ME question from a rookie

[1sttimecruz]

Just wondering...I got my DME stuff in the mail and it says the date that I'm arriving (but not the time). Is that sufficient (do I have a "reservation") or do I still need to call them?
Thanks!

 

[1sttimecruz]

Also, I will have my luggage with me (at the ME counter). Will they take it from me at that point and take care of it the rest of the way or will I be lugging it on the bus and to the resort myself if they don't pick it up off the luggage carousel?

 

[Jestocost]

Do they have your flight number listed in the ME materials? If so, you're golden. If not, you're probably OK but it likely would be worth a call to provide them with your flight numbers and scheduled arrival time.

If you collect your own luggage from the carousel, you will need to take it to the ME desk yourself (or hire a Skycap to help you) and then to the bus. Fortunately, the desk is very close to where you board the buses. Unfortunately, the desk could be a long way from the carousel where you collect your luggage. Once you get to the resort, you can collect your own bags from the bus and schlep them around yourself (faster) or have a bellperson assist you (easier).

 

[FlyingBelle]

I've flown stand-by on flights down to Disney, not knowing exactly what flight I'd be on or what time and I've had no problem with Magical Express. If you're really concerned you can call, but probably not necessary as long as the date is correct.

 

[goofy4tink]

As long as your arrival date is correct, you're fine. I'm sure that if you provided them with your flight info, they'll have it in their system.
Now, as for your luggage. Is there some reason you will be lugging it with you to the DME checkin desk? If you use the yellow luggage tags that came in your packet, you won't need to worry about your bags! Just put a yellow tag on each piece of checked luggage, then forget it until you get to your resort room, where the bags will 'magically' arrive, several hours after you do.
The DME checkin desk is on the bottom level of the terminal, Side B. If you get your own luggage, you will have to go to level 2 to baggage claim, after arriving on level 3. Then, you will get your bags, and then head down a level to level 1 where DME is located, on Side B. Your bags will be put underneath the bus and arrive at the same time you do. Your bags will never get to the 'baggage carousel'..the bags are taken out before they make it there, then taken on a different truck to the various resorts.
Anything you may need for the first hours at WDW should be in your carryon bag. I always take a change of cloths, swim suit, all my park passes, and resort confirmations..that kind of thing. Electronics, meds..they should all go in your carryon as well.

 

[CleveRocks]

Also, I will have my luggage with me (at the ME counter). Will they take it from me at that point and take care of it the rest of the way or will I be lugging it on the bus and to the resort myself if they don't pick it up off the luggage carousel?

Why will you have your luggage with you??? I don't understand that part.

Luggage with the specxial DME tags never makes it out the baggage claim carousels -- it's all pulled "behind-the-scenes." If you DON'T put DME tags on your bags, you'll need to go to baggage claim to claim them, and then you take your bags to the DME counter. From there, you will take the bags with you to your bus. The driver will then load them under the bus, and you'll get them right back when you arrive at your resort.

As long as you have a reservation, don't worry about a missing time or wrong time on your DME info. The fact that you HAVE a reservation is all that's really important.

 

[1sttimecruz]

Thanks. I actually wasn't sure if that qualified as a reservation or not!

The reason I'll have the luggage is because we are coming in late one night, staying at airport overnight, then going to Disney the next AM.

 

[CleveRocks]

The reason I'll have the luggage is because we are coming in late one night, staying at airport overnight, then going to Disney the next AM.

Gotcha.

Then you'll be taking your luggage yourself for sure. Make very very certain you DO NOT put the DME luggage tags on your luggage! If you do, you won't be able to get it at baggage claim to have with you for your first night at the airport hotel.