Still confused about DME

[steveyjc81]

I'll apologise upfront - Sorry!! but I'm still confused about DME.

Going to book a few nights (probably) at Port Orleans. Will be a hotel only booking via the UK Walt Disney World website.

A few questions:
- Will I get the luggage tags so that my luggage turns up in my room?
- Surely I have to clear customs with my luggage?
- If I decide to collect my luggage can I just carry it onto the bus (or the trunk of the bus) myself?
- My flight probably won't get in until approx 6pm, Not sure I'd want my bags turning up approx 10pm.

Apologies again, Stevey

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

No you will not get luggage tags because you have to go through customs. Yes you will take the luggage on the bus with you

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

From https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magical-express/

International Guests
If you are flying into Orlando International Airport from another country, you must claim your luggage after disembarking the plane and follow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process. After, proceed to Disney’s Magical Express.

You may take your luggage with you on the motorcoach to your Disney Resort hotel or, following U.S. Customs, you may elect to return your luggage to the carousel, where Disney’s Magical Express will reclaim your luggage and deliver it to your Resort hotel room. Your luggage may take up to 3 hours to be delivered to your room after you arrive at your Resort hotel. Guests using the luggage delivery service should be prepared to present their airline baggage numbers at Disney’s Magical Express. If you arrive before 5:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, please bring your luggage with you to Disney’s Magical Express. Your luggage will travel with you on the motorcoach to your Disney Resort Hotel.
​

In other words, you still have the option of letting Disney deliver your bags to your room. It's a tremendous convenience compared to dragging you bags to the DME motorcoach and then dealing with your bags at your resort (especially at a spread-out property such as Port Orleans). I realize the time difference between the UK and USA Eastern Time will make it seem much later. Unlike many arriving WDW, you probably won't be out of your room having fun (that's when DME delivery is especially good). But the choice is yours.

The USA has arcane tipping conventions. If you decide not to use DME bag delivery, a tip would be customary for the DME driver when your bags are returned to you. And if you seek assistance from bell services at your resort, a tip would again be customary.

 

[steveyjc81]

Thank you for your extensive reply. I really appreciate it. This time I'll have an 18-mth old with me. It certainly changes things a lot!

Will have to weigh up the pros and cons

Thanks again