Positives to using ME and managing own luggage?

[natt]

I'm sure it's here somewhere, and I did a search but I'm looking for personal experience. I am traveling solo and using ME for the first time. I have a morning flight and should arrive around 9:30am. I'm wondering if managing my one bag might not be a better option for my situation?. If I use online check-in and my room happens to be ready, I'd much rather to straight to my room knowing my bag will be delivered soon, unpack, then plan my time.

I guess my biggest question is, what's the time difference in getting a bus if I collect my own bag... and is it frowned upon to bring your own baggage on the bus?

Again, I'm sorry if my answer is right in front of me, and please link me up with any discussion that can answer my question. Thanks... so excited about my first solo Disney adventure, I can't stand it

 

[ironz]

Several solo trips here (or travelled solo, then met friends later at WDW).
I would still use ME.
Seems like the one time I recall that I waited for my bag at baggage claim at MCO (prob the last trip before they started ME), it took nearly 40 minutes for the bags to come out. I could be over estimating, but it was at least 30 min. for sure. Going straight to the ME counter/lines with a potty stop usually only takes me 10-15 min. So you can count on adding at least 15-40 min. to your arrival at the resort if you stop and get a bag.

So...if your room is ready (less likely with early check in)...you would have your bag and can proceed with the rest of your vacation.

If your room is not ready...you have to leave your bag with bell services and then call for it later, assuming you plan to head to the parks.
VS. with ME...the bag will end up in your room on its own (or, someone correct me that you still might have to call bell services in the case of early check in with no room?).

Then the other scenario...if your bag is delayed/misconnected by the airline...You're stuck dealing with it, rather than the Disney folks.

SO...the way I travel is (and I travel 28-30 weeks a year)...I have in my carryon what I need for the first 24 hours no matter what...travel size toiletries and makeup, change of socks and underwear, easy change of clothes or at least a shirt if I'm wearing jeans, all my electronics and chargers.
I would drop off a carryon with bell services if my room wasn't ready and head to the park, letting ME deal with the main suitcase.

Hope that helps you think through some of the possible scenarios. Have a super trip!

 

[tjmw2727]

Personally I think the luggage delivery service is one of the best parts of DME! You can skip baggage claim and head directly to DME and then to your resort. Head to the parks and have fun - when you return your bags will be waiting in the room! Tip is included and you don't have to be in the room.

If you do claim your bags the driver will store them under the bus - expecting a tip. Then if your room isn't ready you will have to store them with bell services - another tip. When you return to your resort and your room is ready you will have to call bell servies to bring the bag to the room - another tip.

Also, depending on your arrival gate it can slow you down a bit. You have to go down to the first floor to the baggage carosel, wait for your bags and then bring them to the DME check in. If your on the same side its easy, otherwise you have to walk back up to the main floor, cross over and back down to the ground floor.

 

[natt]

Thanks for the quick replys. I see the advantages to the service. I was planning on packing pool stuff and just exploring the resort til room was ready, but thinking maybe dress accordingly and roll some shorts in too, just in case. Our last visit (DVC) the room was ready and it changed everything (for the good). Still have to think about it... but thanks again for responding

 

[tjmw2727]

I think the chances of the room being ready are pretty slim and you got lucky last time. IIRC our room has only been ready a couple times out of many many trips - so I prepare for that and if we get lucky its a bonus.

 

[clkelley]

My last few trips to Orlando for work have convinced me that the luggage delivery service part of DME is the best thing since ice cream!!!

I had three flights into Orlando earlier this year. On all three of those flights my bag did not make the connection in Atlanta and was put on the next plane., so I sat at luggage claim for over an hour each time waiting on the next flight to arrive for my bags to be on it.

If I had been going to Disney, I would have proceeded directly to DME and my bags would have arrived in my room when they arrived and I would not have lost that hour.

 

[dburg30]

Positives about taking your luggage on DME? I'll list them for you from most positive to least positive..

1) you have your luggage...


That's it...

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Positives about taking your luggage on DME? I'll list them for you from most positive to least positive..

1) you have your luggage...


That's it...

Only if the airline hasn't delayed it. I guess you would still have your luggage, plus some time to rest while waiting for it.