ME--more questions than answers??

[Uncleromulus]

Is it just me, or is this ME thing as uncoordinated as all the posts seem to suggest? Seems like every day there are several posts on what happens, where to get the bus, how many hours to get to the hotel, where does your luggage wind up, who sends the luggage tags, which airlines are on the program etc etc.
Is there ONE place where the ME program is actually explained, in plain English??

 

[betterlatethannever]

Is it just me, or is this ME thing as uncoordinated as all the posts seem to suggest? Seems like every day there are several posts on what happens, where to get the bus, how many hours to get to the hotel, where does your luggage wind up, who sends the luggage tags, which airlines are on the program etc etc.
Is there ONE place where the ME program is actually explained, in plain English??

Well I don't know how much I can help since I am not sure I have the whole picture (does anybody EVER have the whole picture? ); and,
I just learned something new a couple of days ago.

Anyway, here is a link to FAQs which seem pretty good.

link

Ed

 

[Miss Mickey Mania]

I found that many people were asking the same questions over and over again so the information was all over the place. I understand what you mean about bits and pieces being told everywhere.

I used allearsnet for most of my info if I'm honest. Also some threads here but I did find the search for details confusing.

In practice, DME worked great for me, very fast and very smooth with no problems at all. Approx 3-4 hour wait for luggage on arrival at the resort but I was prepared for this.

Is there anything specific you'd like to know Uncleromulus?

 

[Uncleromulus]

I might take you up on that offer--but I guess I'll first check that FAQ link. WE'll be at OKW renting a GrandVilla. We're driving, but both sets of our guests are flying. All they want to know is if they are even eligible for ME and, if so just what to do when they get off the plane.

 

[goofy4tink]

Anyone can use DME....you just have to reserve it. Call CRO and they can do it. Or are you staying on points? THen you might have to have MS arrange it for you, that's what I did last month. Depending on the airline, your guests may or may not be able to use the airline check-in service at the resort for their luggage on their return.


When you get off the plane, there should be folks around, in Disney dress, with those big ole white glove hands, to tell you where you should be headed. But, the DME checkk-in desk in on A side of the terminal, down on the ground level, where the towncars and other shuttles leave from. I found it be work out very well. I guess it all depends on how you booked your villa...either thru MS or CRO. Whoever booked the villa should be able to handle DME reservations.

 

[Lewisc]

I might take you up on that offer--but I guess I'll first check that FAQ link. WE'll be at OKW renting a GrandVilla. We're driving, but both sets of our guests are flying. All they want to know is if they are even eligible for ME and, if so just what to do when they get off the plane.

Call member services with their flight information, I assume you're staying on points. I think the luggage tags will get sent to you. Have them put the tags on their luggage. When they get to MCO just go to the Disney Welcome Center, Terminal A level one. Basically they took over one of the rental car desks. They'll be told what bus to board. The luggage will be delivered to the room a few hours later.

The confusion is on the return to MCO. What airline and what about what time is their flight?

 

[seashoreCM]

You might not see any Disney people un5il afte54 you take the tram and get off and exit from the secure areas. From gates 60 to 129 go right after leaving security, from gates 1 to 59 fo left. This heads you over to the "A" side, then you descend to the lowest level where the Magical Express welcoming area is.

If you didn't do so sooner, get return bus vouchers and get an assigne time for the return bus at least a day in advance. Sometimes this is done automatically and the materials are deliverd to your door the day before.

The assigned bus time should be 3 hours before flight time, more for international or charter flights or if the airport is likely to be very busy.

Returning home, you can check luggage right at the resort for domestic flights for a few airlines*, otherwise you bring your baggage to the bus at the assigned time.

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

*American, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, xxxsept05xxx, Song, Ted, United

 

[CleveRocks]

Try looking at:
http://www.mousetyme.com/MAGICALEXPRESS.html

and
http://allearsnet.com/acc/mexpress.htm

-- Eric

 

[Uncleromulus]

Thanks everyone!! It's great for even an "old timer" to be able to learn something from the boards.
I think I'm getting it now.
Never paid any attention since we always drive to WDW---.

 

[tikkipoo]

seashoreCM - when did Northwest get on the list? How exciting!

 

[Chickkypoo]

I don't think Northwest is actually on the list yet. I think there were people guessing that when Jet Blue joined the list that Northwest would be next, but it hasn't been confirmed yet.

 

[deltachi8]

the SEARCH feature on these boards is a wonderul thing to learn how to use.

 

[donaldtutter]

it is not very well organized imo

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

seashoreCM - when did Northwest get on the list? How exciting!

Northwest is NOT a participating airline.

 

[seashoreCM]

Updated. Last I heard, Northwest had been on and off, currently off, they did not adhere to contractual arrangements with Disney for letting guests returning home check bags at the resort.