time to find the AA desk and check in with your luggage. There are signs and people in the airport who can help you get where you need to be.

 

[Lewisc]

See if you can find a skycap. Well worth a $10 or so tip.

 

[Edd]

To find American airlines. Get off the bus, there are usually skycaps right at the bus, maybe to early or grab a luggage cart. Walk inside to the middle and find the first elevator to the third floor. At the third floor get off the elevator and turn right walking down the corridor until you run into the American ticket counters.

 

[seashoreCM]

When the Magical Express bus pulls into the A side roadway, if it stops almost immediately, the American Airlines ticket counter will be almost above you. More likely the bus will proceed down a ways before dropping you off in which case, when you get off the bus and face the building, reach up and point up and in at the building and to the right and that is where American Airlines is.

(If you reached up and pointed all the way to the left, that is where the Hyatt Hotel is.)

You can request an earlier departure for the airport if you wish, do this at least a day before checkout.

Easier or harder than pumping your own gas?

Diane (goofy4tink) should reply, "Hey! I didn't come here to be made sport of!*"

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

*As heard on the Howie Carr show. If you don't live in the greater Boston area, go to wrko.com to hear the show (listen live) via audio streaming, 3-7 PM ESTweekdays.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Hey, seashore! Did you listen to yesterday's show? Are you going to get the Jerry Williams book?

 

[bavaria]

Oh, you're not a big baby....

oh my, I had to go back and reread the OP's post to make sure that our esteemed moderator wasn't using sarcasm!

I know that we are not to judge others and their decision on how many bags to pack, but I agreed with above noted esteemed moderator that 6 bags for 2 adults and 1 child may be too much.

If you are a novice flyer and already nervous, adding to your stress by bringing all those bags may not help. Consider packing less or taking fewer pieces. You will be doing yourself a favour - and I mean that sincerely.

 

[momtimesone]

Thanks I will be taking all your advice and cutting down the bags to 3 bags. Thanks for putting me at ease as to where the luggage check in is. This is why I ask questions here on this forum, its because nice people help me with even the most insane questions about Disney. Thanks again all and many happy vacation vibes will be sent your way.