My review of DME

[diskids2]

No longer wish to share my personal review.

 

[Lewisc]

You have to do what makes sense to you but you cut it close. RAC has to complete the luggage check in, not start the process 3 hours before your flight.
http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16 first post My understanding is policy is enforced by the computer.

That means the check in process must be completed by 7:45 for a 10:45 flight. Bell Services got to your room at 7:30. That gave you 15 minutes to get from your room to the RAC desk, wait in line and complete checking in. You would have been stuck taking your luggage under the bus not the end of the world if the bellhop had been a few minutes late or if a couple of other guests were in line in front of you. I would have checked my luggage at 7a and spent the remaining hour or so having breakfast in my resort. Alternately have one person check the luggage while your other family members shower.

7. The day before we were going home, I had a DME notice on my hotel door. We had a 10:45 am flight and we were being picked up at 8 am. I thought this was fine. I made arrangements at that time with Bell Services to pick me up at our room at 7:30. They wanted 7 am, but I was not having it. They told me that the resort airport checkin might be busy, but I said I'd take my chances. There was no way we were going to wait in the lobby for an hour.

8. CBR bell services were right on time and we breezed through the resort airline checkin. HOWEVER, about five minutes after I arrived there were five families waiting so I quickly understood why bellservices wanted me there an hour before....I lucked out. They took our checked bags at that point and I began to worry again....I think I have seperation anxiety
Exit of Aircraft to DME: 20 minutes
Wait at MCO for bus: 10 minutes
Arrive at CBR: 35 minutes (approx)
Luggage arrived: Anytime between 30 minutes after arrival in room to 3 hours ... don't know exactly we were having dinner and swimming

 

[kjs1976]

Thanks for the thorough post, Diskids! Gives me something to think about.

 

[diskids2]

You have to do what makes sense to you but you cut it close. RAC has to complete the luggage check in, not start the process 3 hours before your flight.
http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16 first post My understanding is policy is enforced by the computer.

That means the check in process must be completed by 7:45 for a 10:45 flight. Bell Services got to your room at 7:30. That gave you 15 minutes to get from your room to the RAC desk, wait in line and complete checking in. You would have been stuck taking your luggage under the bus not the end of the world if the bellhop had been a few minutes late or if a couple of other guests were in line in front of you. I would have checked my luggage at 7a and spent the remaining hour or so having breakfast in my resort. Alternately have one person check the luggage while your other family members shower.

As I stated....I lucked out....

 

[kaytieeldr]

But DME users - especially new ones - and potential users (i.e. readers of this thread) should note that the Disney Bell Services/Luggage Assistance CMs have had over four years' experience with Magical Express and its timing, and so their recommendations are invaluable. And the OP is correct - he absolutely DID luck out. Being at the end of that line of five parties with fifteen minutes to get to the front of the line, checked in, and to the pickup spot gives nobody any right or authority to jump the line.

Yes, I know the OP did not do that, and would not have done it. It's an observation based on years of general observation

 

[helenk]

1. After the flight, the last thing I wanted to experience was the LONG walk to DME check in counters. I found myself longing for the FL Tours driver as I passed that area.

It's been awhile since I've used a town car service but you still have to go down to the baggage claim, correct? and wait for the luggage and then get out to the town car. You really do not save any steps, and time wise you may save about 15 or 20 minutes for $100??
To each his own of course but considering everything went well, I'd go with ME.

 

[Alesia]

if that queue area were filled up with people I can imagine it would take FOREVER to get through.

You'd be surprised. The queue was completely full (and then some) when I was there last March. I still waited less than 10 minutes.

 

[dburg30]

.

2. I had my vouchers ready, in my hand, and was greeted at the entrance podium by a CM who checked everything and told me to enter the queue path. There was NO ONE in the queue path. We just walked up to the check in podium, she checked our vouchers, and then we walked right up to the end of the queue area. I found this to be very quick....but if that queue area were filled up with people I can imagine it would take FOREVER to get through.

As someone else stated, it really does move pretty quickly, so long as they have a number of CM's working.

6. Our luggage arrived in our room while we were in the pool. We got back to the room about 9 pm. We arrived at CBR at about 5:30 pm...so the luggage arrived anytime in between that. Everything arrived and I was HAPPY! This was my biggest fear (but I had packed the pool clothes and two outfits plus important stuff in the carryons)

EVERYONE flying to anywhere should have stuff you will need early in your trip packed in a carry on! This has nothing at all to do with DME by itself, it has to do with flying anywhere and the possibility of the airlines misdirecting or delaying your luggage

Overall thoughts:
I know that this ran very smooth. It was a free service. You can't beat that. But, I honestly think I would pay the $100 or so for the FL Tours pick up. It's so much more convenient and easier. Less of a walk from the aircraft.....no checking of vouchers and waiting in potential lines...I'm sure it saves time....even if only 20-30 minutes....so I like that much better. AGAIN, there is nothing wrong with DME. I just like the super convenience of the car service. Plus I get a free stop at a supermarket and this trip I paid for the Garden Grocer to deliver my groceries so I had to pay a delivery fee and tip. That does not add up to the car service fee...but does cut down the difference a little.
That's the great thing, there are so many choices in transportation!! I am opposite if I want some food, I'll have it delivered, the prices arent that much higher, they will deliver the food to your room for you, and I dont have to do the shopping! And while you may save a little time, to me the price just isnt worth it. But as I said, it's wonderful there are so many choices for everyone!

Thanks for the review
Having said all that, any questions just ask!

 

[Missytara]

Agreed - I have been there on a Sunday morning, and the queing line was completely full and we only waited about 10 - 15 minutes too.........so don't expect just because the line is long; it will be a wait....

It is definately a great service.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for the report...glad DME worked out fine for your family. I have used just about all the available means of transport from MCO to WDW....not taxi cabs, but everything else-Mears shuttle, both the old and the new one, DME, various towncar services and family car. They each had something going for them.
I know that when I used a towncar service, it saved me about 20 mins total...had to wait for my bags which took about 15 or 20 mins, then had to go down to the exact same level as DME is on....DME is about a 2 min walk past the car area.
For me, the money I save by using DME vs a car service is well worth it. But, many love the towncar service...it truly is a nice way to come and go at WDW!!!

Just a point of information.....when DME is expecting more guests to arrive, they put on more CMs at the checkin area. The only time it has taken me more than 10 mins in that line was last Dec....and the Pop Warner families were arriving at the same time..... The DME checkin line was back to the car rental counters!! It was scary. But even then, it only took 20 mins to get through the line. The bus line wait was quick though.
Just didn't want anyone to be concerned about times in line to checkin.

 

[TaraPA]

It's been awhile since I've used a town car service but you still have to go down to the baggage claim, correct? and wait for the luggage and then get out to the town car. You really do not save any steps, and time wise you may save about 15 or 20 minutes for $100??
To each his own of course but considering everything went well, I'd go with ME.

I was thinking the same thing- we've done town cars, DME & taxis from MCO & they all pick-up in generally the same area - when I went they did anyway! Is there something new with towncar pick-up?

Great review by the way - thanks!

 

[diskids2]

It's been awhile since I've used a town car service but you still have to go down to the baggage claim, correct? and wait for the luggage and then get out to the town car. You really do not save any steps, and time wise you may save about 15 or 20 minutes for $100??
To each his own of course but considering everything went well, I'd go with ME.

As soon as you meet the town car service driver they begin to help with luggage and it was quite a bit of distance from that point to DME, plus it was down another level and then all the way across. So IMHO, it is worth spending the money....but that's just my opinion.

 

[diskids2]

Thanks for the report...glad DME worked out fine for your family. I have used just about all the available means of transport from MCO to WDW....not taxi cabs, but everything else-Mears shuttle, both the old and the new one, DME, various towncar services and family car. They each had something going for them.
I know that when I used a towncar service, it saved me about 20 mins total...had to wait for my bags which took about 15 or 20 mins, then had to go down to the exact same level as DME is on....DME is about a 2 min walk past the car area.
For me, the money I save by using DME vs a car service is well worth it. But, many love the towncar service...it truly is a nice way to come and go at WDW!!!

Just a point of information.....when DME is expecting more guests to arrive, they put on more CMs at the checkin area. The only time it has taken me more than 10 mins in that line was last Dec....and the Pop Warner families were arriving at the same time..... The DME checkin line was back to the car rental counters!! It was scary. But even then, it only took 20 mins to get through the line. The bus line wait was quick though.
Just didn't want anyone to be concerned about times in line to checkin.

The good thing is that they add the CM's....When we arrived there was one at the entrance....one checking the vouchers....one at the end of the queue and three with the white Mickey gloves.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As soon as you meet the town car service driver they begin to help with luggage and it was quite a bit of distance from that point to DME, plus it was down another level and then all the way across. So IMHO, it is worth spending the money....but that's just my opinion.

When you (general you) use Disney's Magical Express, there's no need to claim any checked luggage - and, jmo, it's probably sensible not to pack more in one's carry-on luggage than one is willing to haul around. Then the visitor still needs to proceed to the ground level. Town car or DME, doesn't matter.

"Quite a distance" is relative - especially in relation to a Disney vacation where the walk from the escalators in the center of the terminal are likely closer to the DME Welcome Center than any other walk one will take on the entire trip. That walk's a lot easier when ya leave most of your belongings home and only pack what you'll need

 

[Lewisc]

kaytieeldr--There is a long walk from SW baggage claim to the DME area. Back up to level 3, go to the opposite corner of MCO then down to level one. Only an issue for guests arriving after 10p. It might make sense for late arriving guests to book a car service.

 

[diskids2]

When you (general you) use Disney's Magical Express, there's no need to claim any checked luggage - and, jmo, it's probably sensible not to pack more in one's carry-on luggage than one is willing to haul around. Then the visitor still needs to proceed to the ground level. Town car or DME, doesn't matter.

"Quite a distance" is relative - especially in relation to a Disney vacation where the walk from the escalators in the center of the terminal are likely closer to the DME Welcome Center than any other walk one will take on the entire trip. That walk's a lot easier when ya leave most of your belongings home and only pack what you'll need

Ok...IMHO it is a FAR walk to the DME section of the airport and that is my opinion and I am entitled to have it.

Second, we took carry on luggage because we didn't want to pay extra money in check bag fees. Again, I get to decide HOW I want to spend my money.

Third, we were there for 12 days and we are four people. We only packed six outfits each...I believe we did very well consolidating our packing!

Four, the car service drivers that I use meet me almost immediately after I get off the monorail and they HELP ME WITH MY CARRY ON LUGGAGE.

Finally, I wrote this review and in the beginning I said this is just my opinion. Frankly, I am tired of people (no matter how nice they try to be about it) rebutting anyone's opinion. I feel it is too far. I feel it is not worth posting a review. I gave my reasons and everyone else can make their own decisions. Personally, I could care less if you use DME or not, I'm just trying to provide my feelings on the subject. When you go on vacation....feel free to write your own review. It's not about stating how you feel either...everyone is welcome to it...It's just that if anyone says ONE negative thing about DME on this board certain people JUMP all over the comments like they own stock in DME. It's just frustrating. Face it folks, DME is for some and not for others. It is just as important to say why you didn't like something as it is to say why you liked it.

The bottom line is I think DME is fine and it's about deciding if you want to spend $109 on your airport transportation or some other amount. For me, having someone pick me up,help me with my luggage...take me to my resort without waiting in lines and checking vouchers and waiting for busses to arrive and then when you return waiting for busses and extra stops at the airport vs. someone who picks you up and off to the airport you go...IMHO, you bet it's worth the extra money. Now someone else may feel differently. And, I applaud them. But don't start making comments about packing too much or any other snide remarks. It's really not nice.

And, I keep my mouth shut but when people start making assumptions like "don't take so much when you pack" I think you step over the line. And,again JMHO!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Finally, I wrote this review and in the beginning I said this is just my opinion

Gotcha. While most of what I wrote is fact, "jmo, it's probably sensible not to pack more in one's carry-on luggage than one is willing to haul around" and "Quite a distance" is relative " are opinion, and "the escalators in the center of the terminal are likely closer to the DME Welcome Center than any other walk one will take on the entire trip" is not completely substantiated but simply common sense.

 

[Lewisc]

Ok...IMHO it is a FAR walk to the DME section of the airport and that is my opinion and I am entitled to have it.

It's a short walk if you're flying with some airlines and a long walk if you're flying with other airlines. It's a very long walk if you're flying SW and have to get your luggage then walk to the DME desk. I don't think the question is different posters having different opinions as much as different posters fly different airlines.

Second, we took carry on luggage because we didn't want to pay extra money in check bag fees. Again, I get to decide HOW I want to spend my money.

Absolutely. The trade off is paying to check luggage vs having to "schlep" it at your home airport and your destination airport. Some people might use the $100 savings obtained by using DME to check an extra bag.

Third, we were there for 12 days and we are four people. We only packed six outfits each...I believe we did very well consolidating our packing!

Some people pack a lot (too much). Some people pack almost nothing, they either wash their clothes or wear dirty clothes. Sounds like you're in the middle.

Four, the car service drivers that I use meet me almost immediately after I get off the monorail and they HELP ME WITH MY CARRY ON LUGGAGE.

Drivers are not allowed on level three. You're either mistaken or the driver got lucky and didn't get caught/fined. People shouldn't bring extra carry on bags thinking they will get that service.

Finally, I wrote this review and in the beginning I said this is just my opinion. Frankly, I am tired of people (no matter how nice they try to be about it) rebutting anyone's opinion. I feel it is too far. I feel it is not worth posting a review. I gave my reasons and everyone else can make their own decisions. Personally, I could care less if you use DME or not, I'm just trying to provide my feelings on the subject. When you go on vacation....feel free to write your own review. It's not about stating how you feel either...everyone is welcome to it...It's just that if anyone says ONE negative thing about DME on this board certain people JUMP all over the comments like they own stock in DME. It's just frustrating. Face it folks, DME is for some and not for others. It is just as important to say why you didn't like something as it is to say why you liked it.

The bottom line is I think DME is fine and it's about deciding if you want to spend $109 on your airport transportation or some other amount. For me, having someone pick me up,help me with my luggage...take me to my resort without waiting in lines and checking vouchers and waiting for busses to arrive and then when you return waiting for busses and extra stops at the airport vs. someone who picks you up and off to the airport you go...IMHO, you bet it's worth the extra money. Now someone else may feel differently. And, I applaud them. But don't start making comments about packing too much or any other snide remarks. It's really not nice.

And, I keep my mouth shut but when people start making assumptions like "don't take so much when you pack" I think you step over the line. And,again JMHO!

You're entitled to give your opinion and others are entitled to respond. This is a discussion board.

I think you made a good point. People who "max out" their carry on luggage may want to consider how far they have to walk from the monorail to the DME counter. I'm not sure if skycaps or carts are readily available.

Some people look at the $110 savings as being enough to buy an extra meal. Other people say the extra $110 is insignificant when you consider the total price of their vacation. Many of us just include the price to check one bag when we compare fares. One poster said he pays the posted price to have Disney clean his clothing. He said it's worth the extra few hundred dollars to come home with a suitcase of clean clothing. That's not the way I chose to spend my money but different people have different priorities.

I agree some of us don't always appreciate the fact that different people have different priorities. Like to spend their money in different ways.

I don't think you allowed enough time at RAC. You would have had to bring your bags on the bus, or "cut the line" if only a few people were waiting.

 

[diskids2]

It's a short walk if you're flying with some airlines and a long walk if you're flying with other airlines. It's a very long walk if you're flying SW and have to get your luggage then walk to the DME desk. I don't think the question is different posters having different opinions as much as different posters fly different airlines.
Absolutely. The trade off is paying to check luggage vs having to "schlep" it at your home airport and your destination airport. Some people might use the $100 savings obtained by using DME to check an extra bag.
Some people pack a lot (too much). Some people pack almost nothing, they either wash their clothes or wear dirty clothes. Sounds like you're in the middle.
Drivers are not allowed on level three. You're either mistaken or the driver got lucky and didn't get caught/fined. People shouldn't bring extra carry on bags thinking they will get that service.


You're entitled to give your opinion and others are entitled to respond. This is a discussion board.

I think you made a good point. People who "max out" their carry on luggage may want to consider how far they have to walk from the monorail to the DME counter. I'm not sure if skycaps or carts are readily available.

Some people look at the $110 savings as being enough to buy an extra meal. Other people say the extra $110 is insignificant when you consider the total price of their vacation. Many of us just include the price to check one bag when we compare fares. One poster said he pays the posted price to have Disney clean his clothing. He said it's worth the extra few hundred dollars to come home with a suitcase of clean clothing. That's not the way I chose to spend my money but different people have different priorities.

I agree some of us don't always appreciate the fact that different people have different priorities. Like to spend their money in different ways.

I don't think you allowed enough time at RAC. You would have had to bring your bags on the bus, or "cut the line" if only a few people were waiting.

The whole point of a discussion board is to "discuss" not "attack" people for their opinions. Again, you may feel that the quotes I mentioned were not "attacks" and that is fine...but to me that is how it felt. Seriously, it takes time for anyone to write a review. Time out of busy schedules...time away from doing something else. I know I did this to provide insight or thoughts for folks who will be travelling. I didn't do it to "dis" DME. Quite honestly, the fact that we had carry on luggage with us during the walk to DME did not impact my opinion that the walk was too long.

I don't mind someone saying what they like or dislike, but to say things like pack less is inappropriate and that is my opinion and if you don't agree that's fine and we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'm not saying anymore on that subject.

And, thank you for again, pointing out that you feel I didn't leave enough time at RAC. I really appreciate that you have told me that twice. It's funny because in my original post I said "I lucked out". I believe that means I understood why they wanted me there at 7 am vs. 7:30... As you mentioned, I did not cut in line, or cause anyone any issue, nor did I get any special privileges....and as I mentioned, I just lucked out. I'm not saying any more on that subject either.

As far as the car service....I passed a whole row of drivers with signs on my way to DME and trust me.....I walked a LONG time after I saw them because I was thinking at that moment.....without even knowing where DME was and how long I needed to walk....that I wanted my FL Tours driver!

Folks, honestly, DME is a great service. It provides an opportunity for you to save money on round trip airport transportation. I had no problems with my luggage delivery. I waited almost no time in any line. I waited for almost no time to get my bus. We were the first stop and the last pick up. It couldn't have been done more efficiently. But, for me, it is worth the extra pampering and less walking to use the car service. Imagine how I would feel if I had to wait even 15 minutes in that entrance queue or 15 minutes for my bus to arrive. What if I was the last stop on the way to the resorts. What if I was the first pick up on the way home. According to what I read these could be expected average occurences. My attempt at this review was to provide my opinions on my experience and that's it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The whole point of a discussion board is to "discuss" not "attack" people for their opinions. Again, you may feel that the quotes I mentioned were not "attacks" and that is fine...but to me that is how it felt. Seriously, it takes time for anyone to write a review. Time out of busy schedules...time away from doing something else. I know I did this to provide insight or thoughts for folks who will be travelling.

I don't mind someone saying what they like or dislike, but to say things like pack less is inappropriate and that is my opinion and if you don't agree that's fine and we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'm not saying anymore on that subject.

And, thank you for again, pointing out that you feel I didn't leave enough time at RAC. I really appreciate that you have told me that twice.

It's great that you posted this review to help others. In fact, while there are fewer than twenty responses, this thread has 701 views. Over seven hundred DISers have read this thread since you posted it. Refuting some points in your review - such as the less-than-advised time you allowed to check in for your flight, check your luggage, and make it to your assigned DME bus - benefits the same readers.

It takes time for others to read the review - time out of busy schedules...time away from doing something else. True, not as much time as it took to write the review, but time still.

As far as the car service....I passed a whole row of drivers with signs on my way to DME and trust me.....I walked a LONG time after I saw them because I was thinking at that moment.....without even knowing where DME was and how long I needed to walk....that I wanted my FL Tours driver!

As is your right. Just so others - especially those who haven't used Magical Express yet - reading this thread are aware of facts (vs. impressions):
All passengers disembark from the plane, walk to a central location in their airline's terminal (of four) to a tram, and board the tram to the main terminal.
You arrive in the terminal on level three.
Virtually everyone* proceeds to level two to pick up luggage, level one for ground transportation, or both.
Town car drivers wait at the bottom of the escalator on level two (note that passengers still need to walk to the correct carousel to pick up luggage; this could be one right by the escalator or at a far end of the claim area).
Magical Express passengers can skip this level/step and take the escalator down one more level. Turn, walk past four/five car rental counters, voila! And yes, your walk will be longer if you arrive on the "A" side of the terminal and first proceed to level two to claim your luggage.

So, really, walking a LONG time after seeing the town car drivers is truly a matter of perception.

*Yes, there will be the occasional passenger/party with no checked luggage who've arranged for a friend/relative to pick them up on the departure level.