cybrkitn said:
They are then separated into groups by resort then placed on the appropriate DME bus. I was also told that your luggage may not be on the same bus you depart on. Hence the 2-3 hour turn-around-time before receiving your luggage.
Actually, yellow-tagged, inbound luggage does not go onto a DME bus. The luggage is delivered to Disney resorts on trucks.
There are various steps that require handling such as unloading from the aircraft, sorting at the airport, loading on a truck, delivery to the resorts, unloading at the resorts, and finally delivery to the guests' rooms so it takes longer for the luggage to make it to the room than for the guest.
You could be boarding a DME motorcoach while the baggage handlers are still pulling the bags off the aircraft. Also, at your resort, bell services can get backed up several hours, as the bellmen assist other guests (including those who are not using DME, and expect immediate service).
Disney says the luggage may take up to 3 hours to be delivered, so they recommend packing a carry-on bag with essential items. In reality, it can take more than 3 hours. The carry-on is a very good idea. You don't have to be in the room when the luggage is delivered because Disney takes care of the inbound bellman gratuity.