ME directions needed

[WINTER]

We are flying in on Airtran and claiming our luggage. So, after taking the tram to pick up our luggage we need to proceed to ME to take us to POP. After claiming luggage, could I get directions (step by step, please) on where ME is? Thanks bunches!

 

[CleveRocks]

We are flying in on Airtran and claiming our luggage. So, after taking the tram to pick up our luggage we need to proceed to ME to take us to POP. After claiming luggage, could I get directions (step by step, please) on where ME is? Thanks bunches!

I'm fuzzy on MCO geography. I'm just chiming in to make sure you realize that you don't NEED to claim your own luggage. Some people erroneously think they need to if they're not flyng a so-called "participating" airline. If you already realize this and are CHOOSING to claim your own luggage, them nevermind ....

 

[WINTER]

Yes, I am aware of not having to claim my luggage. I just choose to do so. If I was coming in early morning and heading to a park I would probably use that part of the service.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, you do know to pack immediate needs - a change of clothes, valuables, medications, travel docs, maybe your swimsuit - in carry on luggage in case the AIRLINE misdirects your checked bags, right?
Fine. Go down to baggage claim (plenty of signage) and get your bags. If your baggage claim is on Side A of the airport, go down another level and look for the DME checkin counter (it's one long, rectangular area, albeit with some structures like escalators).
If your baggage claim is on Side B, go back UP to the arrival level, walk across the building to Side A and haul everything down two levels of escalators to the DME counter.
Remember to tip anyone who handles your luggage, e.g. the driver who stows it under the bus and pulls it out on arrival at your resort. $1 to $2 per bag is typical. Ditto for any Bell Services/Luggage Assistance CMs at your destination. DME handles the tipping for DME-transported luggage.

 

[WINTER]

Sounds like you are flaming me. I asked for simple directions and I am sure someone would be willing to give them to me without the underlying hostility. I don't plan to carry essentials with me on the plane (checking everything) and I am well aware of tipping procedures. Thank you anyway!

 

[tjmw2727]

We are flying in on Airtran and claiming our luggage. So, after taking the tram to pick up our luggage we need to proceed to ME to take us to POP. After claiming luggage, could I get directions (step by step, please) on where ME is? Thanks bunches!

It will be quite easy since Airtran and DME are both in Terminal A. Baggage claim is level two so just get your bags as always, then head down to level 1 for DME. Its very well marked and easy to find.

I used DME twice and picked up my own bags both times. Since I few SWA I was also in terminal A and it was EASY. The DME driver will load the bags in the luggage compartment under the bus and retreive them for you when you get to your resort. FWIW I tipped the driver for handling my bags.

HTH
TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

Don't worry Winter, for some reason a few posters take it personally when people choose not to use the luggage delivery feature of the DME service.

IMHO its just one feature of DME, although a good one. There are occasions when that feature of DME dosen't work for one reason or another. In that case people can choose to pick up the luggage themselves and "Haul" it to DME.

I think its rude to assume that because I choose not to use DME luggage delivery that I can't manage to pack a carryon or don't tip properly.

TJ

 

[Kae]

If my BIL didn't get lost you be fine He said everything was very well marked. They got their luggage because they did not get their tags last year.

Kae

 

[NJBILL]

I'm fuzzy on MCO geography. I'm just chiming in to make sure you realize that you don't NEED to claim your own luggage. Some people erroneously think they need to if they're not flyng a so-called "participating" airline.

My neighbor is flying AIRTRAN. What is the difference between a "participating" and "non-participating" airline?

 

[tjmw2727]

My neighbor is flying AIRTRAN. What is the difference between a "participating" and "non-participating" airline?

From the top of this page, the sticky that reads "What participating airline really means"
This explains it all much better than I can:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

TJ

 

[CleveRocks]

tjmw has the right idea, but let me give it a try anyway.

"Participating" airline ONLY matters for the return trip, when you go from your Disney resort for that sad trip back to the airport. If you're flying a participating airline, you have the luxury of being able to check your luggage at your resort (at the Resort Airline Check-In desk) and then not see it again until it's on your home airport's baggage claim carousel. You can also check in for your flight and get your boarding pass.

Using Resort Airline Check-In is COMPLETELY independent of DME. That is, you don't have to take the DME bus back to the airport, and you don't need to make any sort of reservation to use Resort Airline Check-In.

 

[lustergirl]

I thought AirTran was a participating airline? I just booked our flight through disney with this airline, what a great deal I got!!!!!! Sorry if I am missing something here...

 

[Janis]

Winter,

I promise I am not flaming you. I just wanted to tell you my brother-in-law's story. He flew AirTran into MCO and his luggage was never loaded onto the plane (actually, not only his luggage but everyone on the plane). Since AirTran isn't a major player at MCO after all the flights for the day were over there was no one there to take calls. He didn't get his luggage until the third day of his trip. I used to never pack a day bag, but after his experience I do now. At least make sure you carry on any prescriptions you might need. They didn't, and had to get an emergency call into a pharmacy. Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!! We'll be there in two weeks!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I thought AirTran was a participating airline? I just booked our flight through disney with this airline, what a great deal I got!!!!!! Sorry if I am missing something here...

As of today Air Tran does not participate in the DME resort check in service. There has been some speculation that they will participate soon but as of today, sorry no.

Again, you can use DME, including luggage delivery on arrival to MCO regardless of the airline.

At departure, for Resort Airline check-in including bags the following airlines currently participate. American, Continental, Delta (including Song), JetBlue, Northwest, and United (including TED).

Again the sticky at the top of this page is excellent!!

TJ

 

[kimand3kids]

Ok, I am glad you posted this - b/c we are leaving TOMORROW and seriously the baggage issue is so far the most stressing part of our travels.

First, we did not receive tags, even though I registerd online and got a confirmation email over 2 mos ago. Second, we arrive late (9 pm), so it could be after midnight that our luggage could actually show up. And since we are checking our pack n play, and will need that immediately, we might as well get all of our luggage (which I guess we actually have no choice since we didn't get tags).

This is our first family vacation, and first experience w/ this airport. DH and I will be traveling w/ DS6 (and his broken arm), DD4, and DD22mos.

So if anyone can give clear directions from AMERICAN airlines baggage claim, I will love you forever!

 

[tjmw2727]

Ok, I am glad you posted this - b/c we are leaving TOMORROW and seriously the baggage issue is so far the most stressing part of our travels.

First, we did not receive tags, even though I registerd online and got a confirmation email over 2 mos ago. Second, we arrive late (9 pm), so it could be after midnight that our luggage could actually show up. And since we are checking our pack n play, and will need that immediately, we might as well get all of our luggage (which I guess we actually have no choice since we didn't get tags).

This is our first family vacation, and first experience w/ this airport. DH and I will be traveling w/ DS6 (and his broken arm), DD4, and DD22mos.

So if anyone can give clear directions from AMERICAN airlines baggage claim, I will love you forever!

Don't worry, American Airlines is also in terminal A so your baggage claim will be different from Winters but all the other instructions I posted for him/her will be the same for you. From AA baggage claim just take the esalator or elevator to level one and follow the signs.

I traveled as the solo adult with my dd's in October and we were scheduled to arrive at 8:30 pm. For this reason I purposly left the DME tags off my luggage and planned to get them at baggage claim myself. I got my luggage went to level one, checked in with DME and all was great. In my situation I did not want to wait for a middle of the night luggage delivery so this was the best choice for me.

I would advise that you bring along a confirmation of your DME reservation though. Due to new MCO regulations DME can't take you if you haven't reserved in advance. Having a copy of your confirmation, even from the website will speed things up at the DME desk.

Have a great trip.
TJ

eta - all the WDW resorts will provide a PNP free of charge. I have used one twice and my sil three times. All of them have been in perfect shape - practically new! Just mentioning so you can consider cutting down on luggage. I did bring my own PnP sheets - 3 so the smell would be familiar and I knew they were clean and fit properly. Sorry to go OT
TJ

 

[rayjess]

Have a good trip

 

[tjmw2727]

ME location is on same level as baggage claim. You will see lots of car rental companies and ME is on the right side. I think Alamo is across from it.

This is wrong, I am sorry but it is not on the same level as baggage claim.

Baggage Claim is on level 2, ME is on level 1 as are the Car Rental and other ground transportation.

To get to ME from A terminal or B terminal:

If you arrive in terminal A and don't claim your bags you head down to level 1 to DME. If you arrive in terminal A and do claim bags, bag claim is on level 2 and DME is on level 1.

If you arrive in terminal B and don't claim your bags you must walk to terminal A while still on level 3 then head down to level one when you get to the A terminal. If you arrive in terminal B and do claim bags go to level 2, claim your bags and go back up to level 3. Walk to terminal A and then head down to level 1 for DME.

TJ

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sounds like you are flaming me. I asked for simple directions and I am sure someone would be willing to give them to me without the underlying hostility. I don't plan to carry essentials with me on the plane (checking everything) and I am well aware of tipping procedures. Thank you anyway!

It was not my intention to flame you, or to appear to do so. My response was pretty much my standard response to DME users who opt to pick up their own luggage, and reflects MY opinion of the service (and, okay, the decision).

PLEASE rethink the carry-on issue. My view on that has absolutely NOTHING to do with DME. The AIRLINES "misdirected" over three MILLION pieces of luggage in 2005 alone, and permanently LOST about 200,000 of those bags.

Also, it's appreciated that YOU are aware of tipping procedures; if you read other DME-related threads, you will see that apparently many DME users are NOT.

 

[kimand3kids]

THANK you for your directions! I didn't know I could get a PnP free - hmm....maybe I should give them a call. Thanks!