ME and baggage

[Mrs. Bee]

The thing is...you don't mind waiting a bit while others don't like hanging around. Sending their bags with DME and getting to their resort in a timely manner is what works for their family. Your needs are impacting their needs.


THere have not been very many 'bad stories' about DME...some yes, but a lot? I don't think so. No system is perfect, and DME is no different. The average time from deplaning to resort is 70 mins..unless there are a lot of people lugging their checked bags with them.


Now that is rude!! Why are your needs more important than the needs of others? You are relatively new to the DIS. For the most part, we tend to be a pretty considerate, compassionate bunch of people. We tend to not understand the whole 'it's all about me' attitude. So, you can expect to get somewhat feisty replys here.


Sorry to see that you have had misdirected luggage so often. But, that just isn't the case with DME. Their record for misdirecting things is actually very good. And as for waiting around to fill up the bus...you must have had an extremely rare situation. The 'norm' is no more that 25 mins...from first passenger to pulling away. And 5 stops?? Could you possibly stopped at the Swan or Dolphin then gone on to YC, then BC, then BW and lastly CBR? That's about the only time you'll have more than 3 stops...it's usually 4 on the rare instances that CBR is included, with S/D seldom included.


There have been no personal attacks. Criticisms yes, attacks no. As I said before, those of us that have been here awhile do not like to hear of others with that 'all about me' attitude. And if you have 25 people, all thinking like you, then you have all added over 20 mins to my DME experience. And I have used it the way it was intended...sent my bags by themselves.


Ah, you may want to reread Edd's post. He didn't say anything about best for him at the expense of others. While Edd may have some views here that others don't always agree with, he seldom does anything that will adversly impact others.

People......do what you wish to do as far as DME is concerned. But, realize that when your actions impact others negatively, you are going to get some pretty passionate responses here. This is one of the nicest, most helpful, friendly boards on the DIS (without getting all pixie dust filled and magical!!!). Our members are incredibly knowledgable people. They have traveled extensively, both to WDW as well as many other areas. They know what they are talkiing about. If those who are new here want to disagree, fine. There is plenty of room for disagreement. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But be prepared for the comebacks. If you get rude or nasty, or entitled in your post, you are going to get some pretty interesting responses. We've been there, done that. And as an aside....we (myself and the other moderators) will not allow any name calling, meaness, rudeness or other 'less than magical' behaviour here. Please keep it civil or don't post!!!!

-- I did not say there were a lot of bad stories. I just said there were enough for me to want to get my own bags. And that isn't the only reason I'm not using their bag delivery service.

-- I am just one person. There are countless people NOT on the disboards that will be getting their luggage as well.

-- Yes, I am new to these boards. But I have already seen some pretty rude people on a few threads. And it's usually the people with thousands of posts that are being rude.

-- I think Quest4Fun was talking about Ed hurting people on these boards by being mean to them. I could be wrong though.

-- It just seems like the people who have been here forever have a license to be rude to those that disagree. And the new people with their own views are getting attacked. I've noticed this in at least a couple other threads.

-- I have my own views on Disney matter such as magical express. I like getting other people's opinions. But if Ed and others like him are wanting people to agree with his views...it's not going to happen if it's said it a not-so-nice way. If I had been up in the air about what to do with my bags, I don't think I'd take Ed's advice because of the manner in which he presented it.

Okay...this thread is being beaten to death now.

 

[goofy4tink]

We all need to keep in mind that just because someone does not agree with us, it isn't being rude. Everyone has their own way of doing things. When some state that they are doing what they want, even if it annoys or angers others, well...there are some that will say that is rude.
I'm sorry if there have been those who feel that others have been rude to them. Just because someone's post count is high is not a license for them to berate others.
If someone has an issue with a particular post, or poster, just click on the 'report this post' symbol. A moderator will review it and go from there. But, just because someone has an issue with a post because it disagrees with them...well, that's just not going to count as rude/sarcastic/mean..whatever. We can all agree to disagree, without nastiness.

 

[dburg30]

In only takes a few to mess up a great system and Mrs. Bee and her attitude is an example of that type. She will be one who will slow everyone else down to satisfy her own desires. Personally I am glad she isn't taking the car service and most of you know why.

Wow...that was rude and uncalled for. But hey...whatever floats your boat!

No, that was pretty much called for. You've heard stories about how bad ME was. Do you have the specifics of these? Are you sure it wasnt the airline that screwed up? Are you sure that maybe the folks got to the resort and didnt check in at that point? They baggage is for about 3 hours after check in.. If you dont check in when the bus drops you off well...

And yes, I am in a hurry to get the hell out of the airport, away from all that mess and to get to my hotel, to get checked in so I can start my vacation, and you and others that slow up the deal by not letting WDW do their jobs with the luggage are taking up my vacation time, and I dont like it. I just hope somehow that I get in line in front of you and take about 4x as long as it normally would to do something and then see how you react. You know, one of those that goes to a drive thru and sits there for 10 minutes trying to figure out what you want.. But you are right, you do what is best for YOU, but NEVER EVER say a word if something takes too long, doesnt happen like you'd like because someone else is doing what's best for them.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

No, that was pretty much called for. You've heard stories about how bad ME was. Do you have the specifics of these? Are you sure it wasnt the airline that screwed up? Are you sure that maybe the folks got to the resort and didnt check in at that point? They baggage is for about 3 hours after check in.. If you dont check in when the bus drops you off well...

And yes, I am in a hurry to get the hell out of the airport, away from all that mess and to get to my hotel, to get checked in so I can start my vacation, and you and others that slow up the deal by not letting WDW do their jobs with the luggage are taking up my vacation time, and I dont like it. I just hope somehow that I get in line in front of you and take about 4x as long as it normally would to do something and then see how you react. You know, one of those that goes to a drive thru and sits there for 10 minutes trying to figure out what you want.. But you are right, you do what is best for YOU, but NEVER EVER say a word if something takes too long, doesnt happen like you'd like because someone else is doing what's best for them.

Actually...you don't know me. I have quite a bit of patience. Things like that don't bother me. I don't live life to be in a hurry. I take my time and enjoy life.

 

[dburg30]

yea.. ok.. I believe you..

 

[ironz]

It's just too bad that people who are voluntarily using a shared system are getting down on people who have legitimate reasons for using the system in one of the ways in which DISNEY has left as a valid option.

I respectfully disagree that people, like myself (and I explained fully why I sometimes have to use the under bus storage), are "ruining" the system.

Furthermore...for those saying that the system was not designed that way....if that is true, why is there an option to have things put under the bus at all?

And...what about people with strollers? They automatically are ruining the system in your eyes because the strollers have to be stored under the bus. Guess all those kids and their parents need to stop ruining your Disney fun.

Hope you don't complain in the same vein about people in wheelchairs or ECVs using the Disney transportation busses to the parks! (heaven forbid you would have to wait a little extra for them to load)

 

[CleveRocks]

It's just too bad that people who are voluntarily using a shared system are getting down on people who have legitimate reasons for using the system in one of the ways in which DISNEY has left as a valid option.

I respectfully disagree that people, like myself (and I explained fully why I sometimes have to use the under bus storage), are "ruining" the system.

Furthermore...for those saying that the system was not designed that way....if that is true, why is there an option to have things put under the bus at all?

And...what about people with strollers? They automatically are ruining the system in your eyes because the strollers have to be stored under the bus. Guess all those kids and their parents need to stop ruining your Disney fun.

Hope you don't complain in the same vein about people in wheelchairs or ECVs using the Disney transportation busses to the parks! (heaven forbid you would have to wait a little extra for them to load)

Yes, this thread has had its share of drama. But there have been some truthful statements mixed in, also.

There are 3 factual points to consider:

1) Disney allows people to take their own luggage to the bus.

2) Some items MUST be stored under the bus by the driver (strollers, larger carry-ons, etc.).

3) If NO ONE elected to take checked luggage to the buses, DME would run faster.

There can be no cogent arguing against any of these 3 points. They are facts, not opinions. Now, here come some opinions ....

I believe it's overly dramatic to throw strollers and wheelchairs and ECVs into the mix. Of course, as I said in #2 above, there are some items about which no one has a choice but to have stowed under the bus. Unavoidable. But in addition to that, bringing checked luggage is totally avoidable in almost all cases. There are avoidable delays and unavoidable delays. BIG DIFFERENCE, and you know it.

Per Disney, guests are permitted to bring checked bags to the bus if they want. But those guests ARE delaying the system for everyone else.

Some people are in a rush. Some want to smell the roses. Just as a "rusher" shouldn't push others to hurry up, the "rose smellers" shouldn't knowingly delay others and say/think the equivalent of "Well, that's just tough for you."

To put it another way ....
If you are a customer at a cash register at the front of a long line, do you find it rude for people to call out to you to hurry up? I know I would find it rude. But what if you are at the back of the line and the serene person at the front of the line is laconically going through her huge pocketbook to find 17 cents so she can pay with exact change (I'm talking like taking 2 or 3 minutes to do so) ... do you find that behavior rude?

It cuts both ways.

 

[Edd]

We know you very well now.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's just too bad that people who are voluntarily using a shared system are getting down on people who have legitimate reasons for using the system in one of the ways in which DISNEY has left as a valid option.

I respectfully disagree that people, like myself (and I explained fully why I sometimes have to use the under bus storage), are "ruining" the system.

Furthermore...for those saying that the system was not designed that way....if that is true, why is there an option to have things put under the bus at all?

And...what about people with strollers? They automatically are ruining the system in your eyes because the strollers have to be stored under the bus. Guess all those kids and their parents need to stop ruining your Disney fun.

Hope you don't complain in the same vein about people in wheelchairs or ECVs using the Disney transportation busses to the parks! (heaven forbid you would have to wait a little extra for them to load)

You're comparing apples to oranges here. I have no problem whatsoever waiting for those in ECV's/Wheelchairs to board a bus. I do have a problem with their entire family of 10 hopping on with them though...especially when others have been waiting a long time to board but the ECV family just arrived.
But, that's neither here nor there.
The issue is....Disney does, in fact, allow you to bring bags with you. Always has. It's only recently that so many seem to want to do it. It's almost as if the towncar owners were prodding people to do just that...take DME and bring all those checked bags with them. It slows everyone down, so now there will be some that say to heck with DME, I'll just take a towncar. Even send their luggage with DME while they ride in the towncar. Sorry Edd...just a joke.
I don't so much think it's the bringing of bags to the bus that irks some, it's a posters attitude about it....'I'll do what I want and if it bothers you, well that's just too bad.' There are a lot of reasons why someone would need to have their luggage with them. And frankly, it's none of my business. But, when 70% of the guests on a bus take all their checked bags with them, to be stowed underneath the bus, well, they have to accept responsibility for slowing down the process. Does that make them part of the evil empire? Not hardly. But, I truly believe it was the attitude that started the 'rudeness'.

Man, first it was those who wanted to have DME take their luggage but they wanted to either rent a car or hire a towncar so they didn't have to wait/travel with the masses. Now, it's those who want to bring their luggage to the bus rather than have DME take control over it. There is always going to be a group that takes issue with what others are doing. All I ask is that we keep it civil here. Just because one person wants to stop and smell the roses, doesn't mean they are allowed to prevent others from getting to their destination in a timely fashion. And that, my friends, is the issue...what is a timely fashion? For one person, it may be anytime under 2 hrs, for someone else, it could be in an hour. I sure don't want to be behind that group in the park, that has to stop every 10' to smell the roses, and is walking 5 across, taking up a huge block of space on the sidewalk or street. Isn't my time valuable as well? Aren't my vacation 'must see's' just as important as their wanting to smell the roses? I think so. We just have to realize that we are all fellow travelers, on this wonderful orb we call home.

 

[dburg30]

We know you very well now.

 

[clkelley]

We always let DME handle our luggage. When I'm traveling with hubby, we have his ECV, CPAP machine and 24 hrs of necessities, which must go under the bus anyway. We usually arrive late at night and want to get to bed. (And I mean late as in midnight, not 8pm). Our luggage has always arrived in the room the next day sometime. No worries, no waiting on our part.

When I am solo, I actually don't even bring a carryon, just bring the essentials in my cargo pockets (cell phone, PDA, camera, toothbrush, comb). Most of my solo flying trips are so short that I don't even bring the laptop. My trip next month, I'll be landing at 8:50pm. I don't consider that late, so I'm actually hoping to get to the late EMH park, or PI that evening. My bag will be there when I get back, if not, I'll live.

For those that grab their own luggage from the carousel, consider this, if your luggage is delayed by the airlines, then YOU are going to the lost claim office, filing the claim, and having to worry yourself about them delivering to your resort when it finally does show up. If you have the yellow tags on them and let DME handle it, THEY will file the claim with the airline and follow up and get your luggage to you. You can then enjoy your vacation, even smelling the roses.

 

[Quest4fun]

Let get down to the nitty gritty here. I've done the tour bus thing before. It takes an average driver about 5 minutes to unload a bus. The WHOLE bus. What are you going to miss out on doing while those 5 minutes are being taken? 5 people will get to go on Space Mountain before you? They'll run out of churros? You'll miss Wapner?

I just fail to see your logic. It doesn't take that much longer. You're not missing anything. The only downside I can see to sitting on the bus for a few extra minutes is if somebody takes a deuce and stinks the joint up. If that's a problem for you, sit in the front.

If you really want to know how long it takes, try this on for size. Put your bags in your trunk. Get in the drivers seat. Now start your stop watch and get out of the car and unload the bags then get back in the drivers seat. How long did that take you?

I'm pretty sure it takes longer to go to the bathroom than it does to unload somebody's bags.

Your argument has been noted and will be ignored. I'm bringing an extra bag. See you soon.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Anyway...I still plan on bringing my own bags on the bus. And I'm sure many others will do the same so what I do won't make much of a difference.

An option that I don't believe has been mentioned when a family has a LOT of bags. Maybe put a few items for each person in ONE checked bag that is not marked with a yellow tag and you will retrieve at the baggage claim and bring onto the ME bus while letting all the other luggage be marked with the yellow tags and be sent thru ME trucks directly to your room. That would still give you the piece of mind that you have everything you need for the night and next day or so without the hassle and delay of waiting and taking ALL of the luggage onto the ME bus. Just an idea. Also we need to be polite to each other or the mods will close this thread.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

An option that I don't believe has been mentioned when a family has a LOT of bags. Maybe put a few items for each person in ONE checked bag that is not marked with a yellow tag and you will retrieve at the baggage claim and bring onto the ME bus while letting all the other luggage be marked with the yellow tags and be sent thru ME trucks directly to your room. That would still give you the piece of mind that you have everything you need for the night and next day or so without the hassle and delay of waiting and taking ALL of the luggage onto the ME bus. Just an idea. Also we need to be polite to each other or the mods will close this thread.

Yeah...that makes sense for large groups. For us, it's just going to be my husbands bag and one or two bags for me. I don't doubt that the ME works for people. I just choose not to use it. Personal preference. Luckily some people here are pretty polite about stating their points of view. Some have some logical arguments with interesting things to think about. Others...not so much.

 

[Edd]

I received your PM Mrs. B, but don't plan to return an answer.

 

[kaytieeldr]

-- I did not say there were a lot of bad stories. I just said there were enough for me to want to get my own bags. And that isn't the only reason I'm not using their bag delivery service.

But again - how many bad stories is "enough"? Ten percent of the DME users to date? That'd be 690,000. One tenth of one percent? That's about 6,900 bad stories. Two busloads a day? You don't HEAR the from the 6,210,000 or 6,817,200 or 6,893,100 or 6,899,000 people who had good experiences, so you're basing your decision on extremely rare occurences.

No, that was pretty much called for. You've heard stories about how bad ME was. Do you have the specifics of these? Are you sure it wasnt the airline that screwed up? Are you sure that maybe the folks got to the resort and didnt check in at that point? They baggage is for about 3 hours after check in..

Ah, right! I forgot about the Guests with unreasonable expectations - the ones who got into their rooms immediately on check-in but their luggage didn't beat them there; the ones who were put out because they brought their luggage to the bus and figured they weren't expected to tip (because DME includes the tip for luggage delivery to your room, not caring that this is only if DME transports your luggage as the service is designed); the ones who didn't get to see the video because there was a problem with the equipment; the ones who had to share the bus with other people; the ones who didn't get dropped off first; the ones who didn't read the paperwork that comes with the DME packet...

Per Disney, guests are permitted to bring checked bags to the bus if they want. But those guests ARE delaying the system for everyone else.

Mmm, technically, no. While Disney does allow Guests to pick up their own luggage and bring it to the bus, the FAQ does indicate that Guests must use both aspects of DME - Guest transport AND luggage delivery. No, they don't enforce that at this point... but anything is subject to change.

I'm pretty sure it takes longer to go to the bathroom than it does to unload somebody's bags

I'll try to avoid referring to the focus on scatology represented in this post, and instead point out that, let's see - there are no stairs from your driver's seat to the ground; that the car driver's seat is much closer to the car trunk than the bus driver's seat is to the storage compartments; that one person's two suitcases in the trunk of that person's car are cannot be reasonably compared to thirty passengers' two suitcases each that need to be unloaded from a variety of storage compartments at more than one stop; that removing twenty suitcases at each of the stop is FAR more physically demanding that unloading two suitcases that have been in one's car trunk for a couple of minutes; that the DME drivers are human beings with X amount of energy to expend (i.e. the first three bags may come out quickly, but the more bags that need to be unloaded the longer it will take), not unloading machines...

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I received your PM Mrs. B, but don't plan to return an answer.

Well, I guess my attempt to keep things civil by PMing you has failed. So I'll just restate it here for the heck of it.

You implied that you know me well.

You do NOT know me very well just because you read my posts on a thread about magical express on a Disney message board. Sorry if you think you do, but you are wrong.

Have a fabulous day. I will no longer address you in this thread.

As for pretty much everyone else...they've been quite polite and civil about their points of view on the ME and baggage issues. I enjoy a good debate. Some people have some good ideas and wonderful argumentative points on the topic. Definitely things to think about. Those posts have been nice to read. Keep those up!

Hope everyone has a magical evening. If I remember to do so...I will time everything that goes on with the ME at the airport and see just how long it takes. It'll be interesting to see just how much extra time it takes with me bringing my bags on.

 

[Quest4fun]

I think the general consensus here is that there is an option for people who don't want to worry about whether or not their bags will arrive at their room when they do. You can take your bags on the bus with you. A few people will likely be sore at you for doing so but they'd find something to complain about anyway. They might as well start by getting mad about the bus trip to the resorts. I'd hate to see what happens when they discover that there are lines for all the rides.

How about if I lend a hand to help the wary driver? Granted he just had to walk down 3 steps and 5 more feet than I would have to walk to unload my own car. He might need oxygen or a least 20 minute break. I'm sorry that most families cannot afford a car service and we don't want to wait until the next morning for a clean clothes for their kids. I'm sure they could pack enough clothing for a family of 5 in a back and not use the service for THAT bag but we'd still have to have it unloaded from the ME bus which would still ruin your vacation.

I don't think the majority of travelers will mind waiting a couple minutes while somebody unloads. If this really bothers anybody they shouldn't be traveling in the first place.

 

[kaytieeldr]

One bag, vs. five to ten (or more) bags belonging to that one family, DOES make a difference.

But, one MORE time - experienced travelers, and travel experts, advise that when flying you should ALWAYS have in your carry-on: your travel documents, medications, any valuable items (electronics, jewelry, medical equipment, etc.) and whatever items one will need for the first 24 hours at one's destination For Disney World, this would likely include one complete change of outfit, pajamas (or whatever one wears to sleep), and a swimsuit.

That way, when the airline misdirects your luggage for a day or so, you can still start your vacation - instead of hanging around the airport waiting until the luggage carousel stops, then filling out forms... by the way, when Guests use Magical Express's luggage delivery component, DISNEY takes responsibility for locating the missing luggage and getting it to the Guest. They won't, and CAN'T, do that for Guests who plan to pick up their own luggage.



Oh, and by the way - your sarcasm is showing.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Obviously baggage can be misplaced by the airlines whether you use the ME service or not. If people don't mind having to deal with the paperwork and airlines themselves then so be it. Some people would obviously rather have disney handle it whereas others would much rather take care of it themselves.

Besides, not all travelers are on such rigid schedules. It amazes me how many people plan out practically ever second of their trip. I had an Aunt that did that for her family on our huge WDW trips when I was little. Needless to say, my cousins don't have as great of memories as they could have had if it were laid back. (Their words...not just my opinion.)

Sorry...went off on a tangent.