ME service from DTD to be tested

[joelkfla]

A test will be run during the month of August giving PO guests the option of catching their bus to MCO from DTD instead of the resort. An in-room letter will explain that they'll need to reserve their trip from DTD if they want to board there. There will be a choice of checking bags at the rersort as per current procedure, or having bags delivered to the DTD boarding location, from where they will be transported under the bus (presumably this will enable guests to store purchases in their luggage.) No carry-ons will be allowed on the bus.

This test will run only during the month of August, and will be available only to guests staying at POR or POFQ who have flights during the hours of the test.

Personally, I think this is a great idea. Many guests like to spend time on their day of departure shopping at DTD, but don't realize how long it can take to get from DTD to the resort on Disney Transport, and end up rushing to get to their bus on time. It's a win-win: more money being spent in the shops at DTD, and more convenience for guests.

 

[Donna M]

It does sound like a good idea for all those who have late departures. I wonder why they are only testing with one resort?

 

[joelkfla]

Everything is tested on a small scale before being opened up to everyone.

There are a lot of changes from having the guests' departure tied to their resort, so they have to make sure it all runs smoothly, and nothing has been overlooked.

Can you imagine if they had opened up MME to everyone before it was fuly tested? Oh -- wait -- never mind

 

[crashbb]

There will be a choice of checking bags at the rersort as per current procedure, or having bags delivered to the DTD boarding location, from where they will be transported under the bus (presumably this will enable guests to store purchases in their luggage.) No carry-ons will be allowed on the bus.

Or for those of us that cannot use resort check in (i.e. anyone flying somewhere not in the US).

 

[goofy4tink]

So, did we all see this???
http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...pdates+-+wdwinfo.com)&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out, and if they continue to add other resorts to the service. I know that I like to head to DTD on my last day, if there is enough time. It would be nice to be able to just leave from there, rather than going back to the resort.
Any thoughts??

 

[Kelli Pooh]

Marketing genius! People will shop & eat = more profit. Can not believe they did not try this sooner. I like laying at the pool some before we leave but shopping never upsets me Curious to see how this works out.

 

[Wistraveler]

I read it a couple of times and am still a bit confused about RAC. They say you still check your luggage at the Resort as usual, but then say you must transfer your bags to the ME bus at DTD.

While I usually stay at POR, and many times go to DTD the day we leave, I think I would rather leave from the resort. Heading all the way over to what was Pleasure Island is not in my plans.

 

[Lewisc]

I read it a couple of times and am still a bit confused about RAC. They say you still check your luggage at the Resort as usual, but then say you must transfer your bags to the ME bus at DTD.

While I usually stay at POR, and many times go to DTD the day we leave, I think I would rather leave from the resort. Heading all the way over to what was Pleasure Island is not in my plans.

It says you can check your luggage with RAC or bell services. Sounds like you can check your carryon bags with bell services. Those bags will get bused to DTD so you can take them on the DME bus.

edited to add:

This may be the reason DME only allows pickup from your own resort. Luggage isn't allowed on Disney buses. A significant number of guests use roller bags in order to reduce charges for checked luggage and to carry "essentials" I guess Disney isn't willing to have allow DME pickups from a location which, at least indirectly, suggests guests can take their carryon bags on Disney buses.

Lake Buena Vista outlets is also trying to capture last minute shoppers.
http://www.lbvfs.com/off_airport.htm

At one time guests who checked their bags at this location were offered a complimentary, scheduled, bus ride to MCO. I'm not sure if that program is still in effect.

 

[IlovePiglet]

What do you mean, no carryons will be allowed on the bus? Isn't it a regular DME bus? Why would carryons not be allowed?
If something is fragile/breakable the last place I'd want it is in the luggage bay of a bus.
Thanks

 

[joelkfla]

What do you mean, no carryons will be allowed on the bus? Isn't it a regular DME bus? Why would carryons not be allowed?
If something is fragile/breakable the last place I'd want it is in the luggage bay of a bus.
Thanks

Sorry, I did misread this.

It's actually referring to the bus from the resort to DTD. It says only backpacks and purses will be allowed on those buses. Suitcases and large items may be transferred by Bell Services, or checked at the resort.

 

[IlovePiglet]

Sorry, I did misread this.

It's actually referring to the bus from the resort to DTD. It says only backpacks and purses will be allowed on those buses. Suitcases and large items may be transferred by Bell Services, or checked at the resort.

I was just coming in to tell you I found the answer, too. LOL. It just didn't make sense at all
I had this horrible vision of someone buying a water globe and having it get broken in the luggage bay of a DME bus.
Thanks for clarifying, Joel!

 

[Lewisc]

bumping.

 

[goofy4tink]

It does seem that it could be an issue getting your carryon stuff though. It probably won't be a huge issue with it being just POR, but once they start adding other resorts? I don't know if I would go that route. I would probably just try to go with a smaller carryon, such as a backpack, or tote bag, and bring it with me to DTD.
I love the idea of being able to go to DTD and then directly to MCO via DME. BUT, I'm not sure how it will work with multiple resorts. The DME bus for, say, WL would have to go to WL, get those people and all the carryon bags that guests left to be picked up while they went to DTD, then over to the next resort, do that all over again, and possibly to a third resort and repeat. Then, go to DTD and have people claim their carryon bags. Disney would probably have to cut the stops down to just two vs three. And those guests that are already concerned about DME losing their bags are going to be even more concerned.

But, I'm sure that Disney is thinking this all through. Should be interesting to see how it works out.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have moved my original thread over to join this one. No need to have two threads going for the same thing. Carry on on guys!!!

 

[Lewisc]

It does seem that it could be an issue getting your carryon stuff though. It probably won't be a huge issue with it being just POR, but once they start adding other resorts? I don't know if I would go that route. I would probably just try to go with a smaller carryon, such as a backpack, or tote bag, and bring it with me to DTD.
I love the idea of being able to go to DTD and then directly to MCO via DME. BUT, I'm not sure how it will work with multiple resorts. The DME bus for, say, WL would have to go to WL, get those people and all the carryon bags that guests left to be picked up while they went to DTD, then over to the next resort, do that all over again, and possibly to a third resort and repeat. Then, go to DTD and have people claim their carryon bags. Disney would probably have to cut the stops down to just two vs three. And those guests that are already concerned about DME losing their bags are going to be even more concerned.

But, I'm sure that Disney is thinking this all through. Should be interesting to see how it works out.

IF the service becomes popular enough to be rolled out to all resorts Disney could simply have the trucks which deliver luggage from the airport to the resorts pick up the carry on bags and drop them off at DTD on their way back to MCO. Imagine how many shops you'll have to pass on your way to the luggage pickup office. I'd be concerned about my bag being misdirected. Carryon bags might contain valuable items or essential items.

Most airlines charge for checked bags. Passengers use a large, almost legal size, carryon roller bag to reduce charges for checked bags. Might work if the roller bag contained items which are typically packed in a checked bag. A small bag or back pack would contain valuable and essential items.

 

[goofy4tink]

IF the service becomes popular enough to be rolled out to all resorts Disney could simply have the trucks which deliver luggage from the airport to the resorts pick up the carry on bags and drop them off at DTD on their way back to MCO. Imagine how many shops you'll have to pass on your way to the luggage pickup office. I'd be concerned about my bag being misdirected. Carryon bags might contain valuable items or essential items.

Most airlines charge for checked bags. Passengers use a large, almost legal size, carryon roller bag to reduce charges for checked bags. Might work if the roller bag contained items which are typically packed in a checked bag. A small bag or back pack would contain valuable and essential items.

I generally put anything I don't want to 'lose' in my carry on bag. So, I'm not letting it out of my sight..period. Doesn't matter if it's taken directly to the airport via RAC or picked up at my resort and delivered to me at DTD. That bag is still 'out of my sight'. So, IF I chose to head to DTD and then get picked up by DME, I would have a backpack or tote bag with my stuff in it.

You're right though. People are using carry on bags that are just huge!!! They are trying to save pennies by not checking luggage. They book the absolute lowest fare they can find, and then try to do as much stuff in carry on bags as possible so they don't have to pay for a checked bag. Personally I think it's time that the airlines charge a bit less for checked bags, and charge something for carry on bags over a set size. If it doesn't fit at your feet, you pay for it to go in the overhead!!!

 

[Cherinva]

I think this is a fabulous idea!!!! We usually take mid day flights (given we get picked up at the resort 3 hours before flight time)....if being picked up at DTD is an option, then I would go for later flights and spend the morning/mid day shopping and having one last sandwich at Earl. If I were to purchase anything larger than what would fit into my carry on, then I have the option to have it shipped home.....I really hope it takes off.

Knowing Disney, a lot of testing is needed to get all the kinks out of it before a full roll out to all resorts.

I can't believe they haven't thought of this sooner.....