Southwest and Magical Express

[Mom2Dash&JackJack]

This has probably been answered several times, but here I go anyways
We are planning on flying Southwest from Providence for our trip in May 2007 (still waiting on rates to be released). I know that SW is not a participating airline, but what does this mean? This is what I understand:
Arrival: We will be able to check our bags and use the luggage transfers from PVD. Upon arrival in Orlando, we will be able to use Magical Express, and we expect our luggage to arrive at our resort via ME. Basically, the next time we see our luggage after it is checked in at the airport in PVD is when it is delivered to our rooms.
Departure: We will have to go to the lobby at the WL and the pre flight check-in (outside of ME). We will have to carry our bags from the WL on to the busses of the ME and check our luggage when we arrive at the Orlando airport. We will not be able to use the luggage transfers from the WL to the airport for our departure.
Am I getting this correct? Has anyone used SW and still used the Magical Express or is it not worth the aggravation? We could use another airline out of Boston, and we are considering this as another option if the luggage becomes too complicated.
Thanks!

 

[havencruiser]

I have used Southwest and DME and think they are both the BEST! Cheap prices and free transportation! Can' t get much better than that

 

[DVC Grammy]

Using SWA is definitely worth it to save $! The routine for DME for arrival is exactly the same, no matter which airline you use. For the departure, when you use SWA, 24 hours before your flight, you can have guest services print out your boarding passes. When you check out, bell services can store your luggage (if it's a later flight) and bring it to the DME bus when you leave. You then will have to check your luggage at MCO, but that's not a hassle either.
We use SWA whenever we can, for the savings and the service.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Many, many, many, MANY people use both Southwest and Disney's Magical Express. It sounds, from your description, that you understand the entire process better than a lot of people - good going!

 

[CleveRocks]

Has anyone used SW and still used the Magical Express or is it not worth the aggravation? We could use another airline out of Boston, and we are considering this as another option if the luggage becomes too complicated.
Thanks!

First off, congrats on understanding how DME works -- you're ahead of most people already!

However, I totally don't understand what you mean when you talk about "aggravation." Do you mean on the way back to the airport? What's aggravating about having to take your own luggage. Name me anywhere else in the country where even SOME people have the option of having the hotel take care of their luggage? There's no aggravation in getting your bags to the bus and then taking your bags again once you arrive at the airport.

Maybe I'm missing something here.

 

[Lewisc]

If all things are equal, similar flight times and similar fares I'd go with a participating airline. Makes even more sense if you have a late flight and don't want to have to worry about storing your luggage at your resort.

Luggage isn't complicated with SW, you take your own luggage on your bus.

Am I getting this correct? Has anyone used SW and still used the Magical Express or is it not worth the aggravation? We could use another airline out of Boston, and we are considering this as another option if the luggage becomes too complicated.
Thanks!